Opinion ID: 2284986
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: spinapolice complaint

Text: Respondent was retained by Stephen Fredericks to represent him in connection with two personal injury suits both of which were settled prior to trial. Subsequently, a claim arose against Mr. Frederick's insurance carrier for P.I.P. benefits which was also settled by respondent for $1,000. Out of this sum Mr. Fredericks sought reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses of $160. for a cervical collar and a doctor's report. Additionally, there was an outstanding bill in the amount of $535. for medical treatment rendered by complainant. On November 7, 1980, respondent forwarded to complainant a check in the amount of $356.66 accompanied by a letter which stated as follows: Dear Dr. Spinapolice: Enclosed please find our trust check in the amount of $356.66 which represents two-thirds of your bill in connection with the above patient. Inasmuch as we were successful in recovering the total amount of your bill, a fee of one-third was deducted to cover the costs and our services for filing suit.  Thank you for your attention and cooperation in this matter. Complainant advised respondent that this one-third deduction was unacceptable, and complainant's attorney informed respondent by letter that unless the balance of the fee was remitted further action would be taken. Respondent failed to either forward the balance of the fee himself or refer the complainant to his client, Mr. Fredericks, for payment of the outstanding balance. Respondent conceded that he did not at any time purport to represent the complainant and that his November 7, 1980 letter was inartfully drawn. Respondent maintained, however, that at no time did he seek to collect a fee from the complainant and that the settlement figure of $1,000. was disbursed as follows: after deducting costs and a 50% fee, the sum of $160. was paid to Mr. Fredericks and the balance was sent to the complainant. At the hearing, however, respondent admitted that the above figures did not work arithmetically on the basis of a 50% fee and that in fact his fee was slightly over 40%. Respondent further admitted that the amount forwarded to the complainant did represent exactly 66 2/3% of the entire bill. Respondent was unable to explain the discrepancy between the amount of the fee he claimed and the amount he actually took. Respondent was further unable to explain why the wording in his November 7, 1980 letter corresponded exactly with the actual amount of the check forwarded if in fact he was not collecting a fee from complainant.