I think the lawyer leaped before thinking or investigating. (just as bad) He must have had a slow month. It may also be that when all the information came in, he was stuck and read his client the riot act. Not defending him. Just trying to figure out what he was thinking as a lawyer beyond mere money.
If Battle's story was real, there would be a real case for a lost vs found property. It would be an interesting negotiable instruments case. He should have investigated teh story better. He should also have been a better reader of his client.
It would be an interesting negotiable instruments case. Not at all. A lottery ticket is a bearer instrument until it is signed.
The Texas Lottery says it right on the back of the ticket:
"Unsigned tickets could be claimed by whoever possess the ticket."
I presume the Ohio lottery is similar. If so, the attorney should be disciplined by the state bar association for even taking the case.