I am in Hawaii.* I know someone involved in a few law suits with their former employer.* The issues include injury on the job, harassment/discrimination, & wrongful termination.
They already won the first part.* However, in order to get the $ agreed upon in the judgment or settlement, they need to pay the attorney first.
They do not have enough money to pay & the attorney says he is prohibited from deducting it from the awarded funds.
Is that true?* Is it unethical or illegal for an attorney to take their fee from the money that has been awarded?* Does the answer change if the attorney is a mediator or if the person receiving the settlement is their client?* Thanks.
They already won the first part.* However, in order to get the $ agreed upon in the judgment or settlement, they need to pay the attorney first.
They do not have enough money to pay & the attorney says he is prohibited from deducting it from the awarded funds.
Is that true?* Is it unethical or illegal for an attorney to take their fee from the money that has been awarded?* Does the answer change if the attorney is a mediator or if the person receiving the settlement is their client?* Thanks.