Recently, State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman issued a warning about a concerning phenomenon involving lawyers approaching wounded service members in hospital rooms and persuading them to sign representation agreements on the spot. This is done with the intention of obtaining rights from the Department of Defense. According to Engelman, he expressed concern that these wounded individuals are being persuaded to sign agreements without fully understanding whether representation is truly necessary.
The Department of Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Defense has emphasized that wounded military personnel receive all necessary services free of charge during their hospitalization and for the first four months of rehabilitation after hospitalization. Only after this period might some individuals require representation during medical commissions. It is important to note that the law imposes strict limitations on the fees that lawyers can receive for representing patients during medical examinations at the National Insurance Institute. However, no such restrictions exist for medical examinations at the Ministry of Defense.
The Bar Association has stated its intention to take action against lawyers who actively approach wounded service members with offers of their services, particularly if done so in a hospital setting. The association believes that it is unethical for lawyers to exploit vulnerable individuals who may not fully understand their legal rights or options.
It is important for wounded military personnel and their families to be aware of their legal rights and options when it comes to representation during medical commissions. They should carefully consider whether they need legal representation and seek out reputable attorneys who have experience in this area. The Bar Association encourages anyone who has been approached by a lawyer in a hospital setting to contact them immediately for guidance and assistance.
In conclusion, while there are strict limitations on the fees that lawyers can receive for representing patients during medical examinations at the National Insurance Institute, no such restrictions exist for medical examinations at the Ministry of Defense. It is crucial that wounded military personnel are aware of their legal rights and options when it comes to representation during medical commissions, especially when approached by lawyers in a hospital setting.