| Working
With Your Attorney
Too
many clients attempt to let their attorney handle all of the
case without their help. As a client, you have a responsibility
to assist your attorney for the most likely chance of a favorable
outcome. Moreover, the client has critical factual and background
information which the lawyer does not know without his help.
How far are you expected to go as a client in assisting your
attorney?
The answer is as far as necessary to ensure a favorable outcome.
First, follow the instructions of your attorney. If he tells
you that he needs information regarding your taxable income,
then provide that information timely. Your lawyer cannot effectively
prepare your case without your help and cooperation. If he
tells you not to provide a statement to the other side without
him being present, then follow his instruction.
Second, always be honest with your attorney. Remember, whatever
is said by you to your attorney during the course of his representation
of you is protected by the attorney-client privilege. There
is nothing more detrimental to a case than for facts to come
out at trial which you knew about, but failed to disclose
to your attorney. He should be given the opportunity to prepare
for any adverse facts or circumstances before any testimony
is provided.
Give your attorney all relevant paperwork. Copies of medical
bills, medical records, repair estimates, proof of lost wages,
statements, and insurance policies are some of the documents
you should provide to your attorney. Also, be prepared to
provide a list of witnesses, complete with addresses and phone
numbers, who can support the claim. Take photographs of the
accident scene, your car, your injuries or any other area
which may need to considered in your case.
Information regarding prior claims or preexisting medical
conditions must also be provided to your attorney. Holding
back such information will only handicap your attorney because
it is almost certain that the other side either has or will
get such information during the case. This is especially true
in this age of information and technology. Moreover, when
you file a claim, the court can require you to sign authorizations
for them to obtain "any information which is reasonably
calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence,"
even if that evidence itself is not admissible.
Show up for scheduled appointments on time. If you are scheduled
to see a doctor, make sure you make the scheduled appointment.
If you cannot make the appointment, notify both the physician
and your attorney. Remember, your physician will document
your missed appointments and the opposing attorney will attempt
to use this against you. If you show up late for your testimony,
the time for preparation with your attorney will be affected.
Finally, communicate with your attorney about all information
which may have changed since you first retained him. Changes
of address, phone numbers, marital status, job status and
medical status are very important areas in which to keep your
attorney informed. A change which is not communicated can
be as detrimental as a fact not initially disclosed. Thus,
be sure to keep your attorney informed of any relevant changes. |
