Scope of Representation: I, the undersigned, hereinafter “Client(s),” hereby hire Dolman Law Group and Law Offices of Jennifer Duffy, APC, further known as the “Firm,” as my attorneys to investigate, prepare, and prosecute any claim or suit for any injuries or damages arising from exposure to products containing Suboxone Buprenorphine or Naloxone against certain parties who may be liable.
Attorneys’ Fees: This agreement is a contingent fee contract. Client will not owe any fees or expenses if there is no recovery. Attorneys agree to represent Client in his/her cause of action for personal injuries to settlement or final judgment of Client’s claim through trial excluding any appeal. Client agrees to pay the Firm, as compensation for Attorneys’ services, forty percent (40%) of the gross recovery on all claims or recoveries from and against all sources, persons, or entities whether a lawsuit is filed or not, actually tried before a judge or jury or not, provided that such final conclusion is made prior to any appeal of the case. Attorneys’ fees are calculated on and subtracted from the gross recovery amount, not the net recovery amount to the client. The gross attorneys’ fees will be apportioned between the following Firms as follows: 50% to Dolman Law Group and 50 % to Law Offices of Jennifer Duffy, APC. Attorneys assume joint responsibility for representation of Client. Attorneys may divide the attorneys’ fees received for the legal services provided under this Agreement with other attorneys. Client is informed that, under the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California, such a division may be made only with the Client’s written consent after the full disclosure to the Client in writing that a division of fees will be made and of the terms of such division. Client hereby acknowledges that the Law Offices of Jennifer Duffy, APC will be receiving a referral fee from the fee paid in this case (providing that case resolves favorably for Client), for referring the case to Dolman Law Group. That fee will be 50% of the attorneys’ fees generated in this case. Dolman Law Group alone has the obligation to pay the referral fee from the fee(s) stated in this paragraph. Dolman Law Group’s agreement to pay a referral fee will not increase the fee payable under this contract. Dolman Law Group alone has the obligation to pay the referral fee from the fee(s) stated in this paragraph.
Client, pursuant to the provisions of Rule 1.5.1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California, hereby consents to the payment of a referral fee as set forth in this paragraph. The Law Offices of Jennifer Duffy, APC retains the option, solely at The Law Offices of Jennifer Duffy, APC’s election, to defer or structure all or a part of the contingency fee at the time of settlement, and to take all or a part of the contingency fee as an “up front” cash payment at the time of settlement and/or as periodic payments, or a combination thereof, regardless of the manner in which the Client’s recovery is paid.
Consent to Associate: your case may be referred to another law firm that the Firm selects to assist us in handling this matter. Client hereby consents to the association of one or more law firms. This will not affect the amount of Attorneys’ fees or expenses that will be deducted from your recovery, if any.
Costs and Expenses: Client understands that in addition to Attorneys’ fees, expenses for such things including but not limited to the costs of pre- and post- settlement services, medical and billing record services, lien resolution services, interest on lines of credit, obtaining witness statements, filing suit, depositions, and expert witness fees are the responsibility of Client and are taxed against Client’s portion of recovery. If Client terminates client-attorney relationship, Client understands and agrees that Attorneys’ will have a first-priority lien on any settlement or judgment for any and all reasonable case expenses and Attorneys’ fees.
No Guaranteed Reimbursement: Client acknowledges that the Firm has made no representations about the successful prosecution of Client’s claim and has not guaranteed that they will obtain reimbursement to Client of any of Client’s costs or expenses resulting from the incident giving rise to the claim.
Medical Expenses: If the client’s claim includes reimbursement for medical expenses incurred in treating the injury made the basis of the claim, Client may, by contract or statute, be required to repay to the party who paid the medical expenses a portion or all of those amounts (i.e. subrogation). This is Client’s obligation, and such repayment, if any, shall be Client’s responsibility and will be paid out of Client’s settlement proceeds.
Client’s Cooperation and Termination: Client shall keep the Firm advised of her/his current address and telephone number at all times during the representation. The failure to advise the Firm of this current contact information could result in the dismissal of Client’s claim. Power of Attorney: Client hereby gives Attorneys power of attorney to execute all documents connected with the claim for the prosecution of which the Attorneys are retained. Client hereby transfers and assigns to Attorneys an undivided interest in Client’s claims. The undivided interest hereby assigned to Attorneys by Client is equivalent to the fees, costs, and expenses, including the Attorneys’ agreed-to percentage of any recovery.
Withdrawing Representation: Client agrees that the Firm may withdraw from representing Client by providing written notice to Client at Client’s last- known address on file with the Firm.
Limited Statute of Limitations Waiver: Client understands that the statutory period of limitations during which time a legal claim for injuries must be brought may have expired prior to this representation agreement and/or may be expiring in the near future. Client understands that Attorneys will not file a case until all medical records are received to support a meritorious case. Client agrees to this. Client agrees that they will not hold Attorneys responsible for any claims lost due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Multiple-Client Approval: Client understands, acknowledges, and agrees that this claim may be presented, prosecuted, and/or settled as part of a mass action of other lawsuits in which the Firm may also represent other persons with claims similar to Client and Client consents to such action. Client hereby waives any potential conflicts between Client and the other clients of the Firm similarly situated. Client further agrees that the Firm may negotiate Client’s claim and other similarly situated claims on an aggregate basis. Client hereby acknowledges that the Firm has made no guarantees regarding the successful outcome of this matter and all expressions about the outcome are only opinions.
Group Settlement Offers: Defendants may try to settle all or a portion of our clients’ cases as a group, by attempting to settle Client’s case along with similar cases handled by the Firm. If/when this “group settlement” system is offered, Attorneys will get each Client’s authorization for a minimum gross amount for which the Client authorizes the Attorneys to attempt to settle the Client’s case.
Settlement of Liens: Client understands and acknowledges that prior to the disbursement of any settlement proceeds, the Firm may be required to investigate and satisfy any third-party interest healthcare liens such as Medicare, Medicaid, or other medical-provider liens. If a dispute arises between Client and a subrogee or lien holder, Client agrees to allow the attorney to hold the maximum amount being claimed in an escrow account until such dispute has been resolved.
Medical Malpractice Claims Not Included: Client understands and agrees that the Attorneys referenced herein will not investigate and will not pursue a medical malpractice action or any other claim against your doctor(s). Client understands that any claim or lawsuit against his/her doctor(s) and/or healthcare provider must be filed with the Court and served upon the doctor(s) within the lawful time limit (statute of limitations). Client further understands that if they desire to sue his/her doctor, Client will need to retain other counsel, immediately, to investigate and possibly pursue such a claim.
Place of Performance and Choice of Law: This agreement is to be performed in Florida. Client agrees all questions concerning the rights and obligations of Client and the Firm under this agreement shall be governed by Florida law. Venue for any action brought shall exclusively be in Florida.
Bar of Florida | Grievance & Ethics: The Bar of Florida is dedicated to improving the quality of legal services and promoting ethical conduct in the legal profession. The Florida Bar Professional Ethics committee provide the mechanisms by which grievances are processed, investigated, and prosecuted. If you have questions about the grievance process, the State Bar Office of General Counsel will provide you with information about how to file a complaint. For more information, please call Dolman Law Group, LLP toll free, 1-833-351-9355. This agreement constitutes the sole agreement of the parties and supersedes any prior understandings or written or oral agreements of the parties.
This agreement binds Client’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assignees, and any wards, minors or incompetents as to whom the Client is guardian, next friend or otherwise acting in a representative capacity. Client understands and acknowledges that the decision to hire the Firm is made willfully and independently without outside influence.
