Understand your rights when communication fails

In this article, we’ll help you discover:

  • Whether poor communication from your lawyer is considered legal malpractice.
  • The proof you will need to show that your lawyer’s lack of communication harmed your legal case.
  • Whether Louisiana law provides any remedies for clients when their lawyer fails to communicate.

Can Poor Communication Be Considered Legal Malpractice In St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana?

When you hire a lawyer, it´s expected that they will advocate for you, guide you through the legal process, and, most importantly, effectively communicate with you. Unfortunately, in places like St. Tammany Parish, some individuals find themselves in a challenging situation: silence from their own legal counsel. If your attorney is ignoring your calls and emails while failing to update you on the status of your case, you may find yourself asking – can this be grounds for a malpractice claim?

In short, the answer is perhaps. Poor communication on its own isn’t automatically considered malpractice in Louisiana. However, if this lack of communication directly impacts your case in a negative way, you may have a claim to pursue. Whether it`s missing court dates, failing to file documents, or making decisions without your input, you deserve to take legal action against negligent behavior.

What Are Your Legal Rights When A Louisiana Lawyer Ignores Calls Or Emails?

All individuals have the right to receive timely updates and stable communication from their attorneys. Under the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct, legal professionals must keep clients informed in a reasonable manner about the status of their cases and promptly respond to requests for information.

When lawyers fail to adhere to these standards, it’s not just frustrating – it´s a violation of their ethical duties. In circumstances where this causes financial or legal harm, it may be in your best interests to file a malpractice claim against the lawyer in Louisiana.

Common examples include:

  • Not responding to settlement offers in time.
  • Failing to notify you of important deadlines or hearings.
  • Ignoring written communications surrounding evidence or new developments.
  • Making legal decisions without your consent.

Can You Change Attorneys In Louisiana When Your Lawyer Fails To Communicate?

Many clients find themselves feeling stuck and unclear about how to deal with their silent or unresponsive attorney. Fortunately, in these instances, Louisiana law allows clients to change attorneys at essentially any time during the course of their case – as long as the transition doesn’t interfere with the overall legal process (like disrupting a trial).

To change attorneys, one must:

  • Review the Contract
  • Notify the Current Lawyer in Writing
  • Hire a New Attorney
  • File a Substitution of Counsel

A malpractice lawyer in St. Tammany Parish not only helps victims switch attorneys, but they can also evaluate whether or not the attorney´s poor communication caused serious enough harm to support legal action.

What Evidence Do You Need To Prove Your Lawyer’s Lack Of Communication Harmed Your Case?

Proving legal malpractice in Louisiana isn’t a simple process. Three primary factors must be established to move forward with a viable claim:

  • Attorney-client relationship
  • Breach of duty
  • Damages incurred

Examples of documentation include:

  • Email threads and call logs displaying repeated and unanswered attempts to reach the lawyer.
  • Missed deadlines or court dates due to the attorney´s silence.
  • Expert testimonies from other legal professionals stating the defendant´s communication methods were negligent.
  • Proof of damages.

These elements are crucial for creating a strong malpractice claim against a lawyer in Louisiana. If you´re unsure whether or not your case qualifies, speak with a trusted legal representative today.

What Legal Remedies Exist In Louisiana For Clients Whose Attorneys Fail To Communicate?

If your lawyer´s lack of communication reaches the level of legal malpractice, you likely have several options to pursue:

This process can be complex and overwhelming. That’s why hiring an adept malpractice lawyer in St. Tammany Parish is so important. With their assistance, you´ll gain an accurate assessment of the strength of your case, help with evidence gathering, and representation in court if needed.