A message for all in the workers' compensation legal community:
I have noticed an alarming lack of civility in recent months in the comp community. It is obvious that at least some of it is related to the statutory changes. However it would seem that as a community we need to realize that whether we have an advantage or not in certain cases should not dictate our behavior. It also seems like both sides need to be mindful of the other.
Defense attorneys need to understand that applicant attorneys are struggling with the pd schedule and with getting their clients the proper treatment, and perhaps getting less in fees doing more work. Applicant attorneys need to understand that as defense attorneys we are getting more edicts from our clients, getting less per hour, doing it with less staff and putting in more hours.
It is difficult to give specific examples because taken individually, a small example doesn't carry much weight. But when the same thing happens over and over, it gets alarming. Accommodating scheduling is one example. Sarcastic letters is another. And yes, I am not blameless. But perhaps in this season of hope and joy, we as a community can think about how we treat each other, and remember that there is no greater gift than to be respectful of yourself, and respectful of others. For when it is all over, we are each and every one of us a human being with feelings, families, aspirations and dreams.
Again, I didn't know how to approach this, but it would seem we need to remember that when the case is over [we should still be able to be on a first-name basis] rather than fight to the death and have hard feelings after.
Feel free to disseminate this however you like. I am not ashamed of it, and grant you authority to use my name in conjunction therewith.
Wishing you and your family a joyous and safe holiday.
Regards, Christopher M. Galichon
Law Office of Christopher M. Galichon
- Help for the Injured Worker
