When a person is faced with the possibility of having to retain the services of an attorney, it’s frequently because certain traumatic events have transpired that are damaging from either from a financial or a medical perspective. Indeed, it’s not uncommon for this underlying trauma to be so acute that many obviously injured individuals actually feel reluctant about the prospect of meeting with an attorney, which would require them to essentially relive the incident.
When people in these situations are finally able to put aside their reservations and meet with an attorney, it’s not uncommon for them to experience a sense of great relief. That’s because they know that their case is now in the hands of a qualified and competent legal professional whom they trust will do everything in their power to protect their best interests and pursue justice.
What happens, however, when this trust is violated and the opportunities to pursue justice vanish because the attorney has missed the statute of limitations?
In other words, what happens when the deadline established by state law for filing a civil lawsuit relating to some underlying wrong passes, such that the person is barred from pursuing redress in a court of law?
For example, can the attorney be held liable for missing Florida’s four-year statute of limitations on negligence claims after failing to conduct a proper investigation uncovering all defendants?
Or can the attorney be held liable for missing Florida’s two-year statute of limitations on professional liability claims after wasting precious time suing the wrong defendant?
The good news is that attorneys who miss the statute of limitations can indeed be held liable for their negligence.
At St. Denis & Davey, we have the experience, skill, resources and willingness needed to hold negligent attorneys accountable for any and all forms for legal malpractice, including missed statutes of limitations.
To learn more about our unique approach in these types of cases, please visit our website.