Legal malpractice can leave you feeling betrayed and unsure of where to turn. Fortunately, the attorneys at Jeffress Law, PC, can help you hold professionals accountable. Our clients benefit from decades of courtroom experience and a deep understanding of how complex cases are built and defended.
In this blog, you’ll learn how legal malpractice claims work, what must be proven, and what the process looks like in Colorado.
What Is Legal Malpractice?
Legal malpractice occurs when an attorney fails to provide services that meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the client. Not every unfavorable outcome qualifies. To bring a valid claim, you must show more than dissatisfaction.
Common examples of legal malpractice include:
- Missing important filing deadlines
- Failing to properly investigate a case
- Conflicts of interest
- Poor settlement advice that causes financial harm
- Mishandling client funds
Lawyers have ethical and professional duties to act competently and diligently. When those duties are breached, clients may have legal recourse.
Elements You Must Prove
In Colorado, a successful legal malpractice claim typically requires proving four essential elements:
- Attorney-client relationship: You hired the lawyer.
- Breach of duty: The lawyer acted negligently or failed to meet professional standards.
- Causation: The lawyer’s mistake directly caused harm.
- Damages: You suffered measurable financial loss as a result.
One of the most challenging parts is proving the “case within a case.” This means showing that you would have won — or received a better outcome — if the attorney had handled your matter properly.
The Legal Malpractice Claim Process
Understanding the process can make it less intimidating. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Case evaluation: An attorney reviews your prior case to determine whether malpractice occurred.
- Filing the lawsuit: If there is a valid claim, a lawsuit is filed against the former attorney.
- Discovery phase: Both sides exchange documents, conduct depositions, and consult expert witnesses.
- Settlement or trial: Many cases resolve through negotiation. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial.
Speak With a Legal Malpractice Attorney in Boulder, CO
If you believe your attorney’s errors cost you money or damaged your case, you deserve answers. Jeffress Law represents individuals in Boulder, Longmont, Loveland, and Fort Collins who have been affected by professional negligence.
Call 303-993-8685 today to schedule a consultation and learn whether you have a legal malpractice claim.
