11 You Don't Need These Patients
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Dynamic Chiropractic – September 1, 1992, Vol. 10, Issue 18

You Don't Need These Patients

By Kenneth Satin, JD
As a personal injury lawyer who has referred most clients seeking treatment to doctors of chiropractic, this author has come to the conclusion that there are certain clients/patients who should not be accepted by neither the DC nor the attorney. There are certain "red flags" for problem clients. It is important that the doctor of chiropractic understand these warning signals, because if a lawyer accepts the case and refers that client to a doctor of chiropractic for treatment, and the problems ensue, the DC is invariably involved as well. Here are my conclusions about what clients/patients are more trouble than they are worth:
  1. Clients seeking revenge. Be watchful of the patient/client who indicates something to the effect: "I don't care about the money; I just want to get even." Invariably, those who aren't concerned as much about their health and monetary recovery and who are seeking revenge are the most difficult clients with whom to deal. If the case does not conclude in a manner satisfactory to these clients, a malpractice suit can easily follow.

     

  2. Clients/patients who are overly optimistic. These individuals may not accept anything but optimum results with respect to their health and monetary rewards. When the result is not what was anticipated, trouble usually follows.

     

  3. Clients/patients with extreme financial difficulties. A recent clear liability, rear-end auto accident comes to mind in which the client suffered a serious injury. The threshold question during the initial interview was whether the law firm would loan $8,000. The client was refused. All too often clients such as this lawyer shop, even borrow money from the lawyer, and when the well runs dry they switch attorneys to the next lawyer who is willing to loan additional funds. I have encountered situations in which even the treating chiropractor has loaned significant amounts of money to this type of individual.

     

  4. Clients/patients with unrealistic expectations. The client/patient must realize that neither the patient nor the doctor can guarantee results.

     

  5. Clients/patients who attempt to direct the action. Have you ever encountered a patient who attempted to direct treatment? Similarly, clients such as this attempt to tell the lawyer what to accomplish, i.e., which motions to file, what source of direction the case should take, etc.

     

  6. Clients/patients who are largely ignorant of the legal system. These individuals may not understand that the legal process moves inexorably slow. They must be made to understand that the healing process and legal process take a considerable amount of time.

     

  7. Clients/patients obsessed with charges. If a client/patient is price shopping legal advice or medical care, there may be unrealistic expectations at the time of final distribution. Worst case scenarios must be provided.

     

  8. Clients who are dissatisfied with a previous doctor or attorney. I have encountered cases in which I have been asked to take over as the fourth or fifth attorney. While a client/patient might have an unpleasant experience with one or even two lawyers, if the numbers start adding up to three or four attorneys, warning bells should start ringing.

Kenneth A. Satin, J.D.
Newport Beach, California

Editor's Note:

Mr. Satin's law firm is located at 4000 MacArthur, Suite #950, Newport Beach, CA. 92660 (714) 851-1163. We thank Mr. Satin for providing this series of articles for our readers.

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