Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in
Copies of Documentation from Attorney to Client
If a client requests copies of information concerning his or her medical malpractice claim, can the legal professional refuse to provide these copies claiming work in progress, not releaseable and under what statute?
Asked on 1/31/99, 3:15 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Daniel Press
Chung & Press, P.C.
Re: Copies of Documentation from Atty to Client
I don't know what the rules are in the military, but in the civilian world the file is the property of the client and must be turned over upon request. In some states a lawyer has a "retaining lien" on the file to secure payment of the bill, but this cannot be asserted where doing so may prejudice the interests of the client in the matter.
Daniel Press
Chung & Press, P.C.
6723 Whittier Ave., Suite 302
Answered on 2/03/99, 12:26 am