To many people, the word malpractice immediately conjures images of medical professionals. Certainly, the highest-profile cases involving malpractice allegations usually stem from medical mistakes.
Still, malpractice is not an issue confined only to health care. It can affect any skilled professional who has to make decisions that affect other people. Recognizing the professions most at risk for malpractice other than health care can help you stand up for yourself if a professional has caused you harm.
Legal malpractice
Lawyers have a fiduciary duty to uphold the best interests of their clients. They also need to understand the kind of law they practice, including both the statute itself and precedent based on prior court rulings.
When an attorney fails in their representation of a client either through lack of knowledge or poor decisions, their client may have grounds to bring a malpractice claim against them.
Accounting malpractice
You hire a tax professional or accountant to manage tax and other financial matters for you so that you don’t have to worry about penalties or legal consequences. If the professional you hire makes mistakes or oversights while managing your books, handling your payroll or filing your taxes, you may be able to take legal action against them.
Other forms of malpractice
Just about any licensed professional could commit malpractice. Real estate agents, architects, engineers and even insurance brokers could all commit malpractice that affects their customers or clients.
Recognizing the different forms of professional malpractice may be the first step toward holding a professional accountable for harm.
