Huntsville, AL Legal Malpractice Lawyer

Huntsville, AL Legal Malpractice Attorney

Choosing an attorney to hire is a big decision that can impact the legal matter for which you require representation. There are so many things to consider, like the cost and their experience level, but one of the most important considerations is whether you can trust them to handle your case.

Some attorneys actively betray their clients’ trust by being negligent, careless, and dishonest. With the assistance of a Huntsville, AL legal malpractice lawyer, these attorneys can be held responsible for their negligence.

Tatum Law Firm, PLLC: Your Huntsville, AL Legal Malpractice Lawyer

With over 20 years of legal experience, the team at the Tatum Law Firm, PLLC, has the knowledge and skills to assist you in whatever legal action you intend to take against your former attorney.

We can give your case the time and effort necessary to ensure everything is done with care so that you get an outcome in your favor. With all of our clients, we focus on consistent communication and complete honesty so they are never left in the dark.

Choose the Tatum Law Firm, PLLC, to represent you when taking action against a negligent attorney.

What Is Legal Malpractice in Huntsville, AL?

Legal malpractice is a term that describes when a lawyer is negligent or makes a mistake that causes their client some kind of harm, such as losing out on compensation. Not all lawyers are perfect, but they should all possess a certain level of professionalism and competence when representing a client.

It is important that lawyers not fail in their duties to their clients. They should know the laws and procedures in the state where they are licensed, communicate with their clients openly, avoid conflicts of interest, maintain attorney/client confidentiality, and act with honesty and integrity. A breach of these duties that causes harm to the client may result in a legal malpractice suit.

What Mistakes Can Lead to a Legal Malpractice Claim in Huntsville, AL?

There are several mistakes that a lawyer can make that could lead to a legal malpractice claim in Huntsville, AL. Here are a few:

• Failing to communicate: Open communication is one of the most important parts of an attorney/ client relationship. Your lawyer has an obligation to let you know everything that is happening with your case so that you can make informed decisions. Purposely withholding information from a client is a form of malpractice.
• Misuse of funds: Lawyers often charge a retainer fee, which is a specified amount of money set aside in a retainer account to go towards legal services only. A lawyer taking that money for their own personal use before legal services have been rendered is considered malpractice.
• Poor investigation: A big responsibility a lawyer takes on when they take a case is investigating the facts of the case and gathering evidence that will support their client’s claims. If a lawyer does not put in the necessary time and effort to investigate the case and fails to make important discoveries, they could be held liable for malpractice.
• Missing deadlines: A missed deadline could be the thing that causes you to lose out on getting the justice and compensation you deserve from your case. This is especially true when the deadline is to file a claim. A lawyer who does not file paperwork on time can be held liable for negligence.
• Errors of law: Lawyers should have the knowledge and competence to represent clients effectively. A lawyer who represents a client without full knowledge of the applicable laws and court procedures could hurt their client’s case, resulting in them being held liable for negligence.

How Can a Legal Malpractice Attorney Help Me in Huntsville, AL?

A legal malpractice attorney can, first and foremost, help you decide what action you should take against your former lawyer to get you the most favorable outcome.

Winning a legal malpractice suit can be difficult, and a knowledgeable attorney can let you know if you have a strong case or not. If you do have a strong case and decide to pursue litigation, your attorney can help you prove all the required elements you need to be successful with your malpractice claim.

Hiring an attorney from the Tatum Law Firm, PLLC, to help you get justice for your former attorney’s negligence can prove to be immensely beneficial to the overall outcome of your case.

Huntsville, AL Legal Malpractice Law FAQs

Q. What Is the Hardest Element of Legal Malpractice to Prove?

A. The hardest element of legal malpractice to prove is that your former lawyer’s negligence is what caused whatever harm you suffered. For example, if you did not get any compensation for a personal injury you suffered because your former lawyer in the Huntsville area failed to file your claim before the deadline, you have the burden of proving that you would have won the case if the paperwork had been filed on time.

Q. What Is the Statute of Limitations on Legal Malpractice in Alabama?

A. The statute of limitations on attorney malpractice in Alabama is two years. This means you have two years after the date when the malpractice happened to file a claim. It is possible to get a six-month extension on this deadline if you could not have reasonably discovered the malpractice in the given two-year time frame.

Q. Are There Alternatives to Suing for Malpractice?

A. Yes, there are some alternatives to suing for malpractice. They include:

• Going to the Alabama State Bar and filing a complaint. The bar association can take any necessary disciplinary action against the attorney after they investigate the claim.
• Agreeing to a settlement. Your likelihood of recovering damages may be higher if the attorney admits to their negligence and wants to settle out of court.

You should speak with a legal malpractice lawyer about which route you could take.

Q. How Much Does a Legal Malpractice Attorney Cost?

A. At Tatum Law Firm, PLLC, the cost of our services is based solely on the amount of compensation you receive from winning your malpractice case. If we don’t help you reach a successful outcome, you don’t have to worry about paying more in attorney fees. We win when you win, and we will be determined to get you the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a Consultation with Tatum Law Firm, PLLC

At Tatum Law Firm, PLLC, our staff is available to help you take the next steps after a bad experience with your previous lawyer. Whether you want to settle with the attorney or pursue litigation, we can be there from the start of the process to the very end. Reach out to our Huntsville, AL office today to schedule a consultation.