Connecticut Legal Malpractice Lawyer

Experienced Legal Malpractice Attorney in Connecticut, CT

When you hire a lawyer, you expect that lawyer to be competent and careful to handle your case with accuracy and professionalism. If your lawyer was negligent and mishandled your case, particularly if it resulted in losses for you, you may have grounds to file a legal malpractice claim against them. Unfortunately, as in any profession, an attorney can make mistakes. Fortunately, these mistakes can be corrected. The first step is to reach out to an experienced Connecticut legal malpractice lawyer.

Buckley Wynne & Parese

We know it may be difficult to trust another attorney after a legal malpractice experience, but our clients can be confident that we have the knowledge and experience it takes to represent them. Our firm is the continuation of a legal legacy that dates to 1881. We have three convenient offices, located in Stamford, Hartford, and New Haven. No matter where you are in Connecticut, our team can help.

Legal Malpractice Defined

As of 2024, there are over 18,000 attorneys practicing in Connecticut. Like doctors, lawyers must pass rigorous exams to obtain a license to practice. However, much like with doctors, the fact that a person has a license to practice law does not mean mistakes, errors, or negligent decision-making won’t happen. Unfortunately, errors in handling cases can leave clients struggling to identify next steps, struggling to recover compensation they are entitled to, and struggling to trust other legal professionals.

In short, legal malpractice occurs when a lawyer makes negligent mistakes that result in financial harm to their client. To establish a solid case for legal malpractice, the following conditions must apply to the situation:

• The attorney in question had a duty of care to the client: This is typically established through the existence of an attorney-client relationship and the attorney’s agreement to represent the client.
• The attorney’s actions or inactions breached that duty of care: The judicial branch of Connecticut’s state government establishes a code of conduct and professionalism for attorneys who practice in the state. This code, among other laws and established consistent practices, can be used to demonstrate an attorney’s breach of their duty.
• The client suffered financial losses directly related to the attorney’s breach of duty: Simply losing a case is not sufficient grounds to file a legal malpractice claim.
• There must be actual losses to recover: If a client is angry about an attorney’s handling of a case but does not actually lose any money because of the lawyer’s actions, a malpractice case is not warranted.

What to Do if You Think You Have a Legal Malpractice Case

If you think you may have a legitimate legal malpractice case, the first thing you should do is consult and hire a legal malpractice lawyer to review the case and identify opportunities to pursue compensation. An attorney who is familiar with legal malpractice laws can review the details of your scenario and provide some insight as to the strength of your claim.

When you meet with your attorney, you should bring all of the information you have regarding the alleged malpractice. This includes all your written communications with your previous lawyer, along with any voice messages, signed contracts, court documents, and anything else that pertains to your case.

If your new attorney agrees that the previous one acted negligently, they can begin the recovery process by filing a legal malpractice claim. Some attorneys carry legal malpractice insurance, so if the lawyer in question has coverage, the first step toward compensation is usually a claim with their insurance company. It is not likely that the insurance company’s proposed settlement will fully cover your losses, so it is probable that you will need to file a civil claim for the malpractice.

After you file your malpractice claim, your attorney can participate in settlement negotiations on your behalf. Many malpractice cases settle before going to trial, but if you are unable to reach an adequate settlement, for whatever reason, your lawyer can also advocate for you in the courtroom during litigation.

FAQs

Does Connecticut Require Lawyers to Carry Malpractice Insurance?

Connecticut does not currently require its licensed attorneys to carry legal malpractice insurance. However, some law firms may require some coverage as a stipulation of employment. If the attorney you are pursuing for malpractice damages does have a malpractice insurance policy, your new attorney can help you navigate the process of filing a claim.

How Much Money Will It Cost to Hire a Legal Malpractice Attorney?

If you need to hire a legal malpractice attorney, you may worry about the upfront cost. After all, the purpose of the malpractice claim is to recover money you have already lost. The good news is that at Buckley Wynne & Parese, we work on legal malpractice cases on a contingency basis. We do not require any upfront payment for our services. Instead, we are paid a percentage of any compensation we secure for you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Legal Malpractice Claim in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for legal malpractice claims is generally three years. This means that after three years have passed since the date of the misconduct or mistake that caused your losses, you can no longer take legal action to recover your damages. Because this limitation exists, it is imperative to contact an attorney and file your claim as soon as possible.

What if I Agreed to the Attorney’s Actions at the Time?

If your previous attorney engaged in negligent, unethical, or incompetent practices that constitute legal malpractice and resulted in losses for you, it does not matter if you did not understand the consequences of the conduct at the time. Because you are not an attorney, you are not expected to understand the nuances of legal situations, which is why you put your trust in a lawyer to help you. Malpractice is malpractice, whether you, as the client, agreed to it or not.

Hire A Trusted Connecticut Legal Malpractice Lawyer

If an attorney you hired handled your case negligently, resulting in financial losses for you, you have options to recover damages and restore your peace of mind. Contact Buckley Wynne & Parese today to tell us about your case and find out how we can help you.

Available 24/71-800-445-2278

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