Accountability for Negligence by Attorneys

Lawyers are held to high ethical and professional standards for a reason—clients rely on their expertise, judgment, and diligence in critical matters. When an attorney’s negligence, mistake, or unethical conduct causes harm, the impact can be financial, personal, or even life-changing. At Calvert Law Firm, we help Oklahomans pursue claims against lawyers who failed in their duties, holding them accountable for losses and helping clients move forward.

What Is Legal Malpractice?

Legal malpractice occurs when an attorney fails to act as a reasonably competent lawyer would in the same circumstances, causing harm to the client. Common types include:

• Missed deadlines: Failing to file lawsuits or court papers on time, resulting in dismissal or lost rights
• Failure to know or apply the law: Giving bad legal advice, misunderstanding the law, or missing key issues
• Conflicts of interest: Representing clients with adverse interests or failing to disclose conflicts
• Mishandling client funds: Misappropriating or commingling money held in trust
• Poor communication or abandonment: Not returning calls, ignoring client instructions, or dropping cases without notice
• Breach of fiduciary duty: Acting in their own interest rather than the client’s
• Failure to follow client instructions or settle when authorized

Not all losses are malpractice. You must show the lawyer’s conduct was unreasonable and directly caused your damages.

Examples of Legal Malpractice

• Losing a case because a lawyer missed a statute of limitations
• Drafting defective or unenforceable contracts or wills
• Mishandling settlements or failing to properly advise about offers
• Allowing default judgments because of inaction
• Disclosing confidential information to opposing parties
• Committing fraud, dishonesty, or unethical conduct

How Calvert Law Firm Pursues Legal Malpractice Claims

• Comprehensive File Review: We examine your entire legal file, correspondence, and court documents to find errors or omissions.
• Expert Legal Analysis: We work with independent attorneys to evaluate the standard of care and identify breaches.
• Damages Assessment: We calculate the value of lost claims, settlements, property, or rights resulting from the malpractice.
• Aggressive Negotiation: We seek fair settlements with lawyers and insurers, but are prepared for trial.
• No Fee Unless We Win: You owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Compensation for Legal Malpractice Victims

Depending on your case, you may recover:

• The amount you would have won or saved with competent representation
• Reimbursement for legal fees paid to the negligent lawyer
• Costs to correct or retry your case
• Emotional distress damages (in rare cases)
• Punitive damages (for intentional or fraudulent misconduct)
• Attorneys’ fees and costs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prove legal malpractice?
You must show: (1) the attorney owed you a duty, (2) they breached that duty, (3) you suffered harm, and (4) the malpractice caused your loss.

Can I sue my lawyer for losing my case?
Only if you can prove their conduct was below the standard of care and directly caused the loss.

Is there a deadline to file a claim?
Yes, typically two years from discovering the malpractice, but act quickly to protect your rights.

Do you handle legal fee disputes?
Yes, if tied to malpractice or breach of duty.

Contact Calvert Law Firm Today

If you believe a lawyer’s negligence or misconduct caused you harm, don’t wait. Contact Calvert Law Firm for a confidential, no-cost consultation. We’ll evaluate your claim and help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.