Lawyers Insurance

Procedural Missteps Lead to Claim

Central Illinois Taxi has filed a lawsuit against its attorney for what can be described as procedural errors.  Central Illinois Taxi (CIT) had a contract with a governmental department to drive medicaid patients to the hospital.  The department claimed that CIT had over billed them an amount in excess of $1M and the matter went to court.  CIT engaged the services of a lawyer who allegedly missed filing deadlines, and asked for oral arguments but then never gave an oral argument.  The underlying case was decided against Central Taxi and they are now suing their attorney in Madison County Circuit Court - case number: 13-L-9.

While this case remains allegations at this point, there are lessons to be learned.  It is mission critical for law firms to avoid malpractice suits, and this case highlights a few ways to do that.

  • Engagement Letters – It is important to document the terms of an engagement in an engagement letter.  As the scope expands, the engagement letter should be added to.
  • Client Communication – Beyond the engagement letter,  it is important for firms and attorneys to understand what expectations the client may have and to regularly communicate with the client on matters as they develop.
  • Insurance – Finally, It is important for firms to carry the proper type and amount of insurance to protect the firm when a lawsuit does come.

Contact an expert broker to discuss ways to protect your firm and assure that the proper limits and types of insurance are carried.

 

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