Best Legal Malpractice Lawyers in Seattle

About Legal Malpractice Law in Seattle, United States

Legal malpractice is when a lawyer fails to provide competent representation to a client, resulting in harm or damages. In Seattle, United States, legal malpractice laws allow clients to seek compensation for losses caused by their attorney's negligence.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer for legal malpractice if you believe your attorney has made errors that have negatively impacted your case. This can include missed deadlines, failure to properly investigate, conflict of interest, or providing incorrect legal advice.

Local Laws Overview

In Seattle, legal malpractice cases are governed by state laws that set out the requirements for proving malpractice, the statute of limitations for filing a claim, and the damages that can be awarded to a plaintiff. It is important to consult with a local attorney who is familiar with these laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is considered legal malpractice?

Legal malpractice occurs when a lawyer breaches their duty to provide competent representation to a client, resulting in harm or damages.

2. How do I prove legal malpractice?

To prove legal malpractice, you must show that your lawyer's actions fell below the standard of care expected of a reasonably competent lawyer and that this negligence caused harm or damages to you.

3. What damages can I recover in a legal malpractice case?

You may be able to recover damages for financial losses, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages if the lawyer's actions were particularly egregious.

4. How long do I have to file a legal malpractice claim in Seattle?

In Seattle, the statute of limitations for filing a legal malpractice claim is typically three years from the date the malpractice occurred or the date you discovered the malpractice.

5. Can I sue my lawyer for legal malpractice if I lost my case?

Losing a case does not necessarily mean your lawyer committed malpractice. To sue for malpractice, you must prove that your lawyer's actions directly led to the negative outcome and that they were negligent in their representation.

6. Can I file a legal malpractice claim against a public defender?

In some cases, you may be able to file a legal malpractice claim against a public defender if their negligence caused harm or damages to you. However, these cases can be complex, and it is recommended to consult with a legal malpractice attorney.

7. How much does it cost to hire a legal malpractice attorney in Seattle?

Legal malpractice attorneys in Seattle typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of the compensation you receive.

8. Can I report a lawyer for legal malpractice to the Washington State Bar Association?

Yes, you can file a complaint with the Washington State Bar Association if you believe a lawyer has committed malpractice. The Bar Association will investigate the complaint and take disciplinary action if warranted.

9. What is the difference between legal malpractice and breach of contract?

Legal malpractice is when a lawyer fails to provide competent representation, while breach of contract is when a lawyer fails to fulfill their obligations under a contract with a client. Both can result in harm or damages to the client.

10. Is there a time limit to file a complaint with the Washington State Bar Association for legal malpractice?

There is no specific time limit to file a complaint with the Washington State Bar Association for legal malpractice, but it is recommended to do so as soon as possible after discovering the malpractice.

Additional Resources

For legal malpractice assistance in Seattle, you can contact the Washington State Bar Association, the King County Bar Association, or seek guidance from legal malpractice attorneys who specialize in handling these types of cases.

Next Steps

If you believe you have been a victim of legal malpractice in Seattle, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney who can assess your case and advise you on the best course of action. Gather any relevant documents and evidence to support your claim, and be prepared to discuss the specifics of your situation with the attorney.