Work Comp Attorney: Quality Client Service
A recently deceased international businessman was given the choice of going to heaven or hell. Fearing he would find eternity tedious in heaven, he asked to see hell. The devil showed him around: fun-loving companions, unlimited drink, unlimited temptations. The businessman opted for hell. The devil said, “Good, now come around to the back door.” The businessman opened the back door, only to encounter flames and wailing, suffering people. he said, “I don’t understand. This isn’t what you just showed me.” Replied the devil, “It’s simple. Then you were a prospect; now you are a client.”
I read this today in a law firm marketing book I was thumbing through. Unfortunately, it rang really close to home and my experience before going out on my own.
The fact of the matter is I have seen first hand the 180 attitude shift that occurs after a client signs the retainer agreement. Before the retainer agreement, the attorney picks up the phone right away, returns missed calls and emails same day, and handles most, if not all, of the prospect’s questions and concerns. After the retainer agreement is signed, the attorney screens calls, doesn’t return calls or emails, and gives most of the client's questions and concerns to the paralegal.
I think most people understand that lawyers need to be economical and efficient with their time and resources. I certainly do. What I find problematic is how immediate and drastic it really can be. So what can a client do if they see an immediate change in the attorneys time and attention to them after they the sign the retainer?
I suggest giving the lawyer a week. Maybe they were having a busy day or busy couple of days, which happens. If after a week or two the attorney still isn’t giving the same time and attention they were during the prospect phase, then it’s pretty good indicator of what a client can expect from the attorney for the rest of the representation.
If a client changes work comp attorneys, they do not pay more in attorney fees. Discharged attorneys are entitled to some compensation for their time and effort, but it doesn’t come out of the client’s pocket. Rather, if attorney fees are ultimately paid on the case, the discharged attorney can make a claim to get a portion of the new lawyer’s fees. The shorter the amount of time the discharged attorney had the case, the less should be shared.
Frayne Injury Law is a law firm that represents injured employees in work comp cases. A free, no obligation, consultation is available to anyone looking for legal advice.
