California Professional Malpractice Case Value Calculator

Professional malpractice occurs when a licensed professional (attorney, accountant, financial advisor, architect) fails to perform services at the accepted standard of their profession, causing financial harm. Unlike medical malpractice, most professional malpractice cases involve economic rather than physical damages.

Damages equal the financial loss directly caused by the professional's negligence — what you lost or failed to gain because of their error, minus losses you would have suffered regardless. For attorney malpractice, you typically must prove you would have won the underlying case. Expert testimony from a professional in the same field is almost always required.

In California, you have 2 years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline permanently bars your right to recover — act promptly and consult an attorney before the deadline approaches.

Strong cases have: a clear demonstrable error (missed deadline, incorrect legal advice, misappropriation of funds), an expert who will testify the standard of care was violated, and documented financial losses directly traceable to the error. Written retainer agreements, engagement letters, and billing records are critical evidence.