Complaint Review: Traut Firm

I have never wanted to write or post anything online. I think this is because I have never experienced something that was so unbelievable that I felt the need to share it to the world. Fortunately I have a forum that will allow me to warn people of the Rip Off tactics, over charging and coursing strategies that are implemented by the Traut Firm in Santa Ana, CA.

When my parents where in a car accident last year, they were injured severely. With not much information of my own, I was scared for them. I search for help and advice. After doing a search in the local area I came across the Traut Firm. The first phone call was nice and Eric Traut lured me in with the ideas of getting justice and the maximum award to cover my parents medical bills and to ease their suffering. I was sort of relieved,  both my parents and I went in for a "Free" consultation.

The attorneys appeared to be nice and they played into this "Were a family business firm" moto and we're here for you. Then the conversation became very aggressive with the need to get my parents healthy. The case appeared to be a clear victory in our favor. Most of the evidence proved that my parents were not at fault. When the conversation came up for the retainer, they mentioned they would allow us to make the minimum payment and would take the rest out of the settlement based on the award. I figured that's how it usually works. Boy was I in for a treat.

What there strategy was included was aggressively signing my parenting into physical therapy multiple days a week, which kept them out in the public constantly. They continued to insist that my parent needed more care and influenced them to request it. This continued for months and months.

Finally after about 6-7 months  of back and forth, they showed us a settlement, that at first glance, would make anyone happy considering all that my parent had been through. We thought all the expenses would be covered, my parents would be compensated for there troubles and we can move forward, was I wrong. When we were presented with the final figures, we were shocked at all the fees we had incurred. Medical bills, therapy bill and lastly attorney fees, Yes the Traut Firm hooked us, and used us to take more than 80% of the award. The disappointment was tremendous and the nice and professional gentlemen, did not have the same empathy for my parents as they once did. Everything was falling into place. They rack up billable hours for both them selves and there physician partners. Once they payments were arranged the Traut Firm had no time, and did feel the need to explain these results, to a very vulnerable family.

In fact, only the last visit to the therapy physician, we spoke to another family that was referred by the same firm to learn that many, many referrals come though the Santa Ana location from the attorney's at the Traut Firm. This was confirmed by the receptionist. I am embarrassed to say what the outcome of the case was and how my parents where used as pawns in this nasty scheme. I would like to warn others out there of the potential out come of there evil esq's. They will charm you, they will look empathetic, and they will say they want justice, but what they really want is all the money you are entitled to, to fill there own sloppy pockets.

Beware of the Traut Firm.

- Concerned Son