Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in California
representing myself in court
I have a medical malpractice case
going to trial in one month. My
attorney has abandoned me. I want
to represent myself but I am not
sure the best way to do that. Do I
hire an attorney to advise me? The
insurance company had $$$$ on the
table the other day and my attorney
walked out of the settlement
conference. Since no one will talk to
me and my attorney will not return
my calls I will probably have to
represent myself in the settlement.
How do I do that?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: representing myself in court
If your case is valid, as the settlement offer would seem to indicate, there should be no problem getting an attorney to take it over, or help you settle it. If the case is in SoCal courts, feel free to contact me to do so.
Re: representing myself in court
Hello. I am a litigation attorney in Northern California. I might be able to help or advise you on your situation. If you would like to discuss this further, feel free to contact me.
Arkady Itkin
Re: representing myself in court
It might be wise to hire an attorney at least through the settlement process. Attorneys can usually get more money than a pro per plaintiff. In addition, once you settle, you'd want to make sure the agreement covers everything necessary to protect you.
Depending on why your attorney "abandoned" you, that attorney might want to take a lien against any future settlement. Also, as long as you're still officially represented, the defendants' attorney cannot talk to you.