Legal Malpractice

Legal Malpractice Claims in Michigan

Justice for Victims of Substandard Legal Representation

Like doctors, attorneys are held to a defined standard for ethics and professional conduct. And, like doctors, lawyers can be sued for malpractice when their services cause demonstrated harm.

Don Ferris of Ann Arbor, Michigan, has represented citizens statewide in legal malpractice claims. If your case was dismissed or you suffered financial losses because of incompetent legal counsel, you may have a case. Contact Mr. Ferris for a free evaluation of your potential claim. He has practiced law in Michigan for 30 years, earning numerous honors from peers for his effective representation and adherence to professional standards.

(Please note: We do not generally take cases involving divorce litigation.)

The Standard for Legal Malpractice

The threshold for what constitutes legal malpractice is set high. If your attorney was merely ineffective, or you lost your court case, you do not necessarily have a claim. The claim must meet two criteria for our firm to pursue the matter:
(1) The plaintiff suffered significant economic loss as a result of the malpractice.
(2) The plaintiff likely would have prevailed in the case if not for the incompetent representation resulting in dismissal.

Ferris & Salter, P.C., investigates court filings, the trial record, and other evidence to show that the attorney committed a legal error, or gave legal advice that no reasonable attorney would give. Examples include:

  • Failing to file documents within the statute of limitations (barring the plaintiff from legal recourse)
  • Conflicts of interests (representing multiple parties in the same legal matter)
  • Drafting an estate trust in violation of federal law (triggering excess taxes)
  • Errors in settling claims — for example, settling a medical malpractice claim with a doctor might release the hospital from liability

Compensation for Legal Malpractice

If Ferris & Salter, P.C., prevails in your case, you can recover:

  • The amount of money you would have gained with competent counsel
  • Attorneys’ fees paid to the incompetent lawyer

A legal malpractice claim must be filed within two years of the date of the last representation by the lawyer in question. Contact Don Ferris today to determine if you have a viable claim for professional malpractice.