Recently, State Comptroller Matanyahu Engelman issued a warning about a troubling trend involving lawyers attempting to convince wounded service members to sign representation agreements while they are still in the hospital. These agreements aim to secure rights from the Department of Defense on behalf of the injured individuals. Engelman expressed concern that these soldiers may be pressured into signing these agreements without fully comprehending whether or not legal representation is truly necessary.
The Department of Rehabilitation within the Ministry of Defense has emphasized that wounded military personnel receive all necessary services without charge during their hospitalization and for the first four months following discharge. While it is possible that some individuals may require legal representation during medical commissions after this period, it is important to note that there are strict limitations on the fees that lawyers can charge for representing patients during medical examinations at the National Insurance Institute. However, no such restrictions exist for medical examinations conducted by the Ministry of Defense.
In light of this, the Bar Association has stated its intention to take action against any lawyers who actively approach wounded service members with offers of their services, particularly in a hospital setting. It is essential that these soldiers are given adequate time and information to make informed decisions about their legal representation and receive all necessary services without coercion or pressure from external parties.