A legal malpractice claim in Wicomico County arises when an attorney’s negligence causes you financial harm. To succeed, you must prove the attorney breached their duty of care, causing measurable damages. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused representation for professional malpractice claims in Salisbury and across the Eastern Shore. Call (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 case review.
Understanding Legal Malpractice in Maryland
Legal malpractice is a form of professional negligence. In Maryland, a successful claim requires establishing four key elements: (1) the existence of an attorney-client relationship, (2) a breach of the duty of care owed by the attorney (negligence), (3) that the breach was the proximate cause of your loss, and (4) that you suffered actual, quantifiable damages as a result. This area of law is governed by Maryland common law and the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Wicomico County | Maryland General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official rules governing attorney conduct, refer to the Maryland Rules of Professional Conduct. For court procedures related to filing a civil lawsuit, consult the District Court of Maryland for Wicomico County website.
The Process for a Legal Malpractice Claim in Wicomico County
Pursuing a legal malpractice lawsuit in Wicomico County involves specific procedural steps. The case is typically filed in the Circuit Court for Wicomico County, as these claims often exceed the District Court’s jurisdictional limit. A critical first step is obtaining an experienced affidavit from another attorney, which is usually required to certify that the defendant attorney’s conduct fell below the standard of care.
- Case Evaluation & experienced Affidavit: Consult with a legal malpractice lawyer to review your case. An experienced affidavit from a qualified attorney is often prepared to establish the standard of care and the alleged breach.
- Filing the Complaint: Your lawyer files a detailed complaint in the appropriate court (typically Circuit Court), outlining the attorney-client relationship, the negligent act, and the damages suffered.
- Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange evidence, which includes depositions of the involved attorneys, review of the original case file, and experienced witness disclosures.
- Settlement Negotiations or Trial: Many cases settle during mediation or pre-trial conferences. If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench or jury trial to determine liability and damages.
Potential Damages in a Legal Malpractice Case
In Wicomico County, a successful legal malpractice claim can recover compensatory damages intended to make you financially whole for the loss caused by your attorney’s negligence.
| Damage Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Compensatory Damages | Direct financial losses resulting from the malpractice. | Loss of a monetary judgment in the underlying case, forfeited settlement funds, additional legal costs. |
| Consequential Damages | Foreseeable losses that flow from the attorney’s error. | Lost business opportunities, credit damage, or increased tax liability. |
| Prejudgment Interest | Interest on the awarded damages from the date the loss occurred. | Calculated per Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 11-107. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Malpractice Claim
Founded in 1997, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex civil litigation. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results. We understand that a legal malpractice claim is a lawsuit about a lawsuit, requiring meticulous analysis of the original case and a clear demonstration of how attorney negligence directly caused your loss. Our approach is grounded in detailed investigation and strategic advocacy.
Our Approach to Your Case
We begin with a thorough review of your entire prior case file, correspondence with your former attorney, and all court documents. Our goal is to construct a clear narrative linking the attorney’s specific error to your financial loss. We collaborate with experienced witnesses who can testify to the applicable standard of care for attorneys in Maryland. While we prepare every case for trial, we also pursue strategic settlement negotiations to seek an efficient resolution.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Legal Malpractice Lawyer Near Wicomico County
Our Maryland location serves clients in Wicomico County, including Salisbury, Fruitland, and Delmar. We are accessible via Route 50 and Route 13. If you need a professional malpractice claim lawyer or are considering a negligence lawsuit in Wicomico County, contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for legal malpractice in Maryland?
It depends. Generally, you have three years from the date you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the attorney’s negligence and the harm it caused. However, this can be complex, especially if the negligence occurred during ongoing representation. Consult a lawyer immediately to protect your rights.
Do I need another lawyer to sue my former lawyer?
Yes. A legal malpractice claim is a specialized area of civil litigation. You need an independent attorney who can objectively evaluate your former attorney’s conduct, secure the necessary experienced testimony, and handle the lawsuit without conflict.
Can I sue for malpractice if I lost my case but my lawyer tried hard?
No. An unfavorable outcome alone is not malpractice. You must prove that your attorney’s performance fell below the standard of care that a reasonably competent attorney would have provided under similar circumstances, and that this failure directly caused your loss.
What kind of damages can I recover?
You can seek to recover the financial value of what you lost in the underlying case due to the malpractice. This may include a lost judgment, a forfeited settlement, court costs you had to pay, and sometimes consequential financial losses that were a foreseeable result of the error.
How long does a legal malpractice lawsuit take?
These cases are often complex. In Wicomico County Circuit Court, a legal malpractice lawsuit may take 12 to 24 months or more to proceed through filing, discovery, experienced reports, and potentially a trial. Timelines vary based on the case’s complexity and court schedule.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
For the full picture beyond Wicomico County, our page on legal malpractice cases in Maryland covers the process end to end.