If we retain your firm to get my loved one out of a Baker Act facility does that mean we’re getting money?

In this video, I want to talk to you about the Baker Act and what happens once you’re out.

Here’s the sort of scenario, I had a client that I had to represent. I got a call from a panicked family because their loved one was being held in a Baker Act facility. After I was able to secure their loved ones’ release within the same day, they called me up, and they said, “Where’s our money?” And I said, “What do you mean, where’s your money?” They said, “You told us you were going to go to court and get us money.” And I said, “No. First of all, here’s my written agreement. If you hire me, you will have a written agreement with me, which is very specific. If I tell you, I’m going to do X, Y and Z, and I’m going to charge you A, B and C. I’m going to sign my name to that agreement, and you can hold my feet to the fire. That’s the way I do things. I don’t call you the day off; you hire me and ask for more money.”

My written agreement was very specific. It will be transparent with you. When I am filing a lawsuit in court, it will tell you that it is to secure your loved one’s release from involuntary custody at a Baker Act facility. I wanted you to be really clear on this: I’m not suing to get your money. You may not even be entitled to money. I will tell you under Chapter 394, which is the Baker Act statute. There is no right to get you money unless you’ve been physically injured, in which case, you might have a negligence claim or some intentional claim against the facility. Guess what? You’re not getting any money.

I get calls from people who want money all day long, and I wish I could get it for you. If I could, I’d be retired already. When I tell you that I’m going to go to court, I’m going to court to get your loved one’s Liberty back, to get their freedom back. This is not about money, okay? I’m not a lawyer who gets you money. I’m a lawyer who gets your loved one out of the involuntary and illegal imprisonment by a Baker Act facility. So if you’re looking for money, I’m probably not your guy. I get people their freedom back. I get their Liberty back. And if you have questions about that, call me if you have a loved one stuck in a facility. We work seven days a week, 24 hours a day. I’m even going to be working over the coming up holiday.

With that said, take care of yourselves, and until the next video.