Imagine entrusting your most pressing legal matter to a professional, only to have their negligence lead you to the brink of financial ruin. This harsh reality is the consequence of legal malpractice, where a breach of duty results in significant financial loss for the client.
The costs of legal malpractice can manifest in various ways, often far exceeding expenses associated with the case itself. However, some types of malpractice tend to have a higher potential for economic loss. Let’s look at three examples.
Missed critical deadlines
Missing a deadline may sound minor, but what if it costs you your case? Whether failing to file documents on time, not responding to court orders or missing evidentiary deadlines, such mistakes can have serious consequences.
For instance, a missed statute of limitations deadline could permanently bar you from a legitimate claim. That could result in significant losses.
Poor investigation and case preparation
Legal duty extends beyond showing up in court. Attorneys must thoroughly investigate and prepare to maximize the odds of client success. When they neglect this duty, they may overlook vital evidence, misinterpret the law or develop weak arguments.
In complex finance or business cases, insufficient preparation can impact possible financial awards or fail to protect valuable assets.
Fraud or unethical conduct
Intentional misconduct by lawyers can have devastating economic consequences for clients. Outright fraud, misappropriating client funds or concealing conflicts of interest are serious ethical violations that can directly harm clients. For example, embezzling or siphoning client funds could leave them facing financial ruin and struggling to rebuild their lives.
You may be hesitant to test the legal waters again after a negative experience. However, the right representative who cares about getting the outcome you deserve can help turn things around for you.