We’ve all heard their catchy slogans, sing-along ads, and billboards for lawyer referral service. It may be an easy number to remember or that ‘real life’ spokespeople claiming they received thousands or even millions from a car accident, that stays in your memory. They almost guarantee you compensation from a claim. This type of lawyer advertising is a growing trend, but are these lawyers really legit?
The Florida Bar Urges Orlando Residents to Beware
They claim Florida for profit lawyer referral services are considered questionable.
The dangers that non- lawyer-owned, for-profit referral services pose to members of the public—who may be especially vulnerable after they suffer an injury, or when they face a legal matter that they never anticipated
Such establishments want to catch people at one of their most vulnerable moments. You call and before you know what you’re really getting into they’ve hooked you into making a commitment. They act as a middle man, making a profit when they connect you to an attorney who has paid a monthly fee to be on their list.
Victims of Auto Accidents Scammed
Investigations have found numerous cases where victims are actually left with huge debts. The service arranges for you to meet with an attorney, you follow their lead and undergo all types of medical treatments, then you wait for the compensation you were promised. After waiting a long time, you finally contact your insurance company who explains to you there is nothing left to pay out because the policy has been drained.
Additionally, some law firms that are affiliated with for-profit lawyer referral services steer clients towards other businesses operated by the owner of the referral service, sometimes to the detriment of the health and well-being of the client.
Further investigations by the Orlando Sentinel found a complaint filed, “in Broward Circuit Court, 411-PAIN unlawfully misrepresented how much money or compensation consumers could be entitled to after a vehicle accident.”
Do Your Homework and Contact a Trusted Auto Accident Attorney in Orlando
Though it may seem simple to contact someone you’ve seen on T.V. or a jingle you heard on the radio, but more often than not they are too good to be true.
Instead, call an attorney who is dedicated and experienced. At the law office of James P. Kelley we believe it is your right to recover financially after an auto accident. Call us today for a free consultation on your personal injury case