Vermont & New Hampshire Injury Blog

Many people nowadays have the perception that the only thing personal injury attorneys care about are their attorney's fees.  While some of this misperception is due to insurance company propaganda, much of it is a result of unethical behavior by personal injury attorneys. 

I recently read a case where a former client successfully sued her personal injury attorney.  The client sued the attorney because the attorney forced her to settle her car accident claim for much less than it was worth.  We often refer to these types of law offices as "settlement mills."  Indeed, the jury in this case awarded the plaintiff $145,000 because they were outraged by the firm's "settlement mill" approach.  The personal injury attorney held themselves out to be tough attorneys that would get top dollar from the insurance companies.  In reality, their main concern was the fees they could collect with a quick settlement.

At Van Dorn & Curtiss, our clients' needs come before our own fees.  We will never force or pressure our clients to take a settlement for money that will not cover their own needs.  Moreover, we believe it isn't always appropriate to take a full fee from a settlement.  Before hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent your claim, it is always important to research their reputation.  If at all possible, speak to their former clients to make sure your prospective attorney will represent your needs and protect your rights.