My lawyer who never returns my calls following our car wreck 2 years ago now has me in financial trouble. The chiropractor is demanding payment and the lawyer was supposed to take care of this. He sent us to this chiropractor because he was his friend, now we need help.
Tags: car wreck, chiropractor, financial trouble, lawyer
I would definitely be leary!
the lawyer is maybe a shyster and can not win your case and does not want to tell you
Your lawyer probably sent you to a particular chiropractor because he thought that particular doctor could be counted on to write his findings in such a way that it would help your case, more than getting a surprise report from someone else. It’s not unusual for lawyers to have their favorite resources and expert witnesses. Was there anything in writing to say who was going to cover that doctor’s bills?
Legally speaking, a lawyer can only "recommend" a particular chiropractor. If he or she does, they must disclose that you do not have to use the recommended chiropractor and still retain the right to choose a chiropractor on your own.
The next time that you call your lawyer and leave her/him a message, let them know that if s/he doesn’t call you back you will be contacting the state Bar Association’s Professional Ethics board. You should be able to find your state bar’s equivalent online. In every state, an attorney has an obligation to maintain some minimum contact with all of their clients. Even if you are a squeaky wheel. That should get them to return your call and get this mess sorted out.
Of course, the attorney cannot ethically pay your bills for you. But s/he also cannot ethically force you to go to a specific doctor. Call your attorney, and then contact the ethics board.