Legal Malpractice Case Value Guide
how much is a legal malpractice case worth
Legal malpractice cases can vary significantly in value, typically ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. The exact worth depends on numerous factors related to the original case and the attorney's negligence.
Key Factors Affecting Case Value
Several elements determine the potential compensation in legal malpractice claims:
- The value of the underlying case that was lost due to malpractice
- The strength of evidence proving attorney negligence
- The financial damages directly resulting from the malpractice
- The jurisdiction and local legal precedents
- The defendant attorney's insurance coverage limits
Typical Compensation Ranges
Most legal malpractice settlements range between $50,000 and $500,000, though exceptional cases can reach seven figures. Smaller cases might settle for $20,000-$50,000 when involving straightforward negligence with limited damages. Larger cases involving significant financial losses or personal injury matters can justify seven-figure awards.
The calculation typically focuses on what the client would have recovered in the original case minus any comparative negligence. Expert testimony is usually required to establish both the standard of care and what should have been recovered in the underlying matter.
Success fees for malpractice attorneys often follow contingency arrangements ranging from 30-40% of the recovery. Statute of limitations varies by state but typically allows 1-4 years from discovery of the malpractice to file a claim.