Lawyer Lied About Settlement Amount? (Here’s What To Do)

Finding out that your lawyer might have lied about your settlement amount can feel like a gut punch. You trusted them to handle your case and keep things honest, and now it seems like you’re being taken advantage of.

But don’t panic! There are steps you can take to figure out what went wrong and fix the situation. 

In this post, we’ll show you what to do if your lawyer lied about settlement amounts.

#1 Gather Evidence

The first thing you need to do is gather all the evidence you have. 

Start with the documents you’ve been given. That might include settlement agreements, emails, letters, and anything related to your case. The more paperwork you have, the better your chances of understanding what’s really going on.

If your lawyer gave you a breakdown of the settlement or any receipts for fees, keep those too. 

Try to get everything in one place, so you can see the full picture.

You need evidence to prove your case, so don’t skip this step.

#2 Verify The Settlement Amount

Now that you’ve got your evidence, it’s time to verify the settlement amount. 

This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t double-check the numbers.

If your lawyer has already given you a number, call the insurance company, opposing party, or any other relevant source to confirm what you were supposed to receive.

Sometimes, there’s a delay in receiving the full amount, or your lawyer might be waiting on something before the full check comes through. 

But if your lawyer is telling you one number and the other party is giving you a different story, that’s a red flag.

Also Read: Can My Lawyer Cash My Settlement Check?

#3 Request A Full Accounting From Your Lawyer

Next, reach out to your lawyer and ask for a full breakdown of the settlement. 

They should be able to give you a detailed explanation of what went where. 

How much was the settlement amount? How much did they take for fees? Were there any deductions for medical bills, expenses, or other costs?

A legitimate lawyer will have no problem providing this breakdown. It’s your money, and you have the right to know exactly where it went. 

If your lawyer is dodging this request or acting sketchy about it, that’s another big red flag. 

You have the right to ask for transparency, and they should be able to explain everything in detail.

#4 Review The Retainer Agreement

The next step is to go back to the retainer agreement you signed when you hired your lawyer. 

This document should clearly outline how much they’re entitled to and what fees were agreed upon. It’ll also clarify the terms of your settlement and what you were expecting to receive.

Check for any clauses that talk about their fees, percentages, and how settlement amounts should be handled. 

If the retainer says they can take 33% of your settlement, but they’re claiming a higher amount, that’s a problem. If the retainer is unclear or you don’t fully understand the terms, it’s time to ask for clarification.

Also Read: How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Make Per Case?

#5 Confront Your Lawyer

Once you’ve gathered all the evidence and reviewed the details, it’s time to confront your lawyer. 

You don’t have to go in with guns blazing, but you should be firm and direct. Let them know what you’ve discovered and ask for an explanation.

If there’s been a mistake or misunderstanding, they should be willing to clear it up. But if your lawyer becomes defensive, evasive, or refuses to explain things, that’s a major red flag.

Stay calm, but be firm. Ask for specifics. 

If they can’t provide them, that’s when you need to start looking at other options.

#6 Get A Second Opinion

If you feel like your lawyer isn’t being honest or not satisfied with what they said, it’s time to get a second opinion.

Reach out to another personal injury lawyer – someone who can look at your case with fresh eyes and tell you if everything seems above board.

A second lawyer doesn’t have to be your new legal representation, but they can help you make sense of what’s happening. They can also help you understand your rights and whether your current lawyer is doing what they’re supposed to.

Plus, the initial consultation is always FREE.

Just be sure to explain your situation clearly, and they should be able to give you a straight answer.

#7 File A Complaint With The State Bar Association

If after all this, you’re convinced your lawyer has been dishonest, you should consider filing a formal complaint with the state bar association. 

The state bar is responsible for overseeing lawyers and ensuring they follow ethical guidelines. If your lawyer has done something wrong, they can investigate the issue and take disciplinary action.

You don’t have to do this alone – most state bars have resources to help you file a complaint. They can guide you through the process, and they’ll keep your complaint confidential. 

A formal complaint might seem like a big step, but it’s an important one if you want to hold the lawyer accountable for any unethical or dishonest behavior.

#8 Consider A Legal Malpractice Claim

If you believe your lawyer’s actions were more than just a mistake and actually caused you harm, you might have a case for legal malpractice. 

This means they didn’t perform their duties properly, and it affected the outcome of your case. 

This could be a result of negligence, dishonesty, or failing to properly represent your interests.

To file a malpractice claim, you’ll need to prove that your lawyer breached their duty to you and that this led to some sort of loss or injury. 

It’s a bit of a complicated process, so you’ll definitely want to talk to another lawyer who specializes in malpractice cases. They’ll help you figure out if you have a valid claim and what steps to take next.

Also Read: Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Drop Your Case?

#9 Report To Authorities (If Lawyer Stole Your Settlement)

In some extreme cases, a lawyer might actually steal your settlement money. 

If this happens, it’s no longer just an ethical issue – it’s a criminal one. 

If you believe your lawyer has outright stolen your settlement funds, you need to report them to the authorities immediately.

Contact local law enforcement and the state bar association right away. They’ll be able to investigate the situation and determine if charges should be brought against your lawyer. 

It’s a tough situation, but you need to take action quickly to prevent any further damage.

Bottom Line

Finding out that your lawyer lied about your settlement amount is tough. It can shake your trust in the legal system and leave you feeling like you’ve been taken advantage of. 

But the good news is, there are steps you can take to fix the situation.

If things don’t add up, file a complaint with the state bar or even consider a legal malpractice claim.

You deserve to be treated fairly, and there are steps you can take to make sure you’re getting what you’re owed. Just stay calm, stay informed, and don’t let this go unnoticed.