Legal Question in Personal Injury in Rhode Island

Filing Suit

I was rear-ended by a garbage truck in April, 2003. I have reams of correspondence between me and the insurance company. They have made me a ridiculously low settlement offer, which I refused. Can I file suit without hiring an attorney? I feel that I have put in too much time and effort on this to just give an attorney l/3. Or, would it be appropriate for me to ask an atty. to lower his fee in light of the fact that I have laid most of the groundwork?


Asked on 1/12/04, 12:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Patricia Joyce Law Office of Patricia M. Joyce

Re: Filing Suit

One can always file suit without hiring an attorney, but that puts them at a great disadvantage because the insurance company will surely have lawyers representing them. These lawyers are highly experienced in the court rules and evidentiary matters and will not hesitate to use those rules to the detriment of a party without an attorney.

Some law firms, including my own, will accept a reduction in a contingent fee matter if significant work has been done by the client prior to retaining the attorney.

I hope that this information is helpful to you. Please feel free to contact me at 401-885-7200 if I can be of further assistance.

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Answered on 1/12/04, 2:50 pm


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