compensation...

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania
Good morning,
I just settled a case. I got a little over $8k. My girlfriend was a witness in arbitration. What is a generous amount to give her for her time? For example, the lawyer got 45% off the top before I got the $8K. Is there a percentage witnesses can get? If it's totally up to me, can someone @ least help me gauge how much to give her? This is really bugging me. She recently asked if I'd heard anything from my lawyer. I would hate to lie. We're 32 & have been friends since HS. Let's keep in mind, I do have a family of 4 & financial obligations. Thanks in advance.

[ellencee]

I don't believe that it is legally appropriate to pay someone to testify on your behalf; that's probably why your attorney will not answer your question.
If you chose to give this person some of your money, go ahead, but I urge you to make sure it is not given as payment for her testimony.

Thanks for your response, you know I never thought about it like that?! The lawyer's office told me it was up to me; I didn't even think they might think something fishy. I asked the question honestly, b/c I thought it was a common question. But thinking back on it, it could've been taken as payment for testimony. You really got me thinking about it now. It honestly wasn't like that. She happened to be there @ the time of my slip & fall. She had to take time from work for the arbitration & it seemed to bother her. Although we NEVER discussed me giving her any money, we knew I would get some type of comp. So, we automatically, assumed she would get a breakdown. We're like family. Like I said before, maybe 2 weeks ago she asked me what was going on w/the case & then this week I got a check. Again, I don't wanna lie to her, so I thought I could give her like $1-2K, just as a token of my thanks. ANY/ALL SUGGESTIONS GREATLY NEEDED & APPRECIATED!!

I really feel so stupid now for asking my lawyer that question. I honestly wasn't thinking anything was wrong for me to do that! Should I call them back & say something. I don't want them to think something about me that's not true

You have no reason whatsoever NOT to give your friend money. The trial or arbitration is over. You are not paying her as a witness, but because you want to pay her. Pay her what you want to pay her and forget it.

OK, thank you.

[HomeGuru]

$2000 and a dozen roses would be nice.

OH, THANKK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR RESPONSE. I GREATLY APPRECIATE IT!!

[HomeGuru]

i guess it's going to be girls night out in PA soon.

I guess it will be too!!
I do have some FINAL THOUGHTS. 1st, I deposited the check the same day I got it into my checking acct. Someone told me, I may still be watched by the company who issued it. They may watch my banking activity, etc. Should I transfer the $ into my savings acct. instead? 2nd, I was told I should've waited @ least a week to deposit the check. This case had been pending since '99 & I had arthroscopic knee surgery as a result of my slip & fall. I fought against the surgery, but realized I needed it. 3rd I was told, when I do give my girlfriend something as a show of my appreciation for time she took off from work to go to arbitration only, that it should be in cash. 4th, I was told the cash I use shouldn't be from the bank, but for example: I get $500 from the bank & do some shopping, I should use the change I get from my purchases to pay my girlfriend, b/c the serial #'s on the $ withdrawn from the bank can be traced.
I don't want to sound crazy, but should I be concerned about how I behave from now on?

All your fears may be justified. But insurance companies pay their witnesses. They have no compuction in hiring phony experts to testify for them. But maybe you're right to be cautious. I am no expert in money laundering, but have you a business friend to whom you can pay this money and later recover it for your purposes? That would make it appear to be a payment for services not connected to the award. Like maybe a roofing company or a plumber? I can't believe that insurance company will be that paranoid over a lousy $8,000. After all, you should be able to use the money for any purpose you want to. It's none of the insurance company's business.

Thanks for your response. Unfortunately, I have no such person. How about putting the money in like my nephew's acct. We don't have the same last name. I can't believe the insurance company would be petty about this either, but my friend really got me thinking!

[ellencee]

I just meant you wouldn't want it to sound like you bought favorable testimony just in case someone out there did report it and somehow, someway, it came back to bite you on the seat of your pants.

Enjoy your award; share your money with whom you please and don't waste another minute worrying about the money spies.

WHEW! THANK U AGAIN!