Q: I have a personal injury lawsuit in. I asked my attorney for a $500 front money on my case to pay some bills.
My case worker said the guy handling my case with said go to a pay day loan and see can I get some money. I think that was insulting for a professional law firm to say to or even make that comment. I'm seriously thinking about changing firms. Never once have she asked me how I was doing since I communicated with them about case. She seem liked she's not interested. They have my case. She's not giving me instructions on what I need to do as for as rehab or anything. I have a bad case worker. This law firm is in Jackson, Ms as well as other places in the US. I needed $250 for a spine visit and the wouldn't even call the orthopedic Dr. To set up a payment for the visit. This is not professional. I am not satisfied with the way they are handling my case.
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A: As attorneys, we have very strict requirements on "fronting" or "advancing" client settlement funds. For an attorney, it is always concerning - Is the Client going to keep asking? What if I don't get recovery in their case? Is this a "Loan"? Most lawyers generally shy away from advancing settlements unless there is some 'known' recovery for the client (a settlement that hasn't yet been paid), the advancement is a nominal amount, and there are assurances/written understandings of payback.
Andrew Charles Burrell agrees with this answer
1 user found this answer helpful
A: First the Bar in Mississippi, does not allow for the advancing of funds. If you are not happy with your attorney, I recommend that you contact them and set an appointment with your lawyer and go over your issues with them. If they do not give you answers that provide you peace of mind you can indeed discharge them and find a different attorney. I am sorry that you are having these issues.
A: As my colleagues correctly point out, attorneys can't front money on cases in general. But in looking at the nature of your expense, it is for medical services, rather than general expenses. You wouldn't be asking this question if there was insurance in some form to cover the services. If that's the case, some medical offices offer treatment under a lien, which is an agreement to pay back the doctor from the proceeds of the case. Some offices work with them, some don't. That could be an option. However, don't enter medical lien agreements without having your attorney review the paperwork. Good luck
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