PI- Representing my spouse. What effect?

[Yuke]

What is the name of your state? CA

I'm an attorney who practices IP. I'm fairly familiar with PI as I have gone to hearings, and performed discovery in PI cases a few times. My wife is now hurt and I am concerned how my personal representation would affect settlement negotiations. Should this go to litigation, I would have bring in a trial attorney.

I have no idea what the policy limit of the other party is, which is why I want to continue representation and limit support from other counsel. If the policy limit is low, I feel we can pop the policy. If the policy limit is high, then this case will likely go to trial or settle on the eve of trial.

The injuries to my wife involve arthroscopic surgery to the knee, and lifelong pain requiring medication to control moderate pain with medical expense to date of $23k.

Thanks in advance!

Yuke

 

[stephenk]

Have you asked the carrier to reveal the policy limits? If they refuse the actual $$ amount, the adjuster may hint if they have a minimum policy or "that they have sufficient coverage in light of the claimed injuries".'

Representing your wife doesn't affect the value of the case or how the carrier negotiates.

Just be sure to present your wife's injury claim and future damages as soon as possible. If she needs knee surgery and the need arises from the accident, the carrier may just offer the policy if it is $50k or less.