Case ID: mich_47/html/0171-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "\n      Marston, C. J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Morgan E. Dowling v. Mary E. Eggemann.
    
      Attorney’s Wen for services.
    
    An attorney has a lien upon money collected by him for his professional services in collecting it; and in settling'and paying over the proceeds he has a right to ask for a final settlement and insist upon a receipt for the moneys paid; and if there is no fraud, duress, oppression, undue advantage or mistake in the settlement, it is binding.
    Error to Superior Court of Detroit.
    Submitted October 18.
    Decided October 26.
    Assumpsit on the common counts and an account stated to recover back money which plaintiff claims to have paid defendant upon an extortionate charge for his professional services. Defendant brings error.
    Reversed.
    
      M. E. Dowlmg, in person, for plaintiff in error.
    
      Mmjbury <& Conely for defendant in error.
   Marston, C. J.

We are of opinion that the plaintiff did not make out a case to be submitted to a jury. No fraud, duress, oppression or undue advantage was practiced or taken, nor was there any mistake make in the settlement. The attorney for his professional services had a lien upon the moneys collected by him, and in settling and paying over the proceeds, he had a right to ask for a final settlement and insist upon receiving a receipt for the moneys paid. It appears that Mrs. Eggemann had full and ample opportunity to examine the account submitted; that she fully understood the same; was advised by the defendant, and could have consulted with attorneys as to the reasonableness of the charges made, but did not do so. Yiew the matter in whatever light we may, still we are unable to sustain this judgment.

We are of opinion that the plaintiff below was bound by the settlement made, and that the judgment should be reversed with costs and a new trial ordered.

The other Justices concurred.