what other causes of action can be filed against a lawyer by a client?

Text "Lawyer" to 21000 to receive information about your legal options with Puryear Law. There are also several state causes of action that a plaintiff can bring. Some causes of action include false arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, abuse of process, wrongful death, assault, and battery.

Full Answer

What are the causes of action in a lawsuit?

Specific Causes of Action. There are many specific causes of action that may be alleged in a complaint, the exact wording of which may vary from state to state, and by area of law. Some of the most commonly cited causes of action include: Breach of contract. Fraud.

How should the defendant respond to each cause of action?

The defendant should respond to each cause of action or accusation in the complaint truthfully and politely. The answer should include any legal defenses or counterclaims the defendant wants the court to hear.

What are the specific causes of action in a complaint?

There are many specific causes of action that may be alleged in a complaint, the exact wording of which may vary from state to state, and by area of law. Some of the most commonly cited causes of action include: The facts a plaintiff must prove to win each specific cause of action are referred to as “elements.”

What are a lawyer’s responsibilities to a client?

Among the highest responsibilities a lawyer has is his or her obligation to a client. A number of strict rules and commonsense guidelines define these responsibilities. Every lawyer must aim to provide high-quality work.

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

Perhaps the most common kinds of complaints against lawyers involve delay or neglect. This doesn't mean that occasionally you've had to wait for a phone call to be returned. It means there has been a pattern of the lawyer's failing to respond or to take action over a period of months.

What is it called when a lawyer messes up?

What is Legal Malpractice? Legal malpractice is when an attorney makes a grievous error in handling a case. Lawyers are held to a general standard and codes of ethical and professional conduct.

How do I lodge a complaint against a lawyer in South Africa?

Members of the public can lodge complaints against any law professional through a legal hotline called the “Trustline” initiative which is run by the Law Society of South Africa and the Attorneys Fidelity Fund. The public can lodge complaints at 0800-202-036 or at trustline@tip-off.com.

What are the four responsibilities of lawyers?

It describes the sources and broad definitions of lawyers' four responsibilities: duties to clients and stakeholders; duties to the legal system; duties to one's own institution; and duties to the broader society.

Are lawyers liable for mistakes?

Even where an attorney made an obvious mistake, that mistake must have injured the client. The classic example of negligence is the attorney who did not file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expired.

Can I sue a lawyer for lying?

No matter what name the agency in your state goes by, they will have a process you can use to file a complaint against your attorney for lying or being incompetent. Examples of these types of behavior include: Misusing your money. Failing to show up at a court hearing.

How do I lodge a complaint with the Law Society?

Against a lawyer/attorney: through the relevant law society. Against a prosecutor through the NPA. You can also call the NPA Hotline 0800 21 25 80. The hotline is operated by an independent organisation and is available 24 hours a day.

Who can complain to the Legal Ombudsman?

The Legal Ombudsman can only look into complaints about regulated legal service providers: solicitors, barristers, licensed conveyancers, cost lawyers, legal executives, notaries, patent attorneys, trade mark attorneys, law firms and companies providing legal services, such as some accountants.

Can a lawyer refuse to represent someone in South Africa?

Can a legal professional refuse to accept an instruction or cease to act? Attorneys in the private sector can refuse to accept an instruction. Advocates and state attorneys generally cannot refuse to accept an instruction, unless there is a legal conflict.

What are lawyers not allowed to do?

“An Advocate shall not solicit work or advertise, either directly or indirectly, whether by circulars, advertisements, touts, personal communications, interview not warranted by personal relations, furnishing or inspiring newspaper comments or procuring his photograph to be published in connection with cases in which ...

What is a professional negligence called?

In the law of torts, malpractice, also known as professional negligence, is an "instance of negligence or incompetence on the part of a professional".

What are the ethics of a lawyer?

Areas covered by ethical standards include: Independence, honesty and integrity. The lawyer and client relationship, in particular, the duties owed by the lawyer to his or her client. This includes matters such as client care, conflict of interest, confidentiality, dealing with client money, and fees.

What is the best definition of malpractice?

Definition of malpractice 1 : a dereliction of professional duty or a failure to exercise an ordinary degree of professional skill or learning by one (such as a physician) rendering professional services which results in injury, loss, or damage. 2 : an injurious, negligent, or improper practice : malfeasance.

What happens if a lawyer lies to a judge?

He can be more than reprimanded, he can be held in contempt of court and jailed.

What is it called when a lawyer overcharges you?

Examples Of Overbilling While the act of overbilling can simply be a lawyer overcharging for services, there are numerous ways this can occur, for example: Padding a bill: This occurs when a lawyer lies about how much time was spent on a matter. By overstating time spent, the bill becomes inflated.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.

What happens if an attorney violates the law?

If the attorney violated proper ethics, you can file a grievance with the ethics committee of the state bar association, which ensures all attorneys are in good standing to renew their licenses. The attorney could be disbarred or directed to pay you compensation.

How to win a lawsuit against an attorney for malpractice?

To win when you sue an attorney for malpractice, you need to show that: The attorney was supposed to do something. He or she didn't do it (or did it wrong) This resulted in a financial loss to you (losing the case or losing money)

What are the types of malpractice?

Types of Attorney Malpractice 1 Negligence. To sue lawyer for negligence, you need to be able to prove the attorney didn't use the proper care in your case and missed a deadline, filed the wrong papers, didn't comply with court orders, or made other errors that were not intentional but were sloppy. Negligence happens when the attorney makes mistakes that other attorneys normally would not. 2 Breach of duty. This kind of malpractice happens when the lawyer violates his or her responsibilities to you by settling the case without your approval, not preparing the case for trial, lying to you, abandoning your case, misusing funds you provided for court costs, or misusing funds owed to you (such as a settlement amount). The attorney has not done what other attorneys would do in this type of case. 3 Breach of contract. This occurs when an attorney fails to do something he or she agreed to in your contract, such as filing your deed or patent. If the lawyer promised to do something he or she was contractually obligated to do and didn't do it, you have grounds for breach of contract.

What to do when you hire an attorney?

When you hire an attorney, you do so with trust and confidence. Most attorneys are upstanding and do a good job for their clients. Unfortunately, there are also some bad eggs out there. If your attorney has done something wrong, you may want to consider suing a lawyer for malpractice.

What is a breach of contract?

Breach of contract. This occurs when an attorney fails to do something he or she agreed to in your contract, such as filing your deed or patent. If the lawyer promised to do something he or she was contractually obligated to do and didn't do it, you have grounds for breach of contract.

Can an attorney be disbarred?

The attorney could be disbarred or directed to pay you compensation. If you are disputing a fee with your lawyer, the state also likely has a fee dispute committee that can help you obtain an out-of-court resolution. You can hire another attorney to complete or fix your case and obtain the outcome you need.

Can you sue a lawyer for negligence?

To sue lawyer for negligence, you need to be able to prove the attorney didn't use the proper care in your case and missed a deadline, filed the wrong papers, didn't comply with court orders, or made other errors that were not intentional but were sloppy.

What causes of action can be pled in conjunction with a breach of fiduciary duty?

Attorneys should consider the following claims when filing a breach of fiduciary duty cause of action and determine which, if any, also apply to their clients: 1. Constructive Fraud.

What happens when a court finds a breach of fiduciary duty?

Whenever a court finds a breach of fiduciary duty occurred, the court may also find there was a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. [19] The relationship between these two causes of action is similar to a lesser included offense in criminal law. Thus, it is important to also plead this a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing whenever a suit for breach of fiduciary duty is filed.

What is a breach of fiduciary duty?

Negligent misrepresentation occurs when: (i) a party justifiable relies; (ii) to his detriment; (iii) on information prepared without reasonable care; (iv ) by one who owed the relying party a duty of care. [7] The first element, “justifiable reliance,” means the plaintiff actually relied on false information and it was reasonable for him to rely upon such information. [8]

What are the requirements for a professional malpractice claim?

[14] Professional malpractice claims have four basic requirements: (i) the plaintiff was owed a duty for the professional to act with the reasonable standard of care for that profession; (ii) the professional breached that duty by failing to act as he/she should or committed an act in violation of that duty; (iii) this breach harmed the plaintiff and caused injury; and (iv) the injury sustained is compensable. [15]

What is conversion in a civil case?

Conversion essentially means “stealing.” To succeed on a conversion claim, the plaintiff must show: (i) the unauthorized assumption and exercise of the right of ownership; (ii) over goods or personal chattels belonging to another; (iii) to the alteration of their condition (i.e., destruction) or the exclusion of the owner’s rights. [12] Conversion resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty typically involves a trustee or personal representative who takes property that rightfully belongs to the beneficiaries or heirs. In some cases, the trustee or personal representative has the right to take possession or control of property. However, if the beneficiaries or heirs demand the trustee or personal representative return property controlled by unauthorized dominion, then the beneficiaries or heirs may succeed on a conversion cause of action.

Why are declaratory judgments brought?

Declaratory judgment actions may be brought anticipatorily to protect fiduciaries from future claims because they clarify the rights and obligations of the parties to the agreement. Declaratory judgments can:

What is gross negligence?

The above-mentioned elements for negligence are required in addition to wanton conduct with conscious or reckless disregard for the rights and safety of others. When courts examine whether an action was “wanton,” they look at the mindset of the person committing the action and whether it was done with a wicked purpose or with reckless disregard for the safety and rights of others. [5] If there are aggravating factors surrounding this willful and wanton conduct, North Carolina law allows plaintiffs to recover punitive damages and attorneys’ fees. [6]

What are other causes of action?

Other Causes of Action. Other causes of action can also form the basis for third-party claims in litigation. Sometimes, parties have disputes between themselves that do not directly relate to claims made in an underlying lawsuit. Such claims can involve breach of contract, fraud, and other causes of action.

What is the most common third party claim?

Indemnification. Indemnification is one of the most common third-party claims. Indemnification is when another party defends the indemnified party and pays for judgments and/or attorneys’ fees they may pay in litigation. Oftentimes, parties agree in contracts that they will indemnify another party if matters involving that contract end up being ...

Can a lawsuit involve more than one plaintiff?

When most people think of lawsuits, they typically imagine one plaintiff suing one defendant. Of course, many lawsuits involve more than one defendant, and some lawsuits also involve more than one plaintiff. Moreover, some defendants may have third-party claims against people who are not yet involved in a given lawsuit.

Can a third party be brought into a lawsuit?

Sometimes, third-party defendants will also be brought into the main lawsuit for which liti gation was originally initiated. Although third-party claims are sometimes confusing, third-party lawsuits typically involve a few causes of action.

Can a defendant sue all negligent parties?

However, plaintiffs do not always sue all of the negligent parties in a matter.

Do you have to indemnify another party?

Oftentimes, parties agree in contracts that they will indemnify another party if matters involving that contract end up being litigated. For instance, general contractors typically require subcontractors to indemnify them if there is litigation involving the construction work performed by both parties.

Can a third party claim be filed against a third party?

Moreover, some defendants may have third-party claims against people who are not yet involved in a given lawsuit. In order to pursue third-party claims against parties unnamed in the original lawsuit, third-party plaintiffs usually need to file a third-party complaint and sue these parties as third-party defendants.

What is cause of action in personal injury?

A cause of action in personal injury law means that you have the proper elements present in your case to hold a person liable for your injuries and financial losses. Negligence involves any wrongdoing that deviates from society’s acceptable standard. This negligence includes medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall injuries, ...

What is the element that must be proved in your cause of action?

Another element you must prove in your cause of action is that there is a direct link between the breach of duty and your injuries. If your injuries are sustained in an entirely different situation that had nothing to do with the breach, you have no case.

What is tort law?

Tort law is an area of law that focuses on civil wrongdoings and gives victims grounds to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. A “wrong” results in harm or injury to the victim, which provides them with the basis for their legal action. The primary purpose of tort law is to provide victims with financial relief.

What is an example of a breach of duty?

An example would be someone driving recklessly on the road when they should have been obeying traffic signals and speed limits.

What does "disproving" mean in a complaint?

Disproving may range from the statute of limitations not being met, to damages, to the duty owed to the victim.

What is damage in a car accident?

Damage refers to the injuries you have sustained. For example, you are in a motor vehicle accident with a reckless driver. You have property damage to your vehicle as well as injuries. Injuries do not have to always be physical in a cause of action either. They may include mental and emotional trauma.

What is the duty of reasonable care?

A standard of reasonable care involves examining how the defendant acted and compare it to others and how they might act in the same situation.

What is the relationship between a lawyer and a client?

In a lawyer-client relationship, acting responsibly involves duties on both sides—and often involves some hard work. You have a right to expect competent representation from your lawyer. However, every case has at least two sides. If you are unhappy with your lawyer, it is important to determine the reasons.

Why should a lawyer refuse to take a case?

Unnecessary delays can often damage a case. If, because of overwork or any other reason, a lawyer is unable to spend the required time and energy on a case , the lawyer should refuse from the beginning to take the case. A lawyer must be able to communicate effectively with a client.

What to do if you have a complaint about a lawyer?

If you believe you have a valid complaint about how your lawyer has handled your case, inform the organization that governs law licenses in your state. Usually this is the disciplinary board of the highest court in your state. In some states, the state bar association is responsible for disciplining lawyers.

How should a lawyer act in both professional and private life?

How a lawyer should act, in both professional and private life, is controlled by the rules of professional conduct in the state or states in which he or she is licensed to practice. These rules are usually administered by the state’s highest court through its disciplinary board.

What is the job of a lawyer?

Communication. A lawyer must be able to communicate effectively with a client. When a client asks for an explanation, the lawyer must provide it within a reasonable time. A lawyer must inform a client about changes in a case caused by time and circumstances. Fees.

What to do if your lawyer is not responding to your complaint?

If your lawyer is unwilling to address your complaints, consider taking your legal affairs to another lawyer. You can decide whom to hire (and fire) as your lawyer. However, remember that when you fire a lawyer, you may be charged a reasonable amount for the work already done.

What happens if your lawyer doesn't communicate?

A lack of communication causes many problems. If your lawyer appears to have acted improperly, or did not do something that you think he or she should have done, talk with your lawyer about it. You may be satisfied once you understand the circumstances better. I have tried to discuss my complaints with my lawyer.

What happens if your lawyer talks about your case?

If the opposing attorneys talk about your case (on the tennis court or anywhere else), however, and your lawyer lets slip something that you said in confidence, that would be a clear violation of your attorney's duty to you. You suspect that your lawyer has misused money you paid as a retainer.

What happens if you get a judgment against your lawyer?

If you are successful and obtain a judgment against your lawyer, then the lawyer is responsible for whatever money you could have won had the case been properly handled. Your lawyer recommends a settlement for far less money than she originally estimated your case was worth. This is not malpractice.

How to succeed in a malpractice case?

To succeed in a malpractice case, however, you will have to prove that the settlement your lawyer entered into was for less than your case was worth. You see your lawyer socializing with the lawyer for your opponent . This is not malpractice or a breach of attorney ethics.

What does Dorian sue his lawyer for?

Dorian sues his lawyer for malpractice. He can prove duty (he signed a representation agreement with the lawyer). He can prove breach (the lawyer failed to file the lawsuit within the proper time). He can prove causation (witnesses and a police report attest to the driver's liability).

What does it mean when a lawyer is not a malpractice?

Malpractice means that the lawyer failed to use the ordinary skill and care that would be used by other lawyers in handling a similar problem or case under similar circumstances. In other words, it's not malpractice just because your lawyer lost your case.

Why is my case thrown out of court?

Your case is thrown out of court because your lawyer did no work. This may be malpractice. Your difficulty will be in proving not only that your lawyer mishandled the case, but that if handled correctly, you could have won and collected a judgment.

Is it malpractice to steal money from a client?

Stealing a client's money is malpractice, because your lawyer has a duty to use your funds only for your case. If you seriously suspect your lawyer has misused any money he holds for you in trust, complain to your state's attorney regulatory agency right away.

What to do if your lawyer is not responding to you?

If, after many attempts to communicate with your attorney are met with silence, write your lawyer a firm letter asking why they are not responding to you. You should not threaten legal malpractice claims in your letter.

What to do if your attorney is not cooperating?

If your attorney is not cooperating, you can go to the courthouse to see copies of all documents that have been filed relating to your case. Lastly, you may have to sue your former attorney in order to get your case file back.

How long does it take for an arbitration to become binding?

You should keep in mind that your nonbinding arbitration outcome could become binding if you do not challenge the result in court within 30 days.

What to do if you receive a bill that looks like the one above?

If you receive a bill that looks like the one above, you should demand an itemized accounting of all the time that your attorney spent on your case. Where exactly did those 50 hours go? For example, if your attorney claims that he wrote a letter to opposing counsel for 4 hours, and the letter turned out to be 2 paragraphs long, you may want to seriously question your attorney's time management.

What are the rules of legal ethics?

The rules of legal ethics in most states require attorneys to be honest and to be able to do their job at a certain level of competence. If you feel that your legal representative has lied or misled you, or is performing their duties at a level below that of a competent attorney, you may want to file a lawsuit.

What happens if everything fails?

If everything has failed and you still cannot get your attorney to respond to you in a timely fashion, you may have to fire your lawyer and find a new one.

What to do if your attorney is not doing a good job?

One of the best things that you can do if you feel that your attorney is not doing a good job is to get another law firm to look at your situation. These second opinions do not have to cost very much as it will probably only last an hour or two.

Why is a lawyer asked to represent several individuals seeking to form a joint venture likely to be materially limited in

For example, a lawyer asked to represent several individuals seeking to form a joint venture is likely to be materially limited in the lawyer's ability to recommend or advocate all possible positions that each might take because of the lawyer's duty of loyalty to the others.

What is a conflict of interest in a lawyer?

[8] Even where there is no direct adverseness, a conflict of interest exists if there is a significant risk that a lawyer's ability to consider, recommend or carry out an appropriate course of action for the client will be materially limited as a result of the lawyer's other responsibilities or interests. For example, a lawyer asked to represent several individuals seeking to form a joint venture is likely to be materially limited in the lawyer's ability to recommend or advocate all possible positions that each might take because of the lawyer's duty of loyalty to the others. The conflict in effect forecloses alternatives that would otherwise be available to the client. The mere possibility of subsequent harm does not itself require disclosure and consent. The critical questions are the likelihood that a difference in interests will eventuate and, if it does, whether it will materially interfere with the lawyer's independent professional judgment in considering alternatives or foreclose courses of action that reasonably should be pursued on behalf of the client.

What are the critical questions in a lawyer?

The critical questions are the likelihood that a difference in interests will eventuate and, if it does, whether it will materially interfere with the lawyer's independent professional judgment in considering alternatives or foreclose courses of action that reasonably should be pursued on behalf of the client.

What are the principles of a lawyer?

General Principles. [1] Loyalty and independent judgment are essential elements in the lawyer's relationship to a client. Concurrent conflicts of interest can arise from the lawyer's responsibilities to another client, a former client or a third person or from the lawyer's own interests. For specific Rules regarding certain concurrent conflicts ...

Can a client terminate a lawyer's representation?

[21] A client who has given consent to a conflict may revoke the consent and, like any other client, may terminate the lawyer's representation at any time. Whether revoking consent to the client's own representation precludes the lawyer from continuing to represent other clients depends on the circumstances, including the nature of the conflict, whether the client revoked consent because of a material change in circumstances, the reasonable expectations of the other client and whether material detriment to the other clients or the lawyer would result.

Can a lawyer consent to representation?

[14] Ordinarily, clients may consent to representation notwithstanding a conflict. However, as indicated in paragraph (b), some conflicts are nonconsentable, meaning that the lawyer involved cannot properly ask for such agreement or provide representation on the basis of the client's consent. When the lawyer is representing more than one client, the question of consentability must be resolved as to each client.

Can a lawyer's own interests have an adverse effect on representation of a client?

Personal Interest Conflicts. [10] The lawyer's own interests should not be permitted to have an adverse effect on representation of a client. For example, if the probity of a lawyer's own conduct in a transaction is in serious question, it may be difficult or impossible for the lawyer to give a client detached advice.

What is the claim of police negligence?

The claim alleges that the police were negligent in causing the decedent’s death. The plaintiff must show negligence, breach of a duty, causation, and damages. For assault, the plaintiff must prove 1) the police did an act, 2) the act was done with the intent to put the plaintiff in fear of physical pain or injury or in fear ...

What is the law for false arrest?

For false arrest, the plaintiff must prove a detention or restraint against that person’s will as well as the unlawfulness of the detention or restraint. In other words, the plaintiff must show that the arresting officer did not have probable cause to make an arrest—that is, reasonable grounds for believing a crime has been committed and ...

What are the causes of action for Puryear?

Some causes of action include false arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, abuse of process, wrongful death, assault, and battery.

What is a wrongful death claim?

For wrongful death, plaintiff files a negligence claim against the police for causing another’s death. The plaintiff may be the administrator of the deceased person’s estate, the spouse and/or surviving children of the decedent, the adult child of the decedent, and/or the parents of a deceased minor or adult child.

What is statute of limitations?

The statute of limitations is the time limit by which a claim must be brought after the alleged violation occurred. Because section 1983 does not contain a statute of limitations, the state statute of limitations applies.

How long is a 1983 claim considered tort?

For example, in Iowa and Illinois, the statute of limitations for these types of tort claims is generally two years, although there are some causes ...

Definition of Cause of Action

Cause of Action in A Court Case

Cause of Action Elements

Answering A Complaint and Causes of Action

Consulting An Attorney

Related Legal Terms and Issues

Indemnification

Contribution

Additional Insurance

Other Causes of Action

• Other causes of action can also form the basis for third-party claims in litigation. Sometimes, parties have disputes between themselves that do not directly relate to claims made in an underlying lawsuit. Such claims can involve breach of contract, fraud, and other causes of action. Certain court rules require that claims be made against all parti...

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