Legal Question in Personal Injury in Maryland
I settled a lawsuit but never was disclosed the settlement agreement. I was told by my lawyer my amount and then was wired money. Does that sound funny? When I asked for a copy of the settlement agreement I was told it was sealed. Does that include me?
2 Answers from Attorneys
It does sound funny. Demand the settlement agreement, the order that has it under seal, and a copy of the settlement check. If the attorney continues to refuse to provide you this information, file a grievance against the attorney.
http://www.courts.state.md.us/attygrievance/
Also licensed in Maryland.
This does not make sense. Your case cannot be settled without your specific permission. You have an absolute right to the release that was signed by somebody, a copy of the check that was sent in settlement of your claim, and the settlement statement. A letter to your lawyer requesting these items should be honored. If not you know there was some "hanky-panky" involved in your settlement. Counsel above gives you the web site address for the Maryland Attorney Grievance Commission. Your letter should conclude with: "Do I really have to contact the Attorney Grievance Commission in order to obtain information that two Maryland attorneys say I have an absolute right to"? Good luck.