Doc sues Atty & Wins - Don't sweat your PI Depos - 5 Rules to get your PI paid - Survey Answers

Friday, January 29, 2021

Doctor Sues Attorney in Smalls Claims; Gets 100% of lien and costs

Dr. Gilbert of Orange County had a problem. The PI attorney [a giant advertising firm] offered to pay only 50% of his lien despite a high settlement.

Gilbert sued the law firm, and named both partners. The law firm is in West Los Angeles, but he wisely chose to sue in Orange County Superior Court -- much closer to his office.

The attorneys refused to discuss the case with him. Ignored his calls and basically gave Dr. Gilbert a take it or leave it option.

The law firm disbursed the settlement to everyone else including their client. This might be a violation of California State Bar Rules.

Most of the time when the PI attorney refuses to negotiate with you in good faith, they do poorly in small claim court.

Dr. Gilbert received his full lien and costs.

Click HERE to visit our website for steps on how to take an attorney who is not paying your lien to small claims.

Are you prepared for your PI Deposition? Lewkovich is here to help

Many doctors dread testifying in deposition. They believe the experience will be stressful and expose them to embarrassment.

That’s not true.

In fact, your PI deposition should be a high-note for your practice expertise. Dr. Lewkovich offers a concise and clear “basic preparation” for PI depositions.

How exactly do you prepare? Dr. Lewkovich suggests reflecting on key questions:

Can you answer your qualifications to practice? (It’s easy but you need to review the best answer.)
What in your opinion was the cause for the alleged injuries?
What is your prognosis for this case?
What was your treatment designed to accomplish?
Your fees exceed the reasonable and customary fees for your region -- how do you explain this?

These and 14 other questions are carefully answered. This is a valuable primer to make your depositions fast, fun, and effective.

For a copy on how to prepare for deposition in MVA cases email johntawlian@shawnsteel.com.

Also check out Shawn’s short video on our YouTube Channel titled "Rule 42: Depositions." Click here to view the video.

ACE's Tip

We spend a lot of time teaching DCs how to increase the value of their PI cases but it is important to take a second to understand why you should care.

The value of a PI case is directly correlated to how likely it is that you will get your bill paid in full. The more money the case settles for, the more likely it is.

Many of the ‘value-drivers’ are also beneficial to your patients’ physical and financial recovery. To learn more about the best value-drivers, considering reading my most recent piece in Dynamic Chiropractic.

Click here to read.