Handling the P.I. Case

1. Handling the P.I. Case Attorney’s Role

2. The P.I. Case • No “cappers” or “ambulance chasing” • The initial interview • Determine factual basis for cause of action • Not always possible • Names/info re witnesses • Insurance information (P and D) • Injury information • Retainer Agreement/Letter • Must be in writing • Set out scope of representation • Establish attorney fees • Establish liability for costs • Written summary of interview

3. The P.I. Case cont. • Completing the initial interview • Advice/information to client • Calendaring (tickling) for SOL and other dates • Letter to D’s insurance (or to D if insurance unknown) • If D has no insurance, then verify U.M. coverage • Investigation • Sometimes private investigators • Obtain copies of police reports • Interview witnesses • Locate other witnesses? • Relevant photographs • Google searches? (i.e. NTSB/NHTSB)

4. The P.I. Case cont. • When medical treatment ends, settlement negotiations • Demand letter • Informal face to face negotiation • Settlement • Compromise and Release (C and R) • Settlement check • Trust account issues • Disbursement: Liens, attorney fees and costs, client

5. Issues with a Minor Plaintiff • Court approval required for • Attorney fees (generally limited) • Settlement (Minor’s Compromise) • Judicial Council Form • Often court hearing required

6. Litigation • File/present all claims • File Complaint • Optional Judicial Council Forms • Auto Accidents, Product Liability, Premises Liability, General Negligence • County where accident happened or defendant resides • Prayer • Issues with a Minor Plaintiff: Petition for Guardian ad Litem • Have Summons Issued

7. Service • Personal • Substituted • Acknowledgement and Waiver • Publication • Out of State

8. Responsive Pleadings • Answer • Optional Judicial Council Form • Demurrer • Motions • Time for Response

9. Discovery: CCP 2016 et seq. • Interrogatories: Judicial Council Form • Demand for Production/Inspection • Depositions • Party or Non Party • Records • Demand for Medical Exam • Request for Admissions: Judicial Council Form • Exchange of Expert Information

10. Discovery—Limited Jurisdiction • CCP §94 • Combination of 35 Interrogatories, Demands to Produce and Admissions • One deposition • Med Exam and Expert Disclosure • Case Questionnaire • Request for Statement Identifying Witnesses and Evidence

11. Pre Trial Proceedings • Alternative Dispute Resolution (Arbitration, Mediation, UNE etc.) • Case Management Conferences • Settlement Conferences • CCP 998 Offers

12. Pre trial motions • Summary Judgment Motion (CCP 437c) • Common defense motion • “plaintiff can’t prove case”

13. Trial Procedures • Trial Notebook • Prepare proposed jury instructions • (CACI—www.courts.ca.gov) • Subpoena witnesses • Subpoena documents • Notify Experts

14. Post Trial Procedures • Motions • New Trial; Judgment N.O.V.; Additur, Remittitur • Collection • Appeal

15. Litigation Alternatives • Binding Arbitration • U.M. • Agreement • Many medical practitioners include in forms • American Arbitration Association

16. http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Videos/index.html