Protecting Your Rights and Holding Lawyers Accountable
Our legal team has been recognized as Calgary’s Top Choice for our client-focused approach. Since 1976, Litco Law has helped thousands of people, including those seeking support for cases of legal malpractice in Alberta.
We understand how unsettling it can be when the lawyer you trusted with your case doesn’t live up to the standard of care you deserve. (Yes, there are lawyers for when your lawyer doesn’t get it right.) If you’ve been impacted by your lawyer’s mistakes, our legal malpractice lawyers are here to help you hold them accountable and get the justice you deserve.
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Get answers to the following topics and questions:
What is Legal Malpractice?
Legal malpractice happens when a lawyer fails to act with the skill, diligence, and care you deserve as a client. In Alberta, when a lawyer makes a mistake that may jeopardize your claim, they are required to notify you and recommend that you seek an independent legal opinion. These mistakes can range from small missteps to more significant errors.
What’s An Example of Legal Malpractice?
- Missing critical deadlines – For instance, a missed filing deadline that compromises your case.
The good news is that when a lawyer’s actions cause harm, there are laws in place that can help to protect you as a client.
Signs Your Lawyer Has Been Negligent
If you experience any of the following, it’s time to talk to a legal malpractice lawyer:
- Your lawyer has advised you that an error was made and to seek independent legal advice regarding your rights.
- Your lawyer missed an important court date, and it jeopardized your case.
- You received bad legal advice that caused financial loss
We’re here to help you identify these issues and take action. It won’t cost you anything to speak with one of our Alberta Legal Malpractice Lawyers. Contact us today to speak with our legal team for free.
Why Most Malpractice Claims Start With a Lawyer’s Disclosure
In many legal malpractice cases, clients don’t actually realize something went wrong until their own lawyer notifies them of the issue. In Alberta, if a lawyer makes a significant mistake, they have a duty to let the client know and suggest getting independent legal advice. More often than not, this is how malpractice claims are discovered and move forward.
Can You Sue a Lawyer in Alberta?
Yes. In Alberta, clients have the right to sue a lawyer for negligence or breach of contract. But it’s important to know that limitation periods do apply to you, the potential client (often two years from the date you became aware of the negligence). You only have a certain wind of time to file a claim, so acting quickly is key to protecting your rights and preserving your right to make a claim.
How to Know if You Can Sue a Lawyer for Negligence
If you believe your lawyer mishandled your case, you may be able to sue for lawyer, but not every mistake meets the legal standard for malpractice. In most cases, your lawyer will be the one to notify you that a mistake took place. They will then advise you to seek independent counsel from another lawyer. In order to prove negligence, we must be able to show that:
- Your lawyer owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty by acting in a way that fell below the standard of a reasonably competent lawyer
- Their actions (or inaction) directly caused you harm or loss
- You suffered measurable damages as a result
If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, it’s worth speaking with a legal malpractice lawyer. They can review your case and help you understand your options.
What is the time period to file a legal malpractice claim?
In Alberta, you have typically have two years from the date you realized that your lawyer’s actions caused you harm to start a claim. Because deadlines can be easy to miss, it’s important to speak with a legal malpractice lawyer as soon as you suspect a problem. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to take legal action.
Can I Sue My Lawyer for Negligence?
Yes. If your lawyer’s actions caused you harm and meet the legal criteria for negligence, you can sue. This might apply in cases where:
- Your lawyer missed deadlines or court dates that harmed your case.
- You received incorrect or misleading legal advice.
While it’s something you may not have heard about often in the news or media, lawyers can (and do) get sued when there are instances of negligence or malpractice.
How Much Can I Sue My Lawyer for Negligence in Alberta?
The amount you can sue for depends on the damages you’ve suffered because of your lawyer’s negligence. The goal is to put you back where you would have been had the error not occurred. This might include:
- Financial losses
- Additional legal costs
- Lost opportunities in your case
Every claim is unique, and there’s no set maximum or minimum. A legal malpractice lawyer can assess the specifics of your situation and help determine a fair amount to seek in compensation.
How Long Does a Legal Malpractice Claim Take?
Legal malpractice claims can take anywhere from several months to a few years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case. Factors that can affect the timeline include:
- The amount of evidence that needs to be gathered
- Whether the case settles out of court or goes to trial
A skilled malpractice lawyer will work to move your claim forward as efficiently as possible while ensuring every detail is handled thoroughly.
How Litco Law Can Help You with Legal Malpractice Claims
You’ve already been through the stress of your case, and now, you are experiencing another layer of frustration. We know that taking action against a lawyer can feel intimidating. The good news is, we’ll step in, handle everything on your behalf, and stand by your side to fight for the justice you deserve.
Here’s how we do it:
- Listen First, Act Second – We’ll take the time to fully understand your story, making sure we’re clear on how your lawyer’s actions (or lack of actions) affected your case.
- Thorough Investigation – We dig deep into the details. Whether it’s reviewing court documents, communications, or gathering expert opinions, we leave no stone unturned.
- Strategic Action – We work to find the solution that best serves you and your situation.
- Real Support, Real Communication – You’ll never feel left in the dark. We keep you updated every step of the way, ensuring you’re empowered to make the best decisions for your future.
“We take legal malpractice seriously. It’s not just about winning a case. It’s about restoring your faith in the legal system. Our job is to help you rebuild and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.” — Geoffrey Brisbin, Lawyer, Litco Law
Why Litco Law?
- You’re Not Just a Case: We understand the emotional and financial toll legal malpractice can take, and we want to make it right.
- No Win, No Fee: We work on a contingency basis. You only pay if and when we resolve your claim. It’s that simple.
- Proven Results: We’ve successfully helped thousands of clients in Alberta since 1976. You can trust us to handle your case with the expertise and care it deserves.
- Empathy & Advocacy: We believe in standing up for people who’ve been wronged and ensuring they get the justice they deserve. We put ourselves in your shoes to understand what you’re going through, and fight for you because we truly care.
- 700+ 5–star Google reviews: Our clients say it best here.
Speaking as lawyers: don’t let legal malpractice go unaddressed. At Litco Law, we’ll work to help you get the resolution you deserve. You’ve already been through enough. We’ll fight for your rights, help you recover what you’ve lost, and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
Get to know our lawyers here.
Success Stories from Our Clients
We’ve helped clients just like you. One of our clients came to us after their previous lawyer mishandled a personal injury case, missing a crucial filing deadline. The client almost lost their chance at compensation. We started a new case against the lawyer, holding them accountable for their negligence.
Read client testimonials here.
Reach out to us today to book a free consultation. We’re here to listen, guide you through your options, and give you the support you need to move forward. We’re here for you.