Professional Liability Matters

LATEST INSIGHTS

March 16, 2016 • Legal Malpractice, Professional Liability Matters, Sanctions, Settlement

Spoliation Examined in LPL Context

It is a risk management necessity that professionals document their files appropriately and confirm conversations in writing. A recent NY decision goes further, and suggests that it may be wise to save original documents to reduce the likelihood of a spoliation argument. In that decision, the Appellate Division, Second Department of New York considered whether a former client was entitled to evaluate an original document to determine whether her fingerprints were on a settlement offer.

March 15, 2016 • Accountants, Coverage, Professional Liability Matters

No Concurrent Causation = No Coverage

The doctrine of concurrent causation can apply in many different insurance coverage scenarios. The doctrine provides that if two causes – one covered by an insurance policy and the other excluded by the policy – both contribute to a loss, then coverage should be afforded under the policy. The doctrine would seem to expand coverage in scenarios where a potential exclusion might otherwise preclude it. Seems simple, right? Not always. Take for example the following APL case where the court found the concurrent causation doctrine did not apply and coverage was denied.

March 9, 2016 • Miscellaneous Professionals, Professional Liability Matters

Professional Liability for Drone Operators

Unmanned aircraft, more commonly known as drones, are becoming increasingly popular in the civilian market. Advances in technology have made drones easier to fly and have expanded their utility for recreational users. Businesses likewise view drones as a new tool to increase their operations and bring new value to consumers. For instance, Amazon, recently unveiled its plans to use drones to make same-day deliveries to customers. But what liability issues await?

March 8, 2016 • Design Professionals (A&E), Professional Liability Matters

Is it Tort or Contract? Both

Contract law is that body of rules that govern agreements between contracting parties. In contrast, tort laws govern situations where one person has harmed or injured another. Usually, professional liability claims grounded in one body of law or the other. There are various defenses available to the professional to ensure the claim against them falls in one of those categories (if any), but not both. A recent A&E decision would suggest otherwise, however.

March 3, 2016 • Professional Liability Matters, Sanctions

Judicial Criticism Leads to One Year Ban

Professionals are passionate about their work. Consequently, professionals may become discouraged when they receive an unfavorable result. Professionals must be cautious in the manner in which they respond to bad outcomes, however. Taking to public forums to criticize a decision or ruling could result in a violation of rules of professional conduct and lead to personal liability.

March 2, 2016 • Engagement Letters, Legal Malpractice, Medical Malpractice, Professional Liability Matters

Fee Dispute Arises from Largest Med-Mal Verdict in CT

A law firm in Connecticut recently recovered the largest med-mal verdict ever in the state only to be sued by their client for malpractice. How does that happen? We’ll tell you. Plaintiffs retained a well-known Connecticut law firm (“Firm”) to represent them in a med-mal claim alleging that Defendant Doctor (“Dr.”) made significant errors during childbirth which caused Plaintiffs’ son being born with cerebral palsy. In 2011, a jury returned a verdict for Plaintiffs, and awarded $58 million – the largest medical malpractice verdict in Connecticut state history. Following verdict, the parties settled for $25 million.

February 25, 2016 • Engagement Letters, Professional Liability Matters

When Does the Engagement End?

It’s easy enough to determine the statute of limitations for a malpractice claim. It’s not as easy to determine when the limitations clock begins to click. In New York, for example, the limitations period is three years but courts have grappled with questions regarding when a relationship between attorney and client ends. Courts have more recently employed what’s become known as the continuous representation doctrine in order to extend the accrual time. However, a recent decision in the Southern District of New York highlights an about-face of sorts.

February 24, 2016 • Ethics, Privileges, Professional Liability Matters

Subpoenas and Ethical Duties to Clients

Subpoenas provide a means to obtain testimony or documents from a non-party. Many lawyers routinely issue subpoenas during the discovery or trial phases of litigation. But lawyers are sometimes on the receiving end of a subpoena. This is when things get a bit tricky.

February 16, 2016 • Conflicts, Engagement Letters, Professional Liability Matters

Advance Conflict Waiver = Unenforceable

Even the most experienced of professionals cannot predict the future. So, as a risk prevention measure, many of us turn to the next best thing by agreeing to clear contractual terms with our clients so as to eliminate confusion down the road. We spell out the terms and scope of our engagement and we identify the client’s responsibilities in an effort to avoid problems before they arise. We attempt to reach agreements today that may impact us tomorrow. According to the ABA, conflicts of interest are one of the most common legal malpractice claims so some attorneys may be tempted to seek a waiver of future conflicts in their engagement letters. This practice does not work. Consider for example the following case out of California.