What is the name of your state? KY
I live in KY, but my case is in Indiana. I filed on my own because I was initially uncertain about who to hire. I went to an attorney that I heard good things about, and he took my case. He is a KY atty, and he told me that he was not licensed in IN, however, he would take the case to try and get a settlement. If a settlement couldn't be reached, he said that he had associates in IN who could do the court appearances, and they would split his percentage.
He took my documents, started a file and asked that I bring in my photos and evidence. I provided these things and he called opposing counsel. He did not reach him and never called him back.
I on the other hand, tried to contact my lawyer numerous times and finally wrote him. His son, also a lawyer called and told me to come in. I did, and we answered interrogatories. He said he thought he could settle it since he was friends with the other lawyer. I didn't hear back. I try to contact them, and nothing. Next thing I know, I get something saying that the other side was trying to get a dismissl for lack of prosecution. My lawyer never sent the answers, and did nothing in the way of contacting his friend.
I was livid and went in to my lawyers office. He said that he was not really my lawyer and that he only agreed to find me one. He tried to say that we never answered the interrogatories, but out of the goodness of his heart, he would call opposing counsel. He did and set up a deposition, and said that he would sit in and help me get a settlement as they indicated this was how they wanted to handle it.
I did the deposition, and he said to sit tight while he worked on getting the settlement. he said since he had really done little work he would take 20 %. The amount he suggested was much too low, and then he said he would charge me, but would continue to assist. The next thing that happens, the other side is again trying to get a dismissal. In addition, my lawyer now is trying to tell me that he was just being a good guy and helping, but the idiot lost my evidence! In addition, I thought I had help, but now find out that since he is not licensed in IN, he couldn't do any paperwork, make any demands, etc. He also now claims that he didn't really take the case and that he only agreed to help me find a lawyer,. When I asked why he took my documents, asked me for my evidence, did the interrogatories, sat in the depo, and made me think I had a lawyer to protect my interest, he ignored me.
I know I need to find a lawyer, but am having a hard time due to the circumstances. What can be done about that lawyers unscrupulous behavior. If its not malpractice, can he be sued for a contract violation, even if it was verbal with witnesses?
Thanks. I feel shafted!
A
I live in KY, but my case is in Indiana. I filed on my own because I was initially uncertain about who to hire. I went to an attorney that I heard good things about, and he took my case. He is a KY atty, and he told me that he was not licensed in IN, however, he would take the case to try and get a settlement. If a settlement couldn't be reached, he said that he had associates in IN who could do the court appearances, and they would split his percentage.
He took my documents, started a file and asked that I bring in my photos and evidence. I provided these things and he called opposing counsel. He did not reach him and never called him back.
I on the other hand, tried to contact my lawyer numerous times and finally wrote him. His son, also a lawyer called and told me to come in. I did, and we answered interrogatories. He said he thought he could settle it since he was friends with the other lawyer. I didn't hear back. I try to contact them, and nothing. Next thing I know, I get something saying that the other side was trying to get a dismissl for lack of prosecution. My lawyer never sent the answers, and did nothing in the way of contacting his friend.
I was livid and went in to my lawyers office. He said that he was not really my lawyer and that he only agreed to find me one. He tried to say that we never answered the interrogatories, but out of the goodness of his heart, he would call opposing counsel. He did and set up a deposition, and said that he would sit in and help me get a settlement as they indicated this was how they wanted to handle it.
I did the deposition, and he said to sit tight while he worked on getting the settlement. he said since he had really done little work he would take 20 %. The amount he suggested was much too low, and then he said he would charge me, but would continue to assist. The next thing that happens, the other side is again trying to get a dismissal. In addition, my lawyer now is trying to tell me that he was just being a good guy and helping, but the idiot lost my evidence! In addition, I thought I had help, but now find out that since he is not licensed in IN, he couldn't do any paperwork, make any demands, etc. He also now claims that he didn't really take the case and that he only agreed to help me find a lawyer,. When I asked why he took my documents, asked me for my evidence, did the interrogatories, sat in the depo, and made me think I had a lawyer to protect my interest, he ignored me.
I know I need to find a lawyer, but am having a hard time due to the circumstances. What can be done about that lawyers unscrupulous behavior. If its not malpractice, can he be sued for a contract violation, even if it was verbal with witnesses?
Thanks. I feel shafted!
A