Dangers of Lawyer Referral Services

It seems like almost every commercial on TV involves people in South Florida being reminded of services such as 1-800-411-pain and 1-800-need-help. Although people involved in accidents should pursue legal help, these so-called “lawyer referral services” might end up causing even more trouble in the long run.

As an initial point, if you listen closely or read the fine print at the bottom of the screen, you’ll figure out these companies are nothing more than referral services. They cannot offer legal advice nor do they employ lawyers to speak with you.

The commercials for these companies all advertise that if you are injured in an auto accident or slip-and-fall, they will help you find an attorney that will get you the benefits you deserve. Once you contact them, these companies will have a customer service representative interview you, then put you in contact with an attorney in their database. They will then work with these attorneys which will tack on referral service fees to your settlement. You will also find yourself quickly referred to a chiropractor who will want you to treat 5 days a week.

Consumers are urged to take precaution, and to do their homework before hiring an attorney. Florida lawyers are only allowed to take clients from referral services if they comply with the Florida Bar rules. It is important when choosing a lawyer to look into their background and decide whether they are suitable or qualified for the case, and whether they even specialize in south Florida injury accident cases.

Attorney Joseph M. Maus is a Florida Accident attorney that recommends getting all the details in writing regarding how fees are calculated and the estimated amount of costs before signing an agreement. Additionally, The Florida Bar recommends contacting it, or asking friends and family for recommendations in order to ensure that your rights are protected. Beware of attorneys being recommended to you from TV ads promising things they can’t deliver.