Here is one I haven't heard before . . .
A caller was going over the problems that he's been having with his lawyer. It's a major injury which has resulted in numerous surgeries and for some reason hasn't ended up in court yet. The client not only has had back surgery, but also has a recommendation for shoulder surgery.
Apparently the attorney who is handling the case has spent around $15,000 on the case, mostly on depositions. That is an incredibly high amount, but it will happen in maybe one out of every 500 work comp cases.
The attorney, when learning that the back surgeon suggested a shoulder surgery, got upset because "I can't afford your case any more." He went on to tell the client to delay the surgery and any treatment for now, not because it was in the best interest of the client, but because it was in the best interests of the lawyer.
If your attorney is ever making decisions that aren't based on your needs you should run.
By the way, in most Illinois workers' compensation claims the expenses involved in the case are under $100. If you have to take the deposition of a couple of doctors then the expenses can get to around $2,500 when you add in court reporter fees. No firm I know of, good or bad, asks the client to pay for the expenses up front. It's just part of running a law firm. We get reimburses our expenses when the case is over. If your attorney asks you to front the expenses either they are going broke or they don't think much of your case.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
