When you put your trust in a lawyer, it can be disappointing and frustrating to learn that they mishandled your claim. Their mistakes, even if unintentional, can have serious consequences on your life, including legal, financial, and emotional challenges.
If a lawyer failed to act competently when representing you, and it led to damages, they may be held responsible for the harm they caused. Our Edmonton legal malpractice lawyers understand the struggles you’re facing and are here to help you navigate this difficult time.
Our family-owned law firm has proudly served Albertans for over 50 years. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you find the solution, even if we’re not it.
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What Is Legal Malpractice?
In Edmonton, lawyers are held to the standard of a “reasonably competent or prudent lawyer,” requiring them to provide the same care, skill, and knowledge as any reasonable professional in their field would.
Legal malpractice occurs when a lawyer is negligent, which means the way they have acted falls short of these expectations, and financial losses or other harm to their client occur. If your lawyer didn’t act as a reasonable professional would have in that situation, a legal negligence lawyer in Edmonton may be able to seek compensation for the difficulties you’ve experienced.
While legal malpractice can apply to different legal matters, the types of cases we often assist with involve:
Most of the time, even when a lawyer does not secure a good outcome, that does not mean they were negligent. Sometimes, even careful lawyers face unpredictable situations and don’t reach the resolution you were hoping for, or sometimes the legislation in place presents challenges.
Litco Law Protects Your Rights
Since 1976, Litco Law has provided compassionate support and award-winning legal services to people who need our help in Edmonton and throughout Alberta. If a lawyer mishandled your claim and caused you financial harm or other damage, we’re ready to advocate for your rights and pursue compensation for what you’ve been through.
When you work with us, you don’t just get a lawyer. You get your own personal legal team that will be with you throughout the course of your claim. We call this team a “pod,” and it includes a lawyer, a case manager, a client care specialist, and a legal assistant. Together, your team gets to know the details of your claim and provides the personalized attention you deserve.
Transparency Is a Priority
At Litco Law, we prioritize transparency and clear communication. Your team will give regular updates on your claim every 30 days or less, and a 24-business hour response time for messages and questions. You can also check the status of your claim from anywhere, at any time, through our convenient client portal.
You have the final say on anything that happens with your claim. Our goal is to handle the legal steps while keeping you informed and supported throughout the process, so you feel confident making the decisions that are best for you.
Hear From Litco Law’s Previous Clients
With more than 800 five-star Google reviews, our team is proud to know that what we do makes a difference in people’s lives. Here’s what previous clients say about working with Litco Law:
- “Litco was so helpful in navigating a legal issue for the first time. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the staff and lawyers explained each step to me, checked in regularly and were so supportive. The team was courteous, professional and made me feel safe through the entire journey. I would highly recommend Litco, especially if you’re new to the legal world and aren’t sure what is going to happen – they will guide you through everything without judgement.” – Christina H.
- “I had an exceptional experience with Litco Law. Their team demonstrated outstanding professionalism and provided consistently clear and accurate information throughout the duration of my case. Not only was the process handled efficiently, but the outcome significantly exceeded my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend Litco Law to anyone seeking highly capable and dedicated legal representation.” – Joshua J.
What Are Examples of Lawyer Negligence?
When a lawyer is “negligent,” it means they failed to act in a way that is expected of their profession, resulting in financial harm or other injury to their client. Here are some signs that your lawyer may have been negligent in the handling of your claim:
- Missing deadlines: Failing to meet important legal deadlines, which could cause your claim to be dismissed
- Conflict of interest: Professional or personal connections and/or motivations that could compromise the outcome of your claim
- Claim mismanagement: Missing important steps in your claim’s process, such as conducting an investigation, or mishandling settlement negotiations
- Questionable ethical practices: Settling a case without approval or mishandling your money
- Communication failures: Failure to report settlement proposals and providing inaccurate information that damaged your claim’s outcome
Every case is unique, so it’s a good idea to speak with a legal professional who can explain your rights and assess whether your lawyer was negligent. Even in cases where a lawyer has already let you know that they may have been negligent and caused you (or your case) harm, you should have a legal professional review your case to explore your options.
What Compensation Is Available With an Edmonton Legal Malpractice Claim?
If your lawyer’s negligence harmed your case, you may be entitled to compensation for financial losses and other hardships caused by those mistakes, such as recovering the value of your claim that might have been recovered had your lawyer not made errors and “repair work” done by other lawyers.
Our professional negligence lawyers in Edmonton will assess all the ways your life has been affected by the lawyer’s errors and include the full scope of your losses in your claim.
Steps To Take After a Lawyer’s Mistake Impacts Your Case
If you think your lawyer’s negligence hurt your legal claim or if your lawyer notified you of errors they made when handling your claim, here are some steps to take that can help protect your legal rights:
- Organize your records: Pull together all your legal papers, contracts, bills, and any emails or texts between you and your lawyer.
- Note the issues you experienced: Write down the struggles you faced while working with the lawyer and when they happened, such as missing a deadline, ignoring your calls, or giving you inaccurate legal advice.
- Consider contacting a malpractice lawyer: Reach out to a local lawyer who regularly handles legal malpractice claims in Edmonton.
If you have questions about what to do after your lawyer was negligent, reach out to an Alberta malpractice lawyer. They can walk you through your next steps and what to expect.
Reach Out to our Edmonton Legal Malpractice Team at Litco Law
If a lawyer mishandled your claim, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Lawyers You’ll Love will stand up for you, fighting for fairness and the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call (403) 273-8580 for a free consultation. A caring team member is ready to answer your questions and guide you on what to do next. We can meet in person at our Edmonton office, by phone, via a virtual meeting, or we’ll come to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions we get about legal malpractice claims in Edmonton. To get answers specific to your situation, reach out to us at any time.
Can You Sue a Lawyer in Edmonton?
If a lawyer failed to meet the standard expected of a reasonable peer in the same position, they may be liable (legally responsible) for the harm they caused if it is determined they acted negligently. However, it’s often best to consult an Edmonton lawyer to discuss your situation and legal options.
How Do I Know if I Have a Legal Malpractice Claim?
You may have a legal malpractice claim if the outcome of your original legal claim would be different had your lawyer had not made errors or omissions, and harm was caused to you as a result. If so, there may be grounds to take legal action. Our Edmonton legal malpractice lawyers can handle every step of your claim, taking the legal burden off your shoulders.
How Long Do I Have To File a Legal Malpractice Claim in Alberta?
While there are some exceptions, you usually have two years to pursue a legal malpractice claim in Alberta. This two-year clock typically starts when you realize (or should have known) that the lawyer’s error caused you harm. Because these deadlines are strict, consider speaking with a malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Legal Malpractice Lawyer?
There is no upfront cost to hire our team. We never bill by the hour, and you won’t pay us anything while your claim progresses. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement we recover for you, and you’ll know that percentage before you ever hire us.
Reach out to us today to book a free consultation. We’re here to listen, guide you through your options, and give you the support you need to move forward. We’re here for you.
