Legal Question in Personal Injury in New York

Questionable Lawyer
I live in Queens, NY and I was a passenger in a car accident four years ago. I got badly hurt and had to be taken to the hospital. I chose a lawyer, sued, and after a year I was given a check for $6000. This week, I received a letter from a collection agency stating that I owe $444 for ambulance services to the FDNY. I never received any bill from the FDNY before. I called the collection agency and they said I have to pay it. I called my lawyer and he said the same thing although I think this matter should've been handled by him. A friend advised me to request a copy of the demand letter, disbursement breakdown, and professional services agreement. However, they are refusing to give them to me. They do not return my calls or tell me that they still need to find my file. I have no idea what to do next. I am worried that too much time has passed and I will be stuck paying this bill. Thank you for any help you can give.

Asked on 2/21/09, 9:03 pm

5 Answers from Attorneys

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Re: Questionable Lawyer

If this was a car accident, your medical bills were covered under no-fault, presumably. The ambulance bill should have been submitted to the no-fault carrier years ago. Speak with your attorney about this. If a no-fault claim was properly filed when the accident occurred, the carrier may honor this bill and pay it, even though it is being submitted very late. Worth a try. Best, M. E. Zuller

Answered on 2/22/09, 2:37 pm

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David Owens, Esq. Molod, Spitz & DeSantis

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Re: Questionable Lawyer

Since you only received this bill this week it is not unusual for the attorney to have to take some time to retrieve a file. Check to see if the bill was ever submitted to the no-fault carrier for payment. If the attorney was aware of the bill it should have been taken care of at the time you received the settlement proceeds. Most collection agencies will take a steep discount on the amount outstanding in order to resolve the debt.

Answered on 2/22/09, 9:14 pm

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