Opinion ID: 2320993
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Personal Injury Representation[1]

Text: [¶ 2] In May 2001, Nadine's automobile was rear-ended. As a result of the accident, Nadine received medical treatment, but did not miss work or suffer significant injuries. The automobile incurred substantial damage and was replaced. Nadine retained Spurling to represent her in a personal injury action arising from the accident. Spurling is a cousin of Nadine's husband, John. Spurling filed suit on her behalf seeking recovery for property damage, medical expenses, and emotional harm. During the course of litigation, which lasted over two years, Nadine revealed to Spurling details concerning her health, work history, injury history, and a workers' compensation claim. Discovery, which included interrogatories and a deposition of Nadine, involved the same subject matters. The personal injury action proceeded to trial, but settled on the day of jury selection. The money Nadine received in the settlement has been spent. [¶ 3] Nadine was impatient with the litigation, told Spurling that the process upset her, and was unhappy with the settlement. About the time when the personal injury action settled, Nadine asked Spurling if he would represent her in a prospective divorce action. Spurling declined and referred her to another attorney.