lawyer forged a signature?

bobarian · 01-22-2009, 10:40 AM

Not sure of the laws in Florida, but if he had prior authorization to settle the lawsuit or signatory powers, that could be an issue.

Gophernut · 01-22-2009, 11:00 AM

Most states have a board of professional responsiblities. This is the place to start if FL has one. This guy will lose his license to practice law if he did this. What an idiot. Good luck!

Blueface · 01-22-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobarian

Not sure of the laws in Florida, but if he had prior authorization to settle the lawsuit or signatory powers, that could be an issue.

hmmm.......
Not a lawyer but never saw that in all my years of BI handling for a major carrier.
I would think the attorney was compelled to convey all offers to his client?

Blueface · 01-22-2009, 11:19 AM

BTW,
Of utmost importance, even if a document was signed up front, authorizing such a settlement at the attorney's discretion, if said settlement came after being notified he was being replaced, I believe counsel has himself an ethical problem as that initial document would no longer apply.
At that juncture, he should have placed a lien for his services via the carriers involved and notified the new counsel.

P.S.
I am not an attorney but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Select (couldn't resist).

Blueface · 01-22-2009, 11:37 AM

One last thing.
For now, hypothetically:
If it is ultimately determined this was a wrongful act (as it is yet to be determined pending documents, etc,), aside from Bar issues, counsel will also potentially have himself some issues with the Florida Fraud Statute as it entails insurance fraud.
That is handled by the Florida Department of Financial Services, Fraud Division.
If he for some reason is a player under some other investigations, this will not be nice for him.

Best to let your new counsel handle this for you.

macpappy · 01-22-2009, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueface

One last thing.
For now, hypothetically:
If it is ultimately determined this was a wrongful act (as it is yet to be determined pending documents, etc,), aside from Bar issues, counsel will also potentially have himself some issues with the Florida Fraud Statute as it entails insurance fraud.
That is handled by the Florida Department of Financial Services, Fraud Division.
If he for some reason is a player under some other investigations, this will not be nice for him.

Best to let your new counsel handle this for you.

How many nights did you spend at the Holiday Inn Select?

Blueface · 01-22-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macpappy

How many nights did you spend at the Holiday Inn Select?

26 yrs of insurance claims, litigation handling and fraud investigations. All at the same Holiday Inn Select.

CBI_2 · 01-22-2009, 06:45 PM

Dang! That's just wrong. No advice, it sounds like you have good counsel. We'll be praying for you and your fiance.

01-22-2009, 10:40 AM	#1
bobarian Cranky Habanophile Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wine Country Posts: 8,869 Trading: (51)	Re: lawyer forged a signature? Not sure of the laws in Florida, but if he had prior authorization to settle the lawsuit or signatory powers, that could be an issue.

01-22-2009, 11:00 AM	#2
Gophernut Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Steve Location: Hudson, WI Posts: 1,661 Trading: (15)	Re: lawyer forged a signature? Most states have a board of professional responsiblities. This is the place to start if FL has one. This guy will lose his license to practice law if he did this. What an idiot. Good luck!

01-22-2009, 11:19 AM	#4
Blueface Gramps 4x's Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Horatio Seymore Hiny Location: Boca Raton - North of La Habana Posts: 8,774 Trading: (8)	Re: lawyer forged a signature? BTW, Of utmost importance, even if a document was signed up front, authorizing such a settlement at the attorney's discretion, if said settlement came after being notified he was being replaced, I believe counsel has himself an ethical problem as that initial document would no longer apply. At that juncture, he should have placed a lien for his services via the carriers involved and notified the new counsel. P.S. I am not an attorney but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Select (couldn't resist). __________________ Little known fact: I am a former member of the Village People - The Indian Last edited by Blueface; 01-22-2009 at 11:34 AM.

01-22-2009, 11:37 AM	#5
Blueface Gramps 4x's Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Horatio Seymore Hiny Location: Boca Raton - North of La Habana Posts: 8,774 Trading: (8)	Re: lawyer forged a signature? One last thing. For now, hypothetically: If it is ultimately determined this was a wrongful act (as it is yet to be determined pending documents, etc,), aside from Bar issues, counsel will also potentially have himself some issues with the Florida Fraud Statute as it entails insurance fraud. That is handled by the Florida Department of Financial Services, Fraud Division. If he for some reason is a player under some other investigations, this will not be nice for him. Best to let your new counsel handle this for you. __________________ Little known fact: I am a former member of the Village People - The Indian

01-22-2009, 06:45 PM	#8
CBI_2 Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Paul Location: In my skin. Posts: 2,066 Trading: (0)	Re: lawyer forged a signature? Dang! That's just wrong. No advice, it sounds like you have good counsel. We'll be praying for you and your fiance. __________________ "The welfare of humanity is always the alibi of tyrants." Albert Camus Cool Cigar Themed Stuff