Attorney malpractice is a serious ethical violation that can cause irreparable damage to an attorney-client relationship. It occurs when an attorney fails to properly represent their client’s interests, misuses or conceals funds, fails to exercise due diligence in handling the case, or breaches the attorney-client privilege. Attorney malpractice can have long-term financial and legal consequences, so it is important to understand the various forms of attorney malpractice that can occur. At Miller Injury Firm, our Nashville lawyers are here to help victims of attorney malpractice. Our practice is committed to holding attorneys accountable for their actions and making sure that our clients receive the maximum compensation possible for attorney malpractice. Learn about some of the common examples of attorney malpractice and contact our personal injury attorney to request a consultation today!
Neglecting a Case
When you hire an attorney, you expect them to act with a reasonable degree of care in handling your case. If an attorney fails to properly investigate the case and present relevant evidence — like missing filing deadlines, failing to keep clients updated on the status of their case, or not following court orders — then that attorney may be found guilty of attorney malpractice. This can lead to attorney sanctions or dismissal of the case, as well as wasted time and money that could have been avoided.
Conflict of Interest
Lawyers are obligated to avoid conflicts of interest when representing a client’s interests. This means they must not represent opposing parties in a single case or place their own interests above those of their clients. A breach of the attorney-client relationship due to a conflict of interest can result in a malpractice claim.
Failing to Disclose Settlements
If an attorney settles a client’s case without disclosing all of the details, it can be grounds for attorney malpractice. The attorney has a fiduciary duty to their clients to provide full and truthful disclosure concerning any settlements that are made. So if they fail to do so, the attorney can be held liable for attorney malpractice.
Misrepresentation or Fraud
An attorney that knowingly misrepresents a client’s case or engages in fraud can be liable for attorney malpractice. Misrepresentation and fraud may include anything from lying to the court about facts of the case to falsifying documents.
See if You Have an Attorney Malpractice Claim Today
At Miller Injury Firm, our experienced Nashville lawyers are here to help you if you have been a victim of attorney malpractice. We understand that attorney malpractice can have serious consequences, and we are committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve. If you live in Murfreesboro, Lebanon, Brentwood, and Nashville, our personal injury lawyers can help. Contact our law firm to see if you have an attorney malpractice claim and to learn more about your legal options!