Chicago Legal Malpractice Attorney Holding Lawyers Accountable

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When Your Lawyer Let You Down

When an attorney's mistake tanks your case or causes financial harm, you have recourse. The Law Offices of Mark P. Loftus pursues claims against negligent lawyers across Chicago and Illinois. Mark is a trial lawyer who believes attorneys should be just as accountable as anyone else when they breach their duties.

What Is Legal Malpractice?

Legal malpractice occurs when a lawyer fails to act with the competence and care that a reasonably skilled attorney would-and you're harmed as a result. Common examples include missing statutes of limitation, failing to file key documents, providing incorrect legal advice that damages your case, breaching fiduciary duties (like conflicts of interest), or ignoring client instructions.

Proving a Legal Malpractice Case

Most claims require a "case within a case." You must show the lawyer's negligence and that you likely would have achieved a better outcome if the error hadn't happened. Because Mark tries cases in multiple areas (personal injury, employment, and civil litigation) he can evaluate the underlying matter and explain how the malpractice caused real loss.

Common Malpractice Scenarios We Handle

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Missed Deadline or Statute leading to dismissal.

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Failure to Appear or Respond resulting in default judgments.

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Unauthorized or  Unreasonable Settlement without client consent.

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Conflict of Interest harming the client's position.

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Bad Advice or Drafting Errors in litigation or transactional work causing financial loss.

Recognition & Perspective

Mark's experience is recognized-he has even been retained as an expert witness in a legal malpractice trial, providing insight from both sides of these cases. Add this to decades in Chicago courts-from the Daley Center to suburban courthouses-and clients get seasoned judgment with clear communication.

Legal Malpractice FAQ

  • My case was dismissed because my lawyer missed a deadline. Is that malpractice?

    It's a strong sign. We still must show your underlying case had merit, but the negligence element is often clear.

  • My lawyer didn't tell me about a settlement offer; do I have a claim?

    Possibly. Lawyers must convey offers. If you lost a meaningful opportunity, you may recover the value of that loss.

  • How long do I have to sue my lawyer in Illinois?

    Generally two years from when you knew or should have known of the malpractice, and no more than six years from the act (statute of repose). Act promptly.

Take the First Step

If a lawyer's error cost you in Chicago, Oak Park, Cicero, or anywhere in Illinois, the Law Offices of Mark P. Loftus can help you pursue accountability and compensation.