When one is facing time in a Tennessee court for any reason, they understandably want someone trustworthy by their side. Whether one is facing criminal charges, or dealing with some other legal matter, having an attorney present should provide one with peace of mind that there is someone in their corner. But when one is misrepresented by their attorney, the repercussions can be serious. For those who are concerned about such a matter, understanding the difference between a mistake and legal malpractice is important.
Legal malpractice is more than a simple mistake
Everyone makes mistakes while working and attorneys are no exception. But legal malpractice goes beyond making mistakes. Legal malpractice happens when an attorney does not provide representation that meets acceptable standards. This could involve acts or omissions, depending on the circumstances.
Legal malpractice may involve an attorney not filing court documents or otherwise mishandling evidence. Conflicts of interest and failing to meet a deadline may also be considered malpractice. To prove a legal malpractice case, one must show that they were harmed because of the attorney’s actions and that the attorney failed to follow accepted standards of conduct. This may be negligent or even intentional.
Filing a civil case for legal malpractice
A victim of legal malpractice may be hesitant to work with another attorney after being wronged. But when one suffers from legal malpractice, the ramifications can cause personal and professional problems. Tennesseans who believe they were injured due to legal malpractice can benefit from speaking with an attorney who has experience in dealing with such complicated cases.