When you get a legal professional to help you, you trust that they will act competently and ethically on your behalf. While this is mostly the case, numerous clients are victims of legal malpractice, which can be devastating both financially and emotionally.
Understanding how legal malpractice happens is crucial for clients to recognize red flags and take action to protect themselves. Signs that your attorney may be engaging in legal malpractice include the following.
Missed deadlines
If your attorney consistently fails to meet important deadlines such as filing motions, responding to court orders or submitting required documents, it can seriously jeopardize your case and harm your legal interests. Missed deadlines can lead to sanctions, dismissal of your case or missed opportunities for legal recourse.
Settlement pressure
If you notice that your attorney is aggressively pushing you to accept a settlement offer without fully explaining the implications or exploring alternative options, it could be a sign that they are more concerned with their own interests such as avoiding the effort of going to trial or collecting their fees quickly, rather than prioritizing your best interests. Accepting an inadequate settlement can result in you receiving less compensation than you deserve or waiving important legal rights.
Lack of communication
You are entitled to regular and accurate communication from your attorney regarding the progress of your case, important developments and any decisions that need to be made. If your attorney consistently fails to keep you informed, ignores your calls or emails or provides vague or evasive responses to your inquiries, it can leave you feeling frustrated, anxious and uncertain about the status of your legal matter.
If you suspect your attorney is engaging in legal malpractice, it’s crucial to gather evidence, seek guidance from another legal professional and consider taking appropriate action to protect your rights and interests.