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Know Your Rights

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★★★★★

We absolutely can’t thank you enough.

Powers & Santola was so knowledgeable and caring. I was so very fortunate to find such a great law firm.

- John

New York Attorneys
for Clients’ and Patients’ Rights

The Albany law firm of Powers & Santola, LLP., is dedicated to protecting the rights of patients, workers and individual clients who have suffered due to the negligent, reckless or wrongful acts of another.

Statement of Client’s Rights

  • You are entitled to be treated with courtesy and consideration at all times by your lawyer and the other lawyers and personnel in your lawyer’s office.
  • You are entitled to an attorney capable of handling your legal matter competently and diligently, in accordance with the highest standards of the profession. If you are not satisfied with how your matter is being handled, you have the right to withdraw from the attorney-client relationship at any time (court approval may be required in some matters and your attorney may have a claim against you for the value of services rendered to you up to the point of discharge).
  • You are entitled to your lawyer’s independent professional judgment and undivided loyalty uncompromised by conflicts of interest.
  • You are entitled to be charged a reasonable fee and to have your lawyer explain at the outset how the fee will be computed and the manner and frequency of billing. You are entitled to request and receive a written itemized bill from your attorney at reasonable intervals. You may refuse to enter into any fee arrangement that you find unsatisfactory. In the event of a fee dispute, you may have the right to seek arbitration; your attorney will provide you with the necessary information regarding arbitration in the event of a fee dispute, or upon your request.
  • You are entitled to have your questions and concerns addressed in a prompt manner and to have your telephone calls returned promptly.
  • You are entitled to be kept informed as to the status of your matter and to request and receive copies of papers. You are entitled to sufficient information to allow you to participate meaningfully in the development of your matter.
  • You are entitled to have your legitimate objectives respected by your attorney, including whether or not to settle your matter (court approval of a settlement is required in some matters).
  • You have the right to privacy in your dealings with your lawyer and to have your secrets and confidences preserved to the extent permitted by law.
  • You are entitled to have your attorney conduct himself or herself ethically in accordance with the Code of Professional Responsibility.
  • You may not be refused representation on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.

Section 1210.1 of the Joint Rules of the Appellate Division (22NYCRR§1210.1).

Statement of Client’s Responsibilities

Reciprocal trust, courtesy and respect are the hallmarks of the attorney-client relationship. Within that relationship, the client looks to the attorney for expertise, education, sound judgment, protection, advocacy and representation. These expectations can be achieved only if the client fulfills the following responsibilities:

  • The client is expected to treat the lawyer and the lawyer’s staff with courtesy and consideration.
  • The client’s relationship with the lawyer must be one of complete candor and the lawyer must be apprised of all facts or circumstances of the matter being handled by the lawyer even if the client believes that those facts may be detrimental to the client’s cause or unflattering to the client.
  • The client must honor the fee arrangement as agreed to with the lawyer, in accordance with law.
  • All bills for services rendered which are tendered to the client pursuant to the agreed upon fee arrangement should be paid promptly.
  • The client may withdraw from the attorney-client relationship, subject to financial commitments under the agreed to fee arrangement, and, in certain circumstances, subject to court approval.
  • Although the client should expect that his or her correspondence, telephone calls and other communications will be answered within a reasonable time frame, the client should recognize that the lawyer has other clients equally demanding of the lawyer’s time and attention.
  • The client should maintain contact with the lawyer, promptly notify the lawyer of any change in telephone number or address and respond promptly to a request by the lawyer for information and cooperation.
  • The client must realize that the lawyer need respect only legitimate objectives of the client and that the lawyer will not advocate or propose positions which are unprofessional or contrary to law or the Lawyer’s Code of Professional Responsibility.
  • The lawyer may be unable to accept a case if the lawyer has previous professional commitments which will result in inadequate time being available for the proper representation of a new client.
  • A lawyer is under no obligation to accept a client if the lawyer determines that the cause of the client is without merit, a conflict of interest would exist or that a suitable working relationship with the client is not likely.

This is an informational statement adopted by the NY State Bar Association.

Patients’ Bill of Rights

As a patient in a hospital in New York State, you have the right, consistent with law, to:

  • Understand and use these rights. If for any reason you do not understand or you need help, the hospital MUST provide assistance, including an interpreter.
  • Receive treatment without discrimination as to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or source of payment.
  • Receive considerate and respectful care in a clean and safe environment free of unnecessary restraints.
  • Receive emergency care if you need it.
  • Be informed of the name and position of the doctor who will be in charge of your care in the hospital.
  • Know the names, positions and functions of any hospital staff involved in your care and refuse their treatment, examination or observation.
  • A no smoking room.
  • Receive complete information about your diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
  • Receive all the information that you need to give informed consent for any proposed procedure or treatment. This information shall include the possible risks and benefits of the procedure or treatment.
  • Receive all the information you need to give informed consent for an order not to resuscitate. You also have the right to designate an individual to give this consent for you if you are too ill to do so. If you would like additional information, please ask for a copy of the pamphlet “Do Not Resuscitate Orders — A Guide for Patients and Families.”
  • Refuse treatment and be told what effect this may have on your health.
  • Refuse to take part in research. In deciding whether or not to participate, you have the right to a full explanation.
  • Privacy while in the hospital and confidentiality of all information and records regarding your care.
  • Participate in all decisions about your treatment and discharge from the hospital. The hospital must provide you with a written discharge plan and written description of how you can appeal your discharge.
  • Review your medical record without charge. Obtain a copy of your medical record for which the hospital can charge a reasonable fee. You cannot be denied a copy solely because you cannot afford to pay.
  • Receive an itemized bill and explanation of all charges.
  • Complain without fear of reprisals about the care and services you are receiving and to have the hospital respond to you and if you request it, a written response. If you are not satisfied with the hospital’s response, you can complain to the New York State Health Department. The hospital must provide you with the Health Department telephone number.
  • Authorize those family members and other adults who will be given priority to visit consistent with your ability to receive visitors.
  • Make known your wishes in regard to anatomical gifts. You may document your wishes in your health care proxy or on a donor card, available from the hospital.

Public Health Law( PHL) 2803 (1)( g) Patient’s Rights, 10NYCRR, 405.7,405.7( a)( 1), 405.7(c)

Federal Patients’ Bill of Rights

  • Information Disclosure
    You have the right to receive accurate and easily understood information about your health plan, health care professionals, and health care facilities. If you speak another language, have a physical or mental disability, or just don’t understand something, assistance will be provided so you can make informed health care decisions.
  • Choice of Providers and Plans
    You have the right to a choice of health care providers that is sufficient to provide you with access to appropriate high-quality health care.
  • Access to Emergency Services
    If you have sever pain, an injury, or sudden illness that convinces you that your health is in serious jeopardy, you have the right to receive screening and stabilization emergency services whenever and wherever needed, without prior authorization or financial penalty.
  • Participation in Treatment Decisions
    You have the right to know all your treatment options and to participate in decisions about your care. Parents, guardians, family members, or other individuals that you designate can represent you if you cannot make your own decisions.
  • Respect and Nondiscrimination
    You have a right to considerate, respectful and nondiscriminatory care from your doctors, health plan representatives, and other health care providers.
  • Confidentiality of Health Information
    You have the right to talk in confidence with health care providers and to have your health care information protected. You also have the right to review and copy your own medical record and request that your physician amend your record if it is not accurate, relevant, or complete.
  • Complaints and Appeals
    You have the right to a fair, fast, and objective review of any compliant you have against your health plan, doctors, hospitals or other health care personnel. This includes complaints about waiting times, operating hours, the conduct of health care personnel, and the adequacy of health care facilities.

Contact Powers & Santola, LLP.

To discuss your rights and legal options in pursuing full and fair financial compensation for the injury or loss you have suffered as a result of medical malpractice, workplace negligence or a motor vehicle accident, please contact the attorneys of Powers & Santola, LLP., today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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