My Attorney Missed Legal Deadlines, What Do I Do Now?
Legal Malpractice
When you hire an attorney, you trust them to represent you in your legal matter to the best of their ability. This includes meeting all deadlines and complying with all court orders. However, what happens if your attorney misses a deadline?
In some cases, a missed deadline can be a simple mistake. However, in other cases, it can be a sign of legal malpractice. Legal malpractice occurs when an attorney fails to provide their client with the standard of care that is expected of a reasonably competent attorney in the same circumstances.
If your attorney misses a deadline and it results in harm to your case, you may be able to file a legal malpractice claim against them. However, it is important to act quickly, as there are time limits for filing legal malpractice claims.
Legal Deadlines: Why They Matter
Legal deadlines aren’t arbitrary dates; they are set by courts or statutes and are essential to ensuring fairness in legal processes. The consequences of a missed deadline can vary depending on the specific circumstances. In some cases, a missed deadline may simply delay your case. However, in other cases, it can have more serious consequences, such as:
- Your case may be dismissed.
- You may be unable to recover damages.
- You may be forced to settle for a lower amount of money.
- You may be liable for the other party’s legal fees.
Steps to Take When An Attorney Misses a Deadline
If your attorney misses a deadline, here’s what you should do…
Step 1. Stay Calm and Gather Information
Before jumping to conclusions, take a deep breath. Gather all the necessary documents, communications, and relevant data associated with your case. Understanding the specifics of the missed deadline is crucial in determining the next steps.
Step 2. Seek a Second Opinion
Sometimes, a mistake might not be as detrimental as it appears, or there might be ways to remedy the situation. Before taking any drastic measures, it’s always a good idea to seek a second opinion. Consult another attorney, one familiar with legal malpractice cases, to assess the situation’s severity.
Step 3. Document Everything
This can’t be stressed enough. Ensure you have records of every interaction you’ve had with your attorney. Emails, texts, call records, or even handwritten notes can be invaluable. This documented evidence can play a pivotal role if you decide to pursue a legal malpractice claim.
Step 4. Consult Legal Malpractice Attorneys
If it becomes evident that the missed deadline will have grave repercussions on your case, consult with Texas legal malpractice attorneys. They specialize in cases where attorneys fail to uphold their professional obligations.
Step 5. File a Malpractice Suit
If all efforts to rectify the situation fail, and you’re advised by the legal malpractice attorney that you have a valid claim, then consider filing a legal malpractice lawsuit. This is a significant step and should be taken after careful consideration and consultation.
Step 6. Negotiation
Before things escalate to court proceedings, there’s always room for negotiation. Attorneys might be willing to correct their mistakes, offer refunds, or take measures to remedy the situation.
In any situation, it’s essential to act with diligence and base your decisions on sound legal advice.
Choosing Texas Legal Malpractice Lawyers from Kassab Law Firm
No client should suffer because of an attorney’s negligence. Missed legal deadlines can have significant consequences on a case’s outcome, but that doesn’t mean clients are without recourse. The Kassab Law Firm, known for its expertise in texas legal malpractice, stand as allies in such challenging times.
If you or someone you know has been affected by attorney negligence, it’s essential to act swiftly. Take charge, and ensure your rights and interests are protected. Reach out today.