Opinion ID: 2361115
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Vivian High

Text: Again, in this instance, the Respondent acknowledged being aware of the fact that at the time of settlement, that MHCE had an outstanding claim in the amount of $1,396.00. Respondent further testified that when he discussed this charge with the client, the client told him that she had spoken with Mr. Wilson, a representative of MHCE, who had assured her that the bill would be discounted. The bill appeared to be quite high for the service offered. The client told the Respondent that she considered, in light of that conversation, the PIP payment of $2,000.00 to have discharged the claim. In response, the Respondent disbursed the remaining monies to the client without withholding the $1,396.00 claimed by MHCE. Testimony at the time of the hearing did confirm that MHCE had employed a marketing individual named Wilson who was no longer employed by the company. Mr. Wheatley had testified that he was uncertain what Mr. Wilson might have agreed to, but that Mr. Wilson would not have been authorized to enter into any such discussions. Nevertheless, he did not deny that Mr. Wilson may have entered into such conversations. Again, this explanation of events was unrebutted by any evidence including any testimony from Ms. Vivian High.