Holding Lawyers Accountable: Your Guide to Legal Malpractice in Allegheny County
When you hire an attorney, you trust them to handle your case with care, diligence, and professionalism. Unfortunately, not all lawyers meet these expectations, and when they don’t, their negligence can cause significant harm to your legal matter. Legal malpractice occurs when a lawyer’s actions (or inaction) result in losses for their clients. If you believe that your attorney mishandled your case, you might have the right to seek compensation through a legal malpractice claim.
At Tarasi & Tarasi, our experienced Allegheny County legal malpractice lawyers are dedicated to helping clients who have suffered due to lawyer misconduct or negligence. We understand how devastating legal malpractice can be, and our goal is to hold attorneys accountable and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
What is Legal Malpractice?
Legal malpractice happens when a lawyer fails to perform their duties to the standard expected of them, resulting in harm to the client. This doesn’t mean that every loss in a legal case is malpractice—only when the lawyer’s error or misconduct is the direct cause of the unfavorable outcome.
Common examples of legal malpractice include:
- Negligence: This occurs when a lawyer fails to use reasonable care in representing a client. Negligence can range from simple mistakes, like filing paperwork late, to larger issues like failing to prepare for a trial.
- Breach of fiduciary duty: Attorneys are required to act in their clients' best interests. If a lawyer puts their own interests ahead of yours or fails to handle client funds properly, they are breaching their fiduciary duty.
- Conflict of interest: A conflict of interest arises when a lawyer represents two parties with opposing interests, such as representing both sides in a business dispute. Attorneys are required to avoid conflicts or disclose them to clients. Failure to do so can constitute legal malpractice.
- Failure to communicate: A lawyer must keep their client informed about the status of their case and respond to inquiries. If your attorney is not communicating with you, this can be a sign of negligence or misconduct.
- Missing deadlines: Missing important filing deadlines can cause a case to be dismissed or prevent the client from receiving compensation. This is a common form of legal malpractice that can have significant consequences for a client.
When you hire a lawyer, they owe you a "duty of care," which means they are required to act in your best interests. If they breach that duty and you are harmed as a result, you may have a valid legal malpractice claim. Contact our Allegheny County legal malpractice lawyers today.
Proving Legal Malpractice in Pennsylvania
Proving legal malpractice requires demonstrating that your attorney's actions or inactions caused harm. This is a complex process, and it’s essential to have an experienced Allegheny County legal malpractice lawyer on your side. To prove a legal malpractice claim, four elements must be established:
- Duty of Care: The attorney had a duty to represent you in a competent manner.
- Breach of Duty: The attorney failed to meet this duty by acting negligently, breaching fiduciary duty, or committing another type of misconduct.
- Causation: The attorney’s breach of duty directly caused harm to your case. This means you must show that if the attorney had not made the error, the outcome of your case would have been different.
- Damages: You suffered financial losses or other harm because of the attorney’s breach of duty.
Proving legal malpractice in Pennsylvania often requires expert testimony to show that the attorney’s conduct fell below the standard of care. Tarasi & Tarasi have the experience and resources necessary to build a strong case on your behalf.
Compensation for Legal Malpractice
If you have been the victim of legal malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation. The damages available in a legal malpractice case can vary, but typically include:
- Financial Losses: If your lawyer’s negligence caused you to lose money—such as losing a case or settlement—you may be able to recover those losses.
- Lost Opportunities: In some cases, legal malpractice can cause a missed opportunity to pursue legal action, such as missing a deadline to file a lawsuit.
- Emotional Distress: Legal malpractice can be a highly stressful experience, and some cases may allow for compensation for emotional distress.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer.
The legal malpractice attorneys at Tarasi & Tarasi will evaluate the full extent of your damages and work to recover the compensation you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Legal Malpractice in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a legal malpractice claim is typically two years from the date the malpractice occurred. However, in some cases, the deadline may begin when you discovered—or should have discovered—the malpractice. This "discovery rule" can extend the filing deadline, but it’s essential to act quickly.
If you believe you are a victim of legal malpractice, contact an Allegheny County legal malpractice lawyer at Tarasi & Tarasi as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed within the statute of limitations.
Why Choose Tarasi & Tarasi?
At Tarasi & Tarasi, we understand the emotional and financial toll that legal malpractice can have on your life. Our attorneys have years of experience helping clients in Allegheny County seek justice and compensation for the harm caused by lawyer negligence.
When you choose Tarasi & Tarasi to represent you in a legal malpractice case, you can expect:
- Personalized attention: We treat each case with the care and dedication it deserves.
- Experienced representation: Our legal malpractice attorneys have extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania law.
- Proven results: We have a track record of helping clients recover compensation for legal malpractice.
- Free consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to review your case and discuss your legal options.
When it comes to legal malpractice, you deserve a dedicated team that will fight for your rights and seek justice for the harm you've endured. At Tarasi & Tarasi, we are committed to providing experienced, compassionate representation to ensure that negligent attorneys are held accountable and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Let us guide you through this challenging time and help restore your faith in the legal process. Contact a legal malpractice attorney in Allegheny County today such as Tarasi & Tarasi for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.
Contact Tarasi & Tarasi for a Free Consultation
If you believe you’ve been a victim of legal malpractice, don’t wait to seek justice. Contact Tarasi & Tarasi today to speak with an experienced Allegheny County legal malpractice lawyer. We offer free consultations to help you understand your legal rights and options. Our team is dedicated to helping clients in Allegheny County recover the compensation they deserve.
