Legal Question in Personal Injury in Florida
I was in a car accident in December 2007, and just had a settlement between the 3 insurance companies involved and my lawyer. The actual settlement was handled by my lawyer who has never disclosed to me the terms of the settlement. I am not sure for how much money the settlement was for. My lawyer's secretary or case management is just telling me over the phone, and in a letter "CLOSING STATEMENT " that I must sign, the total settlement due to the client after all medical bills have been paid.
Do I have the right to ask for copies of the checks sent to my lawyer?
Do I also have a right to ask for a list of any unpaid balances from my care provided?
Please advise!
3 Answers from Attorneys
Yes, you have the right to ask for the total amount of settlement. You have a right to see everything. advise the lawyer's secretary that you will sign the closing statement as soon as you talk with the attorney and see how much everything settled for.
An attorney cannot settle without a client's consent.
At the time you signed with your attorneys you were required to be given a "Statement of Clients Rights". Ask for one now if you don't have the original. It answers your questions. Yes you are entitled to know all the settlemnt facts and receive a statement of all costs and expenses.with proof of payment.