What can I do if my attorney won't help me get my settlement?

I have asked my lawyer to settle my case 6 months ago. I called my lawyer and all he says is he's going to get me more money. I don't want more money. I want my settlement. Now, yesterday I had another heart attack. I called him and he won't call me. Please what can I do? I am going to die and all this so he can get more money. He doesn't care at all what happens to me.

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Answered By: Dwyer, Black & Lyle, LLP

You can fire your attorney at any time. If able, get to your attorney's office and meet with him/her face to face. Tell them that you will fire them if they don't move your case right now. That money will be no good to you when you are dead so I understand you wanting to use it now. Perhaps your attorney doesn't know how dire your situation is. It's your case and you control when it settles and when it doesn't. Take control.

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 10/26/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: The Law Office of Stephen R. Chesley, LLC

If you are certain that an offer was made in the settlement of your case you have a right to demand that your attorney accept same. You and your attorney should be in contact with each other and open lines of communications should be allowed. You should contact your attorney and see if a settlement can be worked out. Sometimes there is more to it than meets the eye and sometime your attorney is very close to wrapping thing up but needs time to do so to optimize your settlement.

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 10/26/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Andrew T. Velonis, P.C.

You don't state whether or not you have an offer. If you don't, then the issue is moot. If there is, you have the authority to instruct your attorney to accept it. But: part of your lawyer's job is to advise you. You selected him among many others because you had confidence in his experience and abilities. It sounds like you are willing to disregard his advice out of desperation, that's not a sound basis for a decision. If you live, you will have more money to enjoy. If you die, you won't need it anyway.

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 10/26/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Answered By: Law Office of Jared Altman

Send a letter certified return receipt to your lawyer demanding that he accept the present offer. If he still won't settle, then go to another lawyer.

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 10/25/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.