Opinion ID: 2330653
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Count VArmington

Text: ¶ 14 Armington hired Townsend in November of 2007 and filed a grievance against him on January 21, 2009. Armington needed assistance in a personal injury case which the attorney took on a contingency fee basis. The client heard nothing from Townsend until January of 2008. Thereafter, Armington reached the attorney's former partner who supplied him with an additional phone number. Townsend contacted the client in August of 2008, telling him that he was preparing a settlement package which would be mailed to the insurance adjuster. Armington heard nothing else from the attorney. No settlement was ever pursued. Armington suffered significant hardship as a result of delays resulting in his inability to pay related medical bills. The attorney did not perform the work for which he was hired, misled his client regarding the progress of the case, and abandoned his client. When Townsend did finally respond to the Bar Association's inquiries, he indicated that although he had done some work in the cause, he was unable to complete the case due to his depression and anxiety issues. The attorney filed a lien release so that any settlement reached could be disbursed to his former client.