Understanding Legal Malpractice Attorneys in Denver: A Complete Guide

What is Considered Legal Malpractice?

Legal malpractice refers to negligence or misconduct by an attorney that causes harm to the client. It is a breach of the relationship of trust and confidence between lawyer and client, where the lawyer or firm materially fails to perform its duties and responsibilities, and the client suffers economic injury as a result.
Common examples involve situations where an attorney fails to file a complaint before the statute of limitations expires, or when an attorney misses a court appearance and a default judgment is entered against the client . Other common examples include incorrect legal advice that leads to adverse consequences for the client, and failure to use reasonable skill and care leading to a poor result in litigation.
These situations can have long-lasting effects, and attorneys who fail to satisfy these duties can and often do expose themselves to legal malpractice claims.

When Should You Hire a Legal Malpractice Attorney?

There are various triggers that can signal the need to seek guidance from a legal malpractice attorney. While no case is entirely free from complications, there are certain key aspects that should be considered:
The Significance of Case Delays
It is critical to understand when your case has been unacceptably delayed. Often it can take several months for a case to be filed, even when the attorney is diligent. No matter what, significant delays can be a sign that something is wrong. If you suspect this has happened to you, it is important to speak with an attorney.
Potential Financial Misconduct
Of course, instances of attorney mishandling funds are immediately cause for concern. However, they can be hard to prove. It is generally understood that difficult to account for financial activity is considered as a matter of legal malpractice. If you notice anything suspicious, it is critical to address it sooner rather than later.
Failure to Communicate
Every client is entitled to an attorney that clearly communicates their needs, no exceptions. If you find yourself neglected when it comes to your case, you may have grounds to speak to an attorney. Make sure to keep a record of all relevant communication with your attorney that demonstrates there was a breakdown.
There are many other aspects of the attorney-client relationship that could indicate legal malpractice. When in doubt, it is always wise to seek counsel. The sooner your case is addressed, the more likely it is that you will enjoy a favorable outcome.

Where Can I Find a Legal Malpractice Attorney in Denver?

Finding a qualified legal malpractice attorney in Denver can be a daunting task. Conducting an online search is a good first step, but it’s important to ensure that potential candidates have the proper credentials and experience. Look for attorneys with good reviews, recommendations, or testimonials. Reading reviews can help you to get a sense of how quickly an attorney responds to clients, the type of communication style that they have, and past results.
When choosing a legal malpractice attorney, look for an attorney or a firm that is familiar with cases similar to yours. Your attorney should specialize in a different area of law than the attorney who is facing a legal malpractice case. Check with the local bar association, as well as contacting state bar associations. You could also ask a trusted friend who has had legal malpractice cases to recommend an attorney in Denver. Your attorney should have extensive trial experience and a reputation among other attorneys. Having a good reputation could mean a lot if there is ever need for a settlement or verdict.
Make sure that you ask questions about the qualifications of the lawyers that are involved with the case. If the attorney is not handling the case themselves, request a meeting with the associate who will be handling the case. You should only have to explain the details of the case once, and you shouldn’t have to re-explain it multiple times to different attorneys.
Reputable legal malpractice attorneys will encourage you to ask these questions and will be forthcoming with the information. Your case will likely be time-consuming and emotionally challenging, so make sure that you work with someone that you feel personally comfortable with.

How Legal Malpractice Cases Work

The legal process for pursuing a malpractice case is relatively straightforward and typically consists of the following steps:
Filing a Claim
Gathering Evidence
Consulting with an Attorney
Pursuing Mediation or Arbitration
Going to Trial or Settling
Filing a claim is generally where the process begins. In most cases, the injured party will have to gather enough evidence to form the basis of the case. This may include gathering documentation of all communications with the attorney, as well as any efforts made to communicate with them for the betterment of the case. Before filing a claim , it’s best to consult with an experienced malpractice attorney. They have extensive knowledge of past cases and their rulings. This means they will be better able to analyze the chances of success and advise you on whether or not filing for malpractice is worthwhile.
By understanding the legal process for malpractice, you can better prepare to do everything needed to pursue the case. More likely than not, this will include gathering evidence, consulting with an experienced malpractice attorney, and going to trial.

Common Questions About Legal Malpractice

Clients often ask specific questions about what they can expect from their malpractice case. Here are some of the most common:
How long is this going to take?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer for this question. The time from beginning to end varies widely, generally from one to three years. If your case goes to trial, it could take longer, but the good news is that your legal malpractice lawyer will let you know if it looks like the case is going to trial. The vast majority of cases settle beforehand.
How much money am I going to get?
Again, it is too early to tell. Cases could settle for very different amounts, depending on the applicable laws and the different facets of your case. Never hire a malpractice attorney to sue another attorney because he tells you that he can get you millions of dollars. It is much more likely that the amount you get back will only be enough to cover previous damages. Your lawyer can give you a better idea of what your case is worth as it progresses.
Am I going to have to pay a retainer, and how will you bill me for services?
Most legal malpractice cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning that your attorney does not get paid until you do. This is not to be confused with "free attorneys" who claim you can get such and such if you happen to win your legal malpractice case. In fact, if you lose, you could end up paying nothing, but you could also end up having to pay your legal malpractice attorney’s fees.

Advantages of Hiring a Local Denver Malpractice Attorney

Hiring a local legal malpractice attorney is extremely beneficial. Because these cases can be complicated, hiring someone who understands the local laws is essential to the success of your case. This is most important if your case proceeds to court because you want an attorney who knows how the local courts operate. Local attorneys build relationships with judges and fellow attorneys, so this familiarity can help resolve your case.
If you want a favorable outcome , hiring an attorney who knows the local courts and how the judges view specific issues is key. They know how much leeway some judges give or the factors that may convince them to rule in your favor or not. Understanding the local courts before you file suit is critical. If your lawyer has been practicing for many years, they probably have a good feel for how the court process works.
For example, a judge may have a soft spot for people in a similar situation, such as clients with mental health issues, so if you fall into this category, which lawyers are aware of and whether this will affect your case is crucial. Lawyers who don’t understand how the courts work may fail to prepare your case correctly, which can have disastrous results.