You can't trust your Lawyer...

Apparently, you can't trust your lawyer...if you live in the State of Massachusetts.

In December 2007, a new directive by the Massachusetts State Insurance Commissioner went into effect directing insurance companies doing business in that State to notify consumers when settlement checks of at least $5,000 have been sent to their lawyers.

This new rule was meant to prevent a lawyer from stealing settlement money from their client, often after the lawyer resolved a legal claim without their client's knowledge or forging the client's signature on a settlement check.  Fortunately, these types of lawyers are few in number - - but enough to give the Insurance Commissioner concern, and the profession a bad image.

Apparently, you can't trust your lawyer...if you live in the States of Connecticut and Rhode Island, either, because those States have similar laws.

Opponents to the new Massachusetts ruling argued that having such a ruling gives the public the unfair perception that many lawyers are dishonest; however, they were out numbered.

What is the old saying about, "A few bad apples..." ?