Legal Malpractice Lawyers in Vero Beach, FL Representing the Victims of Legal Negligence and Misconduct
Legal malpractice occurs when an attorney fails to exercise a duty of care in handling legal matters for clients in a professional capacity. Additionally, legal malpractice may occur if the lawyer fails in their legal obligation to practice per the rules outlined in the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct.
If you feel you are the victim of legal malpractice, one of the first steps you must take to protect your interests is to consult a legal malpractice lawyer who can assist you in solving your issues.
At the Grall Law Group, PA, our legal malpractice lawyers understand that placing your trust in another law firm may be difficult. However, we have a solid reputation and proven track record of being able to assist clients in getting the results they intended from the initial legal representative.
Contact our law firm and ask to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
What are Some Examples of Legal Malpractice?
When a client hires an attorney, they trust that individual to carry out their legal needs in a timely and professional manner. Failure to perform these trusted duties can be considered legal malpractice. Some of the most commonly reported issues regarding legal malpractice include:
- Fraud or negligence
- Not communicating with a client
- Failing to meet court deadlines
- Conflict of interest
- Not properly obtaining client consent when necessary
- Theft or misuse of a client’s trust fund
- Failing to follow court orders
- Failing to file a claim within the statute of limitations
- Failure to provide necessary information to a client regarding settling a claim
In addition, if an attorney fails to perform discovery or commits drafting errors within legal documents, they may also be guilty of legal malpractice. If you have experienced any of the above-listed issues with an attorney, contact the Grall Law Group, PA to speak with an experienced member of our legal team who can advise you on what steps you must take to resolve your problem.
Can I File a Lawsuit Against an Attorney For Legal Malpractice?
If you feel you have been the victim of legal malpractice, you have the right to file a lawsuit to recover damages. Many individuals hesitate at the thought of filing a lawsuit against an attorney for a variety of reasons.
However, if a legal professional has failed to live up to their professional responsibilities they must be held accountable for their actions or inactions.
Filing a legal malpractice lawsuit can be a challenging process and not a task you would want to try and complete on your own. Therefore, contact our law firm in Vero Beach, FL, and ask for more information on how we can assist you in filing a lawsuit against a lawyer who has not followed the state rules that dictate professional conduct.
How Do I Prove Legal Malpractice in Florida?
To win a Florida legal malpractice claim, specific legal criteria must be present to prove they committed legal malpractice. This includes:
- The attorney owed you, the client, a duty of care.
- The attorney breached the duty of care through misconduct or negligence
- The breach of the duty of care caused you financial harm
- The financial losses you suffered as a result of the breach of care may be compensated
If these factors are present in your situation, you may be eligible to recover financial compensation for damages. Our legal malpractice lawyers will gladly review the facts and circumstances surrounding your case and determine if filing a claim is appropriate.
Why Should I Trust Your Law Firm to Help Me With My Legal Malpractice Case?
Our legal malpractice lawyers fully understand why you may be distrustful of allowing another law firm to handle issues related to legal malpractice. Nevertheless, the Grall Law Group, PA, has a proven track record of successfully winning compensation for our clients.
Some of the most commonly awarded damages we have been able to recover for clients include:
- Economic losses related to the legal malpractice
- Lost wages if it was necessary to take time off from work to try and resolve legal issues
- Emotional trauma you may have experienced.
Our law firm is honored to have served the citizens of Vero Beach and the surrounding areas of Indian River County for over 30 years. We are dedicated to ensuring that our client’s legal needs are met with a high level of professionalism.
Contact our law offices by calling 772-569-0000 and asking to schedule a free initial consultation.
FAQs for Legal Malpractice Victims in Florida
- What is legal malpractice?
- Legal malpractice occurs when an attorney fails to provide competent and professional legal services, resulting in harm or damage to the client.
- How do I know if I am a victim of legal malpractice?
- You may be a victim if your attorney’s actions or inactions caused you to lose your case, suffer financial harm, or miss important deadlines.
- What are common examples of legal malpractice?
- Examples include missed filing deadlines, conflicts of interest, inadequate investigation, failure to communicate, and breach of confidentiality.
- Can I sue my attorney for legal malpractice in Florida?
- Yes, you can sue your negligent lawyer if you can prove that their negligence directly caused you harm or financial loss.
- What do I need to prove in a legal malpractice case?
- You must prove that there was an attorney-client relationship, the attorney breached their duty of care, and this breach caused you harm.
- How long do I have to file a legal malpractice lawsuit in Florida?
- In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a legal malpractice claim is generally two years from the date you discovered or should have discovered the malpractice.
- What damages can I recover in a legal malpractice case?
- You may recover damages for financial losses, lost opportunities, and, in some cases, emotional distress caused by the attorney’s negligence.
- How do I choose a legal malpractice attorney?
- Look for an attorney with experience in legal malpractice cases, a strong track record, and positive client reviews. A consultation can help you assess their suitability.
- What should I bring to my initial consultation with a legal malpractice attorney?
- Bring all relevant documents, including correspondence with your former attorney, court filings, contracts, and any evidence of the attorney’s negligence.
- Can I get a second opinion on my legal malpractice claim?
- Yes, seeking a second opinion from another experienced attorney can provide additional perspective on the merits of your case.
- How much will it cost to hire a legal malpractice attorney?
- Many legal malpractice attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Discuss fee arrangements during your initial consultation.
- Can I report my attorney to the Florida Bar?
- Yes, you can file a complaint with the Florida Bar if you believe your attorney has violated professional conduct rules. The Bar can investigate and take disciplinary action.
- Will my legal malpractice case go to trial?
- While some cases do go to trial, many legal malpractice claims are settled out of court. Your attorney will work to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
- What are the risks of pursuing a legal malpractice claim?
- Risks include the possibility of losing the case, incurring legal fees, and the emotional stress of litigation. Your attorney can help you weigh these risks against potential benefits.
- How long does a legal malpractice case take to resolve?
- The duration varies based on the complexity of the case, whether it goes to trial, and other factors. It can take several months to years to resolve a legal malpractice claim.
- What should I do if I suspect legal malpractice?
- Gather all relevant documentation, avoid discussing your concerns with your current attorney, and seek a consultation with a legal malpractice attorney Florida as soon as possible.