Legal Malpractice Attorney in Denver, CO
Get the Legal Counsel You Deserve With Chalat Hatten & Banker
Similar to other professionals, attorneys are obligated to act in their clients’ best interests while adhering to high standards. Legal malpractice occurs when your attorney fails to represent you. Whether your attorney neglected to file your claim on time, was unable to abide by court orders and discovery requirements, failed to conduct adequate discovery on your behalf, or engaged in improper conduct such as sexual advances towards you, you could have the basis for a legal malpractice lawsuit.
If your attorney drastically reduces the valuation of your case without an apparent reason, there may be cause for being suspicious of the attorney’s motives. Many instances in which the attorney has “overlooked” a critical detail are settled quickly before the client is allowed to learn of the attorney’s negligence. If you feel you may have a legal malpractice claim against your present attorney, you may wish to pursue a claim even before the underlying litigation (or the case the negligent attorney is or was handling) is concluded. If your lawyer is negligent in their representation of you as a client, has breached a fiduciary duty, or breached a contract, then you may have a legal malpractice claim against the lawyer.
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To pursue a legal malpractice claim, a client must show that the attorney’s actions were not merely the result of poor strategy or judgment, but that the professional work was substandard to that which would be provided by a reasonable attorney. If you could benefit from the expertise of a seasoned legal malpractice attorney in the Denver metro area, Chalat Hatten & Banker would be honored to represent you. Reach out to our experienced law firm today to request a free initial case review and consultation.
How The Process Works
A careful case review will be performed by your lawyer to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Then the conclusions of this review are presented to you in a thorough, understandable manner.
For more details: Litigation Process.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Legal Malpractice Claims
When you require legal representation, you expect your attorney to act in your best interest. If your attorney misses a deadline for filing your claim or a court appearance, it can result in your case being unjustly dismissed. If you’ve been negligently represented by an attorney, you likely have questions about what avenues to pursue. Below, we’ve gathered frequently asked questions and answers regarding legal malpractice claims in Colorado. Feel free to reach out with additional concerns.
Do I Need to Worry About My Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is a deadline established by law by which time you must file your lawsuit or be forever barred. For most personal injury matters, this period is two years. Thus, you have two years from the date of your injury, or more precisely, when you knew or should have known that you had suffered an injury in which to file your claims. In Colorado, injuries suffered in auto accident cases now enjoy a three-year statute of limitations. Calculation of your deadline is usually straightforward. Ask your attorney when your statute of limitations period expires and mark it on your calendar. Surprisingly, for something that is so elementary, over 13% of all legal malpractice cases arise for failure on the part of the attorney to file claims in a timely manner.
My Attorney Says That My Case Has Settled. Can That Be Done Without My Consent?
Your claims should never be compromised without your full knowledge or consent. Thus, a demand for settlement should never be made on your behalf without your full authority. The better practice is for the attorney to prepare an advice letter, providing a professional opinion as to the value of your claims. The advice should also recommend a settlement range and ask your permission for making a specific opening demand. Likewise, a settlement cannot be accepted on your behalf without your approval. You have the final say.
Conversely, your attorney is obligated to inform you of any settlement offers, even if the offer is lower than what you indicated you would accept. You also have the right to be fully informed of the status of your case. Ask questions and insist on answers which you understand. Your lawyer has a duty to provide clear explanations that enable you to make informed decisions regarding your case. Lawyers acting in the client’s best interest, especially in personal injury cases, communicate frequently. If months go by without a word on your case, investigate what is happening. Litigation is a slow process, but an aggressive attorney usually can progress a case quickly enough to require monthly updates at least.
Can My Attorney Represent Me Without a Fee Agreement?
Colorado law requires that in every case in which the attorney agrees to handle the matter in return for a portion of the recovery, commonly known as a “contingency fee” basis, there must be a written fee agreement executed by the attorney and the client. It is the attorney’s responsibility to prepare a valid fee agreement. If you have a dispute over fees owed to your attorney, and you have no written fee agreement, you may wish to speak to a legal malpractice attorney concerning your situation.
Contact Our Trusted Law Firm for a Free Initial Case Review
If you believe your attorney was negligent in their representation of you, you have options. Contact Chalat Hatten & Banker to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our accomplished legal malpractice attorneys. Based in the Denver area, we represent clients throughout Colorado, including Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Boulder, and surrounding cities in Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson, Park, and Weld Counties. We would be happy to review your case. You may also check out our testimonials and case reviews to see why our firm is so respected.