QuestionI was involved in an auto accident closing in on two years ago. Unfortunately during a traumatic time I couldn't think right and hoped through a friend's recommendation that I hired a good attorney. Again, this is almost two years ago not quite up to the statute of limitation and I have never ever felt so horrible. My attorney has never met with me after repeated requests to meet in person. I have been given the run around about why he can't meet with me, vacation, errands, depositions etc. Finally, today I got that I "may" get a call Friday or Monday. I am seriously contemplating complaining to the AZ bar association.
My accident med bills were approximately 25000 my pain was extensive for at least six months. I could not care for my children or family had injections in my neck, massage therapy and chiro care. The MD said I had occipital neuralgia. I had pain meds and was taken to the hospital er via ambulance and given morphine for pain and CT scan of brain, Xray of thumb and had too many small incisions from broken glass deep enough to stitch but too small and numerous to do so. I seriously was out of touch with the world for at LEAST six months. So, a few months before this two year deal after my own trying to keep in touch with the atny office, I got a settlement offer of 17000 of which I would get 3200. HA.... I said nope. That was a slap in the face as far as I am concerned. Next, today I got another offer of 6900. No saying what the total offer was and none of their bills further reduced. (I think the ins company should have to pay the med bills with out reducing fees, personally). Anyway, I don't know what to do and am more than fine going to court. This was a horrible accident. I wasn't even moving. Anyway, I asked for a copy of my file and the demand and the offer and have received nothing. I did this verbally in the office with two people present as well as faxed a letter stating my whole story, the request I made a few days prior and the confirmation that they would call my mother to pick up on Thursday. I was going out of town. They promised to call her and never did. I think that the place I got my injections is owned by the lady that works there as she is on the board of directors. I just feel this office is double dipping and I am wondering one, if I have an attorney or if is just a made up person and two, what my claim is worth and if I should file something against this attorney's office. I also am wanting to see the actual letter from the insurance company because I find it odd that the amt went up three grand in a week or two and just have a feeling that with their crookedness perhaps, the settlement offer is more than they are saying and they are hiding it. Help please. Any info would be sooooo appreciated. They have wasted so much time that finding anyone to take this case is nearly impossible. I tried to be diligent, open and honest and have felt a big ZERO on their part for ethics, professionalism and representation.
AnswerHi Vanessa,
I'm sorry you're having to go through all this.
You should contact the AZ Bar Association. Check the status of the attorney. Also ask if he/she has had other complaints.
You should send a letter to the attorney by certified mail/ return receipt requested demanding that they produce all correspondence between them and the insurance company within a cetain number of days. If they do not comply then you would file a formal complaint with the Bar Association.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
