Legal Question in Personal Injury in
Obtaining settlement info and file from pi. attorney
Friend made me power of attorney. Wants me to get his file from his pi attorney. Accident happened 2 yrs ago, before he went back to Brazil. Atty said, "I'll send you your money to Brazil". That was the last he heard from lawyer.
How do we find out status, result of case? Can lawyer refuse to release copy of file to POA?
How do I find a legal coach to help me with this case?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Obtaining settlement info and file from pi. attorney
Depends on the state, but a discharged lawyer may have a lien on the file for the value of the work performed, and thus not have to return the file until paid. A POA may or may not be valid for dealing with a lawyer. In any event, what you need is not a "legal coach" - your friend needs a lawyer (whether the original one or a new one). A POA cannot practice law.