How Long Do Connecticut Legal Malpractice Settlements Take?
It’s tough when you trust a lawyer to handle your case, and they fail to do so. You may wonder how long it will take for you to recover.
Unfortunately, there is no standard answer to the question, How long does a legal malpractice settlement take? Every case is different, but our Connecticut legal malpractice lawyers can give you an idea of the factors influencing the timeline.
For immediate assistance, please call (860) 561-0651 or send an online message today.
The Legal Malpractice Lawsuit Timeline
Legal malpractice is a form of professional negligence.
Thus, to make a successful legal malpractice claim, you must prove three essential elements:
- The attorney was your attorney for a particular matter;
- The attorney departed from the standard of professional care owed to protect your legal interests in that matter; and
- The departure legally caused you harm.
When you meet a legal malpractice attorney, they will start by asking you what happened. Then, they will collect evidence to prove your claim. They will ask for any letters or emails from your first attorney that show you had an attorney-client relationship. The standard is for an attorney to clarify whether they have chosen to represent you by sending a letter stating one way or the other, but it is not the only way.
When your attorney listens to what happened, they will compare the attorney’s skill, knowledge, and diligence to the ordinary degree exercised by Connecticut lawyers in the same general line of practice.
Often, an expert on attorney ethics and duties will testify to the ordinary standard of care for the jury. However, with our experience, we can assess whether your first attorney’s actions violated the standard of care. If so, they acted negligently.
Finally, your attorney will ask about your damages. Damages mean the expenses, losses, and harm you experienced because of the attorney’s negligence. Usually, malpractice damages include attorneys’ fees, or the amount you would have won in the case had the attorney acted reasonably.
How Long Does a Legal Malpractice Lawsuit Take To Resolve?
After your initial consultation, our team will work to communicate with your first attorney and gather evidence to support your claim.
Many attorneys have malpractice insurance and will hire their own legal representation. In cases where the attorney admits their mistake or the negligence is obvious, they may offer you a settlement. If you accept the offer, the suit will resolve quickly, possibly within a few months.
If the attorney denies any elements in your claim, the case may go to court. In that case, discovery procedures and motion requirements can take months or even years. At trial, we will present your evidence and testimony to the jury, who will deliberate and decide the outcome.
How Long Does a Legal Malpractice Settlement Take? Contact StangerLaw LLC for Answers
If an attorney made a mistake that negatively impacted you, you shouldn’t spend time wondering, How long does a legal malpractice lawsuit take? Call our experienced Connecticut professionals right away.
We’ve spent 40 years promoting professional responsibility, so we can give you an idea of the work needed to make your claim.
Contact us online or call (860) 561-0651 today for a consultation.
