When you hire a lawyer for any reason, you expect to receive professional and competent representation. Unfortunately, just like everyone else, lawyers can make mistakes.
In some situations, though, the mistake will be so egregious that the lawyer breaches the standard of care they owe you (and all clients). If this happens and you suffer harm, filing a legal malpractice claim may be possible.
Learn more about legal malpractice and the mistakes that can lead to a claim here.
1. Case management negligence
Examples of case management negligence include things like the following:
- Incomplete research
- Not filling out the required documents
- Missed deadlines
The errors may hurt your case and the ability to receive a favorable outcome. In these situations, filing a legal malpractice lawsuit may be possible.
2. No communication
Communication is key when dealing with any legal issue. If you are not informed of what is happening or if your calls and messages are not returned, this may be a case of legal malpractice.
3. Conflicts of interest
It is required that a lawyer disclose a conflict of interest in your case if one exists. It may result in a malpractice claim if they do not tell you about this. This is especially the case if the conflict of interest impacts the outcome of your case in some way.
4. Incompetence
It is wise to research your legal representation options before hiring someone. If a lawyer lacks the skills or ability to represent your case, it can lead to errors that cause a negative outcome. If this happens, it is another situation where you can file a legal malpractice claim.
While lawyers are supposed to take steps to avoid these issues, it does not always happen. Do you believe you have experienced legal malpractice? If so, knowing your rights and options to file a claim is important.