State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman has warned about a concerning trend in which lawyers are approaching wounded service members in hospital rooms, urging them to sign representation agreements on the spot to obtain rights from the Department of Defense. Engelman expressed concern that these wounded individuals are being pressured into signing agreements without fully understanding if legal representation is necessary.
The Department of Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Defense has emphasized that wounded military personnel are provided with all necessary services free of charge during their hospitalization and for the first four months of rehabilitation after being discharged. It is only after this period that some individuals may require legal representation during medical commissions.
It is important to note that there are strict limitations on the fees that lawyers can receive for representing patients during medical examinations at the National Insurance Institute, but no such restrictions exist for medical examinations at the Ministry of Defense.
In response to these concerns, the Bar Association has stated that it will take action against lawyers who proactively approach wounded service members in hospitals with offers of their services.
This warning from the State Comptroller highlights the need for greater awareness and protection for wounded service members as they navigate legal and representation issues during their recovery and rehabilitation. It is important for individuals in these situations to fully understand their rights and options before entering into any legal agreements.