Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Chiropractor won't bill/personal injury without signing his forms

I was hit by a major grocery delivery truck -police report clearly states it's his fault. I went to Chiropractor who recommended a lawyer he knows. I would not fill out certain papers at the doc's office -which assign all my settlement monies to his control basically. Doc pressures me every visit to hire his attorney pal. I have 2 years to take care of that. I just want to focus on healing when I have my treatments. I asked Doc for bill as I want to pay him directly and go elsewhere for treatment. They won't give me a bill as I am ''not in the system'' because I won't sign their power of attorney for check signing, etc. What can I do? Can they hold my bills hostage. I just want to pay the guy!!!


Asked on 2/15/05, 6:36 pm

7 Answers from Attorneys

Benjamin Berger Berger-Harrison, A Professional Corporation

Re: Chiropractor won't bill/personal injury without signing his forms

You have a right to your medical reports and your bills. It's too late today, but I can probably get your records faxed in less than a day.

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Answered on 2/15/05, 8:10 pm
Mitchell Roth MW Roth, Professional Law Corporation

Re: Chiropractor won't bill/personal injury without signing his forms

Don't go back. Report the Chiropractor to the California Medical Board, the attorney to the State Bar. Find another treating physician and/or attorney. You can sign a medical release form and your new doc can get any records from the old doc.

If you need a referral and are in So. Cal. feel free to call.

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Answered on 2/15/05, 8:13 pm
Daniel King Law Offices of Daniel King

Re: Chiropractor won't bill/personal injury without signing his forms

You are free at any time to choose whatever doctors and/or lawyers you want to treat and represent you. It certainly doesn't sit right that you have to be pressured to do anything. At this point, simply go to another doctor so that you can worry about the most important thing, YOUR HEALING. If you need a lawyer, I am sure that you won't have any problem finding one, this office included. However, please keep in mind that dealing with the insurance carriers on your own is certainly not in your best interest. Please feel free to call to discuss. Good luck.

Daniel King

818 587-9299

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Answered on 2/15/05, 8:28 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Chiropractor won't bill/personal injury without signing his forms

There may be nothing bad about the papers the chiropractor is asking you to sign. Normally he is entitled to a "lien" against the proceeds of your personal injury case. However, you probably are better off using some lawyer other than the one recommended by your chiropractor. First of all, an independent lawyer can review the forms to make sure they are kosher. Second, the insurance companies look askance at lawyers and doctors who have too cozy of a relationship. Do not wait to hire a lawyer. The filing deadline may be two years, but long before that time witnesses can become forgetful, and key evidence may become unavailable. I respectfully disagree with the attorney who urged you to contact the Chiropractic Board and the State Bar immediately. Neither he nor I has had a chance to review the documents you were given to sign. The attorney you eventually retain will be able to give you a better, informed opinion.

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Answered on 2/15/05, 9:42 pm
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates

Re: Chiropractor won't bill/personal injury without signing his forms

I have not had a chance to read the other attorney responses.

First off, you need to get an attorney involved now! That is, unless you want to gamble away your chances at a decent recovery for your injuries and out of pocket losses. What the Chiro is trying to get you to sign is probably a lien on the case instead of making you pay up front. I prefer to have my clients go to board certified doctor's first, and then if need be, go to a chiro. Chiro's have less credibility when it comes time to settle or go to trial. I suggest you give me a call at 818-427-6246 and I will give you a free consultation.

Norm

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Answered on 2/15/05, 11:12 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Chiropractor won't bill/personal injury without signing his forms

Does the term 'hire an attorney' ring a bell. You will stop getting the runaround when you do. Contact me if interested in being properly represented.

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Answered on 2/16/05, 3:08 pm
Sam Eagle LAW OFFICES OF SAM M. EAGLE

Re: Chiropractor won't bill/personal injury without signing his forms

If you're talking about a lien form, that doesn't control all your money--just the amount of the dr. bill. That's usually OK to sign if you want the dr. to wait till your case settles. A power of atty for check signing is usually for health ins checks. So a lot depends of how this case is being handled and what other coverages you have.

The doc is pressuring you cause he does business with his lawyer friend and they refer to eachother. That's OK, too, but he shouldn't pressure you.

Now--YOU HAVE TWO YEARS TO SETTLE OR FILE SUIT--NOT FIRST FIND AN ATTY. If you wait too long and gum things up, an atty will not want to take your case. You should hire someone now rather than later--an atty can help get you to another doc-maybe a MD which would be better. Call an atty in the area where the accident took place or where the other driver lives.

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Answered on 2/16/05, 5:59 pm


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