Don’t let yourself fall prey to unethical lawyers, their “investigators,” or illegal service providers. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, at work, or in a slip and fall incident—or if you’ve suffered the loss of a loved one—you might encounter individuals attempting to persuade you to engage a law firm.

This type of solicitation, often referred to as barratry, is illegal in most instances. Barratry subjects you to undue pressure during what is already a stressful time. Lawyers engaging in barratry risk losing their bar license and facing criminal charges—yet some still engage in this unethical practice.

Pound Law That’s All believes in providing trustworthy legal representation. We are one of the most experienced and respected personal injury law firms in Atlanta. If you’ve been the victim of an unethical lawyer, we can assist you. We may be able to help you obtain a full refund of all fees you paid to your previous lawyer, and we can help you pursue the full financial settlement you’re entitled to.

Are You a Victim of Barratry?

Many accident victims have already been scammed by illegal solicitation without even realizing it. You may be a victim of barratry if any of the following has happened to you:

• Did someone approach you at your loved one’s funeral, claiming to be an attorney or representing one, and pressure you to sign a contract while you were still grieving?
• Did someone approach you while you were in the hospital, claiming to be an “investigator” or service provider, and ask questions about your injuries?
• Did a police officer at the accident scene convince you to call a lawyer or pressure you to hire a particular attorney?
• Did a tow truck driver or car mechanic persuade you to call an attorney, recommending a specific law office?

Real lawyers do not offer gifts, signup incentives, or “bonus money” to attract clients. They do not hire telemarketers to call accident victims uninvited, nor do they approach individuals at sensitive times following an accident.

Georgia’s Law on Illegal Solicitation

Lawyers in Georgia are required to wait 30 days from the time of an accident before contacting someone who is not a client of theirs. Soliciting a stranger before this time has elapsed constitutes illegal solicitation, punishable by both the State Bar of Georgia and Georgia state law.

The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 16-10-95 states:

• A lawyer cannot solicit you within 30 days of your accident, nor can they use coercive or deceptive tactics, regardless of the time that has passed.
• All written communications from lawyers to non-clients must be marked as “ADVERTISEMENT.”
• Lawyers cannot pay someone to act as a “runner” and solicit clients. Any arrangement involving commission, bonus, kickback, gift, or payment of any kind violates ethics rules.
• Lawyers cannot telemarket or engage in in-person solicitation unless you have already sought their advice.
• A lawyer cannot accept a client or a case if they have reason to believe the above illegal activities were involved.

Lawyers who violate these rules risk being disbarred, losing their license to practice law. Additionally, since 2014, lawyers practicing barratry can face felony charges, fines of up to $100,000, imprisonment, and may be required to refund all fees paid by clients.

You Can Get Your Money Back

Barratry represents a conflict of interest and undermines the integrity of the legal system. If you suspect you’ve been a victim of illegal solicitation, you are entitled to a full refund of any fees paid to your previous lawyer. You have the right to:

• Keep any settlement you’ve already won and receive a full refund of lawyer fees.
• Transfer your case to a legitimate law firm, which can help you obtain the settlement you deserve while ensuring you owe nothing to your previous lawyer.

In some cases, you may also recover damages for emotional pain and suffering caused by the previous lawyer’s misconduct.

Talk to a Trustworthy Personal Injury Lawyer in Georgia for Free

If you believe you’ve been the victim of illegal solicitation, it’s essential to seek guidance from a reputable personal injury lawyer. Pound Law That’s All is committed to providing compassionate and ethical legal representation. Contact us for a free consultation to learn more about your rights and options.