It’s a shock when you’re hoping for an attorney to take care of your case and later find out that nothing was done right. Whether it’s missed deadlines or the mishandling of your case, it’s important that you get the support you need and are able to have the situation corrected.
When you work with an attorney, you believe that:
- They have the education to represent you
- They have the integrity to handle your case in a timely and professional manner
- They are going to do their best to understand your case and work toward a resolution that benefits you
What you don’t expect is for them to delay conversations with you, to forget to file paperwork or to mishandle your case so badly that you don’t have a chance in court.
What should you do if you believe that you’ve been a victim of legal malpractice?
If you think that you’ve been a victim of legal malpractice, then it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney elsewhere about your options and what they think of the situation. Your attorney will want to review any evidence or supporting documents you have that would help prove your case, too, so remember to keep good documentation. Keep records of things such as:
- The number of times you spoke with your attorney or attempted to get in touch
- The deadline to file your case and the date your attorney filed, if at all
- Proof that the attorney owed you a duty of representation, such as a signed contract
By bringing your case to another attorney, you’ll be able to learn more about how cases should be handled and what you can do if one is handled poorly.