Ohio Ambulance Chaser Ban Fails; Court Rejects Limit On When Lawyers Can Solicit Clients
The Ohio Supreme Court has scrapped a proposed ban on "ambulance chaser" attorneys by rejecting a limit on when lawyers can solicit clients. Ironically, the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers supported the proposed ban. Those opposed to the ban said insurance companies can and do contact accident victims to pressure them to settle claims, while others claim victims need speedy legal assistance. In a letter, Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer wrote that justices had decided against prohibiting lawyers from soliciting accident victims in part because of such arguments. Moyer noted his own disagreement with the decision. The Academy of Trial Lawyers said the ban would have held attorneys to a "higher standard of ethical integrity." (Columbus Dispatch, 9/1)
The initial contact with the patient is usually through your receptionist. This employee should be well-coached as to the limitations on information that can be conveyed. An example of this might be: avoid discussing aspects of a procedure that would be better left to you, as the physician.
