Please explain about Interpleader-THANKS

[MoW]

What is the name of your state? CA

I wrote about this earlier, no response.
I work for an acupuncturist. Treated a patient who also saw chiro.
Our bills were $3,800, Chiros were $5,000+ Attorney got
settlement of $9,000. Chiro signed letter settling for $2500. Attorney wanted
us to settle for $1381. (what he said was left after paying his fees.) Patient
wants no money, just wants bills paid. We said we couldn't settle for so little
while he's getting so much, he said if we didn't he'd file an interpleader.

We told him, go ahead. Now he's saying he's taking his $ out and filing the
rest with the court. Patient said she had a33% aggreement, but it looks like
atty wants other costs calling them litigation fees, BUT it never went to court.
Went to arbitration tho. Atty says we should have taken $1381, now we will
have to pay court costs, hire an attorney and by his estimation will get only $900.
Is this possible? We wanted to be reasonable, but why should attorney get over
$5000 while we get $1381, he refused to consider reducing his bill at all.

HELP. Please note, I do work for aprox 15 doctors offices and I am looking for
a good reasonable attorney to send patients to, that will consider my clients(the
chiros and acupuncturists I work with),AND
their patients at time of settlement, and not just the attorney.

Thanks

Thanks

[ecmst12]

Well asking you to negotiate and settle for a lower fee is standard, but asking for a more then 50% reduction seems a bit unreasonable. I have no clue about the proceedings you're talking about though. I didn't think an attorney could FORCE you to lower your fees and he may be just threatening you. However, you should definitely consult your own attorney before making a decision. Perhaps your own business/malpractice insurance company(or maybe even your accountant) can advise you on this matter.

[stephenk]

Just file a small claims case against the patient for the full amount. You are not obligated to accept any amount less than the total amount of the bill regardless of what the claim settled for.

The attorney should have negotiated the bill amount before reaching a settlement with the carrier.

Did the patient sign a lien agreement? If yes, then the patient is responsible for the bill.