PRESS RELEASE

Joey McCutchen
(479) 806-4878

Today, Sebastian County District Court Judge Amy Grimes delivered a guilty verdict against Leigh Ann “Annie” Saffer and David Saffer for the unauthorized practice of law. The charges stem from the Saffers misrepresenting themselves as “Accident Specialists” and exploiting victims seeking assistance after car accidents.

The Saffers, who own “Accident Claims Specialists,” (1122 S Waldron Rd, Fort Smith) solicit business on behalf of chiropractors under false pretenses. The Saffers initially scour local police reports for car accident victims. They then repeatedly contact victims and present themselves as legal experts capable of interpreting legal documentation and negotiating with insurance companies. Victims are then directed to a chiropractor in exchange for a referral fee.

The Saffers frequently solicit business for “Arkansas Chiropractic Group,” located at 1301 S. Waldron Road in Fort Smith. The Saffers office is conveniently located across the street from the Arkansas Chiropractic Group office. Several victims testified in trial that they were repeatedly solicited by the Saffers, who offered them unauthorized legal advice on how to handle their personal injury claims. Judge Grimes ruled that the Saffers actions constitute the unauthorized practice of law. They face a Class-D felony if they engage in the unauthorized practice of law in the future.

Fort Smith Attorney Joey McCutchen stated, “This verdict sends a powerful message that deceptive practices targeting injury victims will not be tolerated in our community. This is a widespread problem across the state that needs to be stopped.”

McCutchen added, “We urge individuals who have been approached by the Saffers or anyone else engaged in similar activities to come forward and contact the prosecuting attorney’s office.”

Joey McCutchen
Trial Lawyer