What Is a Legal Letter of Representation?
A legal letter of representation is also known as a claim letter, and it is sent by a lawyer to the person accused in a personal injury case. The lawyer sends it to the person accused of causing personal injury, or defendant, on behalf of the client who suffered the injury.
A claim letter or letter of representation is not sent immediately in medical negligence cases. Lawyers have to evaluate and investigate medical records before sending any claim letter, as reported by the Schitt Law firm. They always investigate medical records provided by the client; they do not seek medical records from the doctor or hospital before sending a claim letter.
The significance of the claim letter is that it informs the defendant that all communications will be routed through the lawyer. Clients are advised not to communicate with the defendants directly should they contact them after receipt of a claim letter. Lawyers discuss a settlement only after a defendant gathers sufficient information about a claim.
The defendant generally contacts his or her insurance company for protection, and settlement claims are handled by insurance companies on behalf of defendants. Defendants who do not notify their insurance companies about claims are disclaimed with regard to the personal injury. Surveillance tapes are considered critical evidence and in the case of accidents, defendants may seek such evidence to settle the claim.
