I want to say that I would do it and bill afterwords.
But. When this situation came up at the law office I would usually require a retainer up front if I had any question of the client's ability or desire to pay. Burned too many times. Our policy was to require a retainer for most new clients and to have a fee agreement in any event. I did some work for free but I wanted to chose what I would do for free. Of course, they weren't in the hospital either.
EDIT: posted before I read Meadbh's post with the facts.
But. When this situation came up at the law office I would usually require a retainer up front if I had any question of the client's ability or desire to pay. Burned too many times. Our policy was to require a retainer for most new clients and to have a fee agreement in any event. I did some work for free but I wanted to chose what I would do for free. Of course, they weren't in the hospital either.
EDIT: posted before I read Meadbh's post with the facts.
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