When clients place their trust in an attorney, they expect diligent, ethical representation. Unfortunately, some attorneys breach that trust, causing significant financial and emotional harm. At Slater | Grant, our Lakeland legal malpractice lawyers are committed to standing up for clients who have suffered due to an attorney’s negligence or misconduct.
Complete the free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to take the first step toward justice.
Why Choose Lakeland Legal Malpractice Lawyers at Slater | Grant
Legal malpractice is a highly technical area requiring deep knowledge of both the underlying case and professional standards of attorney conduct. At Slater | Grant, we have decades of combined experience holding negligent lawyers accountable. We know how to dissect complex records, collaborate with expert witnesses, and aggressively pursue the compensation our clients deserve.
Our team has handled a wide variety of legal malpractice cases, including:
- Missed Statutes of Limitations: When an attorney fails to file a claim before the legal deadline, resulting in a client losing the right to pursue compensation.
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty: When a lawyer acts in their own interest instead of their client’s, leading to financial losses.
- Conflict of Interest: When an attorney represents parties with opposing interests, compromising loyalty and objectivity.
- Errors in Legal Advice or Strategy: Poorly executed legal advice that results in an unfavorable case outcome.
- Mishandling of Funds: Misappropriation of client funds held in trust.
The Value of a Legal Malpractice Case
Legal malpractice damages can be substantial. They are typically based on the value of the case that was lost or diminished because of the attorney’s negligence. For example, if an attorney’s failure cost you a $500,000 settlement, you could be entitled to recover that amount plus additional damages in some situations.
Our Lakeland legal malpractice lawyers thoroughly review your original case to establish what the likely outcome would have been with competent representation. We also examine additional losses you may have suffered, including emotional distress and out-of-pocket costs for hiring new counsel to try to fix the mistake.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Legal Malpractice Claims
At Slater | Grant, we apply a rigorous process to every malpractice case:
- Detailed Case Review: We start by analyzing every document, communication, and court record from your prior representation to uncover where and how the malpractice occurred.
- Expert Consultation: We work closely with independent legal experts who can testify about how a reasonably competent attorney would have handled your matter differently.
- Calculating Damages: Our team will evaluate both the direct financial impact and the broader consequences to build a claim for maximum recovery.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We leverage negotiation and litigation strategies designed to compel negligent attorneys — and their malpractice insurers — to take responsibility.
We understand that these cases often involve sensitive facts and personal betrayal. You can rely on us for clear communication, compassionate service, and tenacious advocacy from start to finish.
Signs You May Have a Legal Malpractice Case
Not every disappointing result is malpractice. However, you may have a claim if your lawyer:
- Missed a critical deadline that caused your case to be dismissed.
- Settled your case without consent or failed to adequately explain settlement offers.
- Failed to follow court orders, resulting in sanctions or dismissal.
- Did not investigate or prepare adequately, such as failing to hire necessary experts.
- Handled funds improperly, delaying or misdirecting your payment.
If you suspect your attorney mishandled your case, it is crucial to act quickly. Florida imposes strict time limits on filing legal malpractice claims. Contact our experienced Lakeland legal malpractice lawyers at Slater | Grant to protect your rights.
Common Challenges in Legal Malpractice Claims and How We Overcome Them
Legal malpractice cases often face unique hurdles that can make pursuing compensation complex and daunting. At Slater | Grant, our Lakeland legal malpractice lawyers are well-versed in navigating these challenges to protect your interests effectively.
One major challenge is proving causation — demonstrating that the attorney’s negligence directly caused your financial loss. Unlike typical personal injury cases, legal malpractice requires showing what the outcome would have been if the attorney had acted properly. This often involves meticulous reconstruction of the original case, extensive expert testimony, and sophisticated legal analysis.
Another difficulty lies in the statute of limitations. Florida law typically allows only a two-year window to file a legal malpractice claim from the date the client discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the malpractice. Missing this deadline can bar your case entirely. Our team acts swiftly to assess your claim and ensure all procedural deadlines are met to safeguard your right to compensation.
Additionally, legal malpractice defendants often rely on complex defenses, such as arguing the client’s own actions caused the loss or that the original case had little merit to begin with. We counter these defenses by thoroughly investigating your underlying case and using skilled legal experts who can affirm the value and strength of your original claim.
Finally, many legal malpractice claims involve emotional distress and loss of trust, which are often undervalued by other firms. At Slater | Grant, we recognize the personal toll these cases take and pursue compensation that reflects both your financial damages and the emotional impact of your attorney’s failure.
Our deep experience in overcoming these obstacles gives you a distinct advantage. When you choose our Lakeland legal malpractice lawyers, you gain a team prepared to confront every challenge head-on to secure the justice you deserve.
How Slater | Grant Can Help You
Choosing the right lawyer to handle a legal malpractice case is critical. We bring unmatched dedication to uncovering exactly how the malpractice occurred and quantifying your losses. Our reputation for meticulous preparation and formidable courtroom presence often motivates opposing parties to settle favorably.
At Slater | Grant, we operate on a contingency fee basis for most legal malpractice claims. That means you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf. We are committed to giving you the resources, advocacy, and support you need to move forward with confidence.
Contact Our Lakeland Legal Malpractice Lawyers Today
If you believe your previous attorney’s negligence cost you the justice you deserved, you don’t have to face this alone. Let us help you hold them accountable and pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to schedule your consultation with our skilled Lakeland legal malpractice lawyers. We are ready to review your situation, answer your questions, and provide straightforward guidance on your options.
Sources
American Bar Association – Legal Malpractice: Offers a comprehensive overview of what constitutes legal malpractice and the ethical duties attorneys owe their clients.
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/legal_malpractice/
Florida Bar – Consumer Information on Attorney Discipline: Details how clients can file complaints against attorneys in Florida, including common grounds for discipline.
https://www.floridabar.org/public/acap/
Cornell Law School – Legal Malpractice Overview: Discusses the elements required to prove a legal malpractice case under U.S. law.
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/legal_malpractice
