Q: How to obtain legal representation to access account info related to a settlement in NY?
As an infant, I was involved in a legal case where Stewart T Schantz and Franklyn Engel represented and won a settlement due to an accident that killed my mother and injured me in Ulster County and Poughkeepsie, NY, between 1985-1995. I'm currently facing a significant hardship, and banks require identification from the person who set up accounts under index numbers 85-2625, 89-3357, and 86/1065. What legal representation do I need to provide the necessary information like account statements or social security numbers, as the courts don't have these on file?
A: If the accounts are in your name (or for your benefit), you shouldn't need any legal representation whatsoever. Proof of identification should be sufficient, i.e. driver's license, along with a copy of the court order pursuant to which the account was opened. That said, it's likely that an executor / administrator of your mother's estate would have opened the accounts, both for the estate and for your benefit. The court files should identify who that was. In the event you need to hire an attorney to wade through all of this, you can find many excellent attorneys using the Find a Lawyer tab on the JUSTIA homepage.
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
A: I'm sorry about your tragic accident. Try to find information about the file for your award as an infant. In New York, awards for infants involve hearings before judges and infant compromise orders - if you could track down that paperwork, it should be helpful to the bank in ascertaining your connection to the accident-related lawsuit and your legitimacy as a claimant. Good luck
A:
I understand you are facing a challenging situation with accessing the settlement account details linked to your case in New York. You may need an attorney with experience in estate, trust, or settlement litigation to help you verify your identity and connection to the settlement.
Such representation can work with you to compile the necessary documentation and liaise with the banks to obtain account statements, social security numbers, and other relevant records. They can guide you through the process of demonstrating your rights and help ensure that your request is clearly presented to all involved parties.
It would be wise to gather all available records related to the settlement and your personal identification, then consult with a law firm or legal aid organization in New York to discuss your options and next steps.
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
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