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Handling the P.I. Case
Attorney’s Role
The P.I. Case No “cappers” or “ambulance chasing” The initial interview
Determine factual basis for cause of action Not always possible Names/info re witnesses
Insurance information (P and D) Injury information Retainer Agreement/Letter
Must be in writing Set out scope of representation Establish attorney fees Establish liability for costs
Written summary of interview
The P.I. Case cont. Completing the initial interview
Advice/information to client Calendaring (tickling) for SOL and other dates
Letter to D’s insurance (or to D if insurance unknown) If D has no insurance, then verify U.M. coverage
Investigation Sometimes private investigators Obtain copies of police reports Interview witnesses Locate other witnesses? Relevant photographs Google searches? (i.e. NTSB/NHTSB)
The P.I. Case cont. When medical treatment ends,
settlement negotiations Demand letter Informal face to face negotiation
Settlement Compromise and Release (C and R) Settlement check
Trust account issues Disbursement: Liens, attorney fees and costs,
client
Issues with a Minor Plaintiff
Court approval required for Attorney fees (generally limited) Settlement (Minor’s Compromise)
Judicial Council Form Often court hearing required
Litigation File/present all claims File Complaint
Optional Judicial Council Forms Auto Accidents, Product Liability, Premises
Liability, General Negligence County where accident happened or
defendant resides Prayer Issues with a Minor Plaintiff: Petition for
Guardian ad Litem Have Summons Issued
Service Personal
Substituted
Acknowledgement and Waiver
Publication
Out of State
Responsive Pleadings Answer
Optional Judicial Council Form
Demurrer
Motions
Time for Response
Discovery: CCP 2016 et seq. Interrogatories: Judicial Council Form Demand for Production/Inspection Depositions
Party or Non Party Records
Demand for Medical Exam Request for Admissions: Judicial Council
Form Exchange of Expert Information
Discovery—Limited Jurisdiction CCP §94
Combination of 35 Interrogatories, Demands to Produce and Admissions
One deposition Med Exam and Expert Disclosure
Case Questionnaire Request for Statement Identifying
Witnesses and Evidence
Pre Trial Proceedings Alternative Dispute Resolution
(Arbitration, Mediation, UNE etc.)
Case Management Conferences
Settlement Conferences
CCP 998 Offers
Pre trial motions
Summary Judgment Motion (CCP 437c) Common defense motion “plaintiff can’t prove case”
Trial Procedures
Trial Notebook Prepare proposed jury instructions
(CACI—www.courts.ca.gov) Subpoena witnesses Subpoena documents Notify Experts
Post Trial Procedures
Motions New Trial; Judgment N.O.V.; Additur,
Remittitur
Collection Appeal
Litigation Alternatives
Binding Arbitration U.M. Agreement
Many medical practitioners include in forms
American Arbitration Association
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