Patrick J. Perotti, Partner
Truth in settlement means you actually pay the agreed amount rather than having it revert back to the defendant a year later.
Painesville, Ohio (PRWEB) January 31, 2013
The law firm of Dworken & Bernstein Co., L.P.A. and partner Patrick J. Perotti continue to fight the good fight. Class Action Attorney Patrick Perotti made a discovery around 6 years ago that changed the course of all his settlements. And local charities are grateful he did. In 2012 alone, Mr. Perotti and Dworken & Bernstein have distributed $1,595,331 in unclaimed funds to local charities such as The American Heart Association, NE Autism, Shoes & Clothes for Kids, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital Pediatric Plastic Surgery Department, Menorah Park, One Sight and countless others.
In a settlement, both sides reach an amount of compensation which they agree is fair. "A settlement is an agreement which has terms that are presented to the court,” explained Patrick J. Perotti, Managing Partner of the Class Action and Employment Group of Dworken & Bernstein. “The parties gain the court’s approval based on the agreed terms. Truth in settlement means you actually pay the agreed amount, rather than having it revert back to the defendant a year later. Demanding a cy pres provision in the settlement agreement makes the full payment happen, and makes the process transparent and honest.” Mr. Perotti typically will not settle a case without a cy pres provision. “Not all cases have leftover funds, but when they do, Dworken & Bernstein wants them distributed ‘as nearly as possible' to the intended benefit."
To date, over 187 charities throughout the state have shared over $25 million dollars in unclaimed funds. In some cases, certain charities where within weeks of having to close their doors due to the economy and budget cuts. To see a complete list of charities and read about what cy pres is and can do, visit their website http://www.ohiolawyersgiveback.org.
Dworken & Bernstein Co., L.P.A. is the largest law firm in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula Counties, Ohio with additional offices in downtown Cleveland. Serving the community for over 50 years, Dworken & Bernstein and its 27 lawyers and staff of 65 offers a full range of legal services for businesses, individuals, and families.
Further information about Dworken & Bernstein Co., L.P.A. can be found at http://www.dworkenlaw.com or Ohio Lawyers Give Back at http://www.ohiolawyersgiveback.org.
