legal malpractice claim in Louisiana

53 Louisiana opinions name it 2 courts 1985–2025 8 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Louisiana courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (13)

Case	Followed	Cited
Barnett v. Sethigreen lactapp · 1992 · cited in 3 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 1994–2010 2 sentences 2010Finkelstein v. Collier, 636 So.2d 1053, 1058 (La.App. 5 Cir.1994); Barnett v. Sethi, 608 So.2d 1011, 1014 (La.App. 4 Cir.1992), writs denied, 613 So.2d 993 , 994 (La.1993). 2010Malpractice The supreme court explained the plaintiffs burden of proof in a legal malpractice claim in Costello v. Hardy, 03-1146, pp. 9-10 (La.1/21/04), 864 So.2d 129 , 138: To establish a claim for legal malpractice, a plaintiff must prove: 1) the existence of an attorney-client relationship; 2) negligent representation by the attorney; and 3) loss caused by that negligence. 112 Finkelstein v. Collier, 636 So.2d 1053, 1058 (La.App. 5 Cir.1994); Barnett v. Sethi, 608 So.2d 1011, 1014 (La.App. 4 Cir.1992), writs denied, 613 So.2d 993 , 994 (La.1993).	3	3
MB Industries, LLC v. CNA Insurance Co.green la · 2011 · cited in 4 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 2012–2022 2 sentences 2022MB Indus., 74 So.3d at 1187 . 2012See MB Industries, LLC v. CNA Insurance Company, 74 So.3d at 1182-1183 . 3 As such, rather than considering defendant’s argument under principles of equitable estoppel to determine whether the defendant was entitled to summary judgment herein as a matter of law, we must consider whether Brassette waived her right to pursue a legal malpractice claim against the defendant by entering into a settlement agreement with the FDA.	2	4
Braud v. New England Ins. Co.green la · 1991 · cited in 3 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 1992–2009 2 sentences 2009Hendrick v. ABC Insurance Company, 2000-2403, 2000-2349, p. 9 (La.5/15/01), 787 So.2d 283, 289 ; Brand v. New England Insurance Company, 576 So.2d 466, 468 (La.1991). 1998The supreme court explained in Harvey v. Dixie Graphics, Inc., 593 So.2d 351 (La. 1992), and Braud v. New England Insurance Company, 576 So.2d 466 (La.1991), that the cause of action for malpractice arises when any appreciable and actual harm flows from the negligent conduct.	2	3
Rodriguez v. Traylorgreen la · 1985 · cited in 2 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025 2 sentences 2025The Third Circuit Court of Appeal reversed, finding that, based on the holdings of the Louisiana Supreme Court in Rodriguez v. Traylor, 468 So.2d 1186, 1188 (La. 1995 (holding that “the wealth or poverty of a party to a lawsuit is not a proper consideration in the determination of compensatory damages”) and Costello v. Hardy, 03-1146 (La. 1/21/04), 864 So.2d 129 , 138 (holding that “[a] plaintiff can have no greater rights against attorneys for the negligent handling of a claim than are available in the underlying claim”), collectability is not an issue properly considered in a legal malpracti 2025The Third Circuit Court of Appeal reversed, finding that, based on the holdings of the Louisiana Supreme Court in Rodriguez v. Traylor, 468 So.2d 1186, 1188 (La. 1995 (holding that “the wealth or poverty of a party to a lawsuit is not a proper consideration in the determination of compensatory damages”) and Costello v. Hardy, 03-1146 (La. 1/21/04), 864 So.2d 129 , 138 (holding that “[a] plaintiff can have no greater rights against attorneys for the negligent handling of a claim than are available in the underlying claim”), collectability is not an issue properly considered in a legal malpracti	2	2
Cherokee Restaurant, Inc. v. Piersongreen lactapp · 1983 · cited in 2 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 1985–1987 2 sentences 1987APPLICABLE PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD This court, sitting EN BANC, has previously considered the applicable prescriptive period of a legal malpractice action in Cherokee Restaurant, Inc. v. Pierson, 428 So.2d 995, 999 (La.App. 1st Cir.1983), writ 230 denied, 431 So.2d 773 (La.1983). 1985*See Cherokee Restaurant, Inc. v. Pierson, supra; Sturm v. Zelden & Zelden, 445 So.2d 32 (La.App. 4th Cir.1984); and Knighten v. Knighten, 447 So.2d 534 (La.App. 2nd Cir.1984).	2	2
Finkelstein v. Colliergreen lactapp · 1994 · cited in 3 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 1998–2010 2 sentences 2010Finkelstein v. Collier, 636 So.2d 1053, 1058 (La.App. 5 Cir.1994); Barnett v. Sethi, 608 So.2d 1011, 1014 (La.App. 4 Cir.1992), writs denied, 613 So.2d 993 , 994 (La.1993). 2010Malpractice The supreme court explained the plaintiffs burden of proof in a legal malpractice claim in Costello v. Hardy, 03-1146, pp. 9-10 (La.1/21/04), 864 So.2d 129 , 138: To establish a claim for legal malpractice, a plaintiff must prove: 1) the existence of an attorney-client relationship; 2) negligent representation by the attorney; and 3) loss caused by that negligence. 112 Finkelstein v. Collier, 636 So.2d 1053, 1058 (La.App. 5 Cir.1994); Barnett v. Sethi, 608 So.2d 1011, 1014 (La.App. 4 Cir.1992), writs denied, 613 So.2d 993 , 994 (La.1993).	1	3
Murphy v. Gilsbar, Inc.green lactapp · 2002 · cited in 2 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 2010–2012 2 sentences 2012See Murphy v. Gilsbar, 834 So.2d at 672 . 2010In Murphy v. Gilsbar, Inc., 02-205 (La.App. 1 Cir. 12/31/02) , 834 So.2d 669 , writ denied, 03-676 (La.5/30/03), 845 So.2d 1057 , the first circuit applied the concept of equitable estoppel in ruling that a client could not bring a legal malpractice claim against her attorney.	1	2
Brassette v. Exniciosgreen lactapp · 2012 · cited in 1 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016 1 sentence 2016See MB Industries, 11-0303, p. 13, 74 So.3d 1173, 1183 ; Saussy v. Bonin, 12-1755, pp. 5-6 (La.App. 4 Cir. 9/4/13), 125 So.3d 1, 5 ; see also Brassette v. Exnicios, 11-1439, pp. 4-5 (La.App. 1 Cir. 5/14/12), 92 So.3d 1077, 1080 .	1	1
Land v. Vidrinegreen la · 2011 · cited in 1 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012 1 sentence 2012See Land v. Vidrine, 10-1342, pp. 9-10 (La.3/15/11), 62 So.3d 36, 42 .	1	1
Merrill v. Theardgreen la · 1937 · cited in 1 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011	1	1
Thurston v. Continental Casualty Co.green me · 1989 · cited in 1 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009	1	1
Succession of Zataraingreen lactapp · 1962 · cited in 1 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 2009–2009	1	1
Ault v. Bradleygreen lactapp · 1990 · cited in 1 Louisiana opinions naming this issue, 1995–1995	1	1

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

Case	Negative	Cited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Louisiana. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (44)

Case	Cited	Years
Costello v. Hardy green la · 2004 2 sentences 2025The Third Circuit Court of Appeal reversed, finding that, based on the holdings of the Louisiana Supreme Court in Rodriguez v. Traylor, 468 So.2d 1186, 1188 (La. 1995 (holding that “the wealth or poverty of a party to a lawsuit is not a proper consideration in the determination of compensatory damages”) and Costello v. Hardy, 03-1146 (La. 1/21/04), 864 So.2d 129 , 138 (holding that “[a] plaintiff can have no greater rights against attorneys for the negligent handling of a claim than are available in the underlying claim”), collectability is not an issue properly considered in a legal malpracti 2025The Third Circuit Court of Appeal reversed, finding that, based on the holdings of the Louisiana Supreme Court in Rodriguez v. Traylor, 468 So.2d 1186, 1188 (La. 1995 (holding that “the wealth or poverty of a party to a lawsuit is not a proper consideration in the determination of compensatory damages”) and Costello v. Hardy, 03-1146 (La. 1/21/04), 864 So.2d 129 , 138 (holding that “[a] plaintiff can have no greater rights against attorneys for the negligent handling of a claim than are available in the underlying claim”), collectability is not an issue properly considered in a legal malpracti	9	2007–2025
Reeder v. North green la · 1997 2 sentences 2012Naghi , 08-2527 at 5, 17 So.3d at 922 ; Teague, 07-1384 at 11, 974 So.2d at 1274 ; Reeder , 97-0239 at 5-6, 701 So.2d at 1295 . 625 In Reeder v. North, the court of appeal held while the attorney-client relationship is in existence and the attorney is actively attempting to remedy the alleged malpractice until the judgment giving rise to the malpractice claim becomes definitive, a legal malpractice claim does not ripen into a cause of action and prescription or peremption does not begin to run. 96-165, pp. 9-10 (La.App. 5 Cir. 11/14/96); 683 So.2d 912, 916 . 2011*Id. at 502-04 . [13] Merrill v. Theard, 187 La. 55 , 174 So. 107, 108 (1937); Distefano v. B & P Constr., Inc. 04-25 (La.App. 5 Cir. 5/26/04) , 874 So.2d 407, 411 . [14] In Reeder v. North, 97-239 (La. 10/21/97), 701 So.2d 1291 , this Court held that a pending appeal does not toll the expiration of the statutory peremptive period for a legal malpractice claim.	5	2002–2013
Tracy Ray Lomont v. Michelle Myer-Bennett and Xyz Insurance Company green la · 2015 2 sentences 2024Id. at 634-35 . 2023R.S. 9:5605(E), a legal malpractice claim is governed by the one-year prescriptive period.” Lomont, 2014-2483, p. 24, 172 So.3d at 636 .	4	2022–2024
Reeder v. North neutral lactapp · 1996 2 sentences 2012Naghi , 08-2527 at 5, 17 So.3d at 922 ; Teague, 07-1384 at 11, 974 So.2d at 1274 ; Reeder , 97-0239 at 5-6, 701 So.2d at 1295 . 625 In Reeder v. North, the court of appeal held while the attorney-client relationship is in existence and the attorney is actively attempting to remedy the alleged malpractice until the judgment giving rise to the malpractice claim becomes definitive, a legal malpractice claim does not ripen into a cause of action and prescription or peremption does not begin to run. 96-165, pp. 9-10 (La.App. 5 Cir. 11/14/96); 683 So.2d 912, 916 . 2012*In Reeder v. North, the court of appeal held while the attorney-client relationship is in existence and the attorney is actively attempting to remedy the alleged malpractice until the judgment giving rise to the malpractice claim becomes definitive, a legal malpractice claim does not ripen into a cause of action l^and prescription or per-emption does not begin to run. 96-165, pp. 9-10 (La.App. 5 Cir. 11/14/96); 683 So.2d 912, 916 .	4	1997–2012
Lima v. Schmidt green la · 1992 2 sentences 2012This Court also applied the continuous representation rule in Lima to suspend the commencement of the one-year prescriptive period on the plaintiffs' legal malpractice claim while the attorney continued to represent them. 595 So.2d at 629-30 . 2012This Court also applied the continuous representation rule in Lima to suspend the commencement of the one-year prescriptive period on the plaintiffs’ legal malpractice claim while the attorney continued to represent them. 595 So.2d at 629-30 .	3	1998–2012
Jenkins v. St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co. green la · 1982 2 sentences 2022The central issue was “whether the client, after proving the attorneys’ negligence, must also establish the validity of the underlying claim by proving that the attorneys’ negligence caused him damages and by further proving the amount of the damages.” Id. at 1110 . 1993Co., 422 So.2d 1109 (La.1982), holds that in a legal malpractice claim, where the plaintiff proves the defendant's negligence in allowing a claim to prescribe, the burden shifts to the defendant to prove the plaintiff would not have prevailed on the merits.	2	1993–2022
Jenkins v. Starns green la · 2012 2 sentences 2015More recently, the Supreme Court in Jenkins v. Starns, 11-1170 (La.1/24/12), 85 So.3d 612 , summarized its holding in Teag-ue as follows: Applying Campo to a legal malpractice claim, the [Teague ] Court held per-emption commences to run in a legal malpractice case when a claimant knew or should have known of the existence of facts that would have enabled him to state a cause of action for legal malpractice. 2013As noted by the court in Jenkins, 85 So.3d at 620-21 , in the context of a legal malpractice claim, the “date of discovery” from which prescription or peremption begins to run is the date on which a reasonable man in the position of the plaintiff has, or should have, either actual or constructive knowledge of the damage, the delict, and the relationship between them sufficient to indicate to a reasonable person that he is the victim of a tort and to state a cause of action against the defendant.	2	2013–2015
Hendrick v. ABC Ins. Co. green la · 2001 2 sentences 2012Hendrick v. ABC Insurance Co., 00-2054 (La.5/15/01); 787 So.2d 283 ; Lima v. Schmidt, 595 So.2d 624 (La. 1992). 2012In Hendrick, the issue before this Court was again whether contra non valentem applies to suspend liberative prescription. 00-2403 at 8, 787 So.2d at 289 .	2	2009–2012
Barnett v. Sethi neutral la · 1993 2 sentences 2010Finkelstein v. Collier, 636 So.2d 1053, 1058 (La.App. 5 Cir.1994); Barnett v. Sethi, 608 So.2d 1011, 1014 (La.App. 4 Cir.1992), writs denied, 613 So.2d 993 , 994 (La.1993). 2010Malpractice The supreme court explained the plaintiffs burden of proof in a legal malpractice claim in Costello v. Hardy, 03-1146, pp. 9-10 (La.1/21/04), 864 So.2d 129 , 138: To establish a claim for legal malpractice, a plaintiff must prove: 1) the existence of an attorney-client relationship; 2) negligent representation by the attorney; and 3) loss caused by that negligence. 112 Finkelstein v. Collier, 636 So.2d 1053, 1058 (La.App. 5 Cir.1994); Barnett v. Sethi, 608 So.2d 1011, 1014 (La.App. 4 Cir.1992), writs denied, 613 So.2d 993 , 994 (La.1993).	2	1999–2010
Francois v. Reed green lactapp · 1998 2 sentences 2000Francois v. Reed, 97-1328, p. 4 (La.App. 1st Cir.5/15/98), 714 So.2d 228, 229-230 . 2000Francois v. Reed, 97-1328, p. 4 (La.App. 1st Cir.5/15/98), 714 So.2d 228, 229-230 ; Prestage v. Clark, 97-0524, p. 9 (La.App. 1st Cir.12/28/98), 723 So.2d 1086, 1091 , writ denied, 99-0234 (La.3/26/99), 739 So.2d 800 .	2	2000–2000
In re Booth green la · 2016 1 sentence 2018The committee also determined that the baseline sanction is suspension based *1214 on the case of In re: Bullock , 16-0075 (La. 3/24/16), 187 So.3d 986 , wherein an attorney was suspended from the practice of law for one year and one day, with all but six months deferred, for neglecting her client's legal matter to the point that the claim prescribed, failing to communicate with her client and timely disclose her malpractice, and misleading her client regarding the status of the case.	1	2018–2018
Saussy v. Bonin green lactapp · 2013 1 sentence 2016See MB Industries, 11-0303, p. 13, 74 So.3d 1173, 1183 ; Saussy v. Bonin, 12-1755, pp. 5-6 (La.App. 4 Cir. 9/4/13), 125 So.3d 1, 5 ; see also Brassette v. Exnicios, 11-1439, pp. 4-5 (La.App. 1 Cir. 5/14/12), 92 So.3d 1077, 1080 .	1	2016–2016
Luther v. Iom Co. green la · 2013 1 sentence 2016Reviewing the evidence in the light most favorable to Mr. Lewis, as the nonmoving party, see Luther v. IOM Co. LLC, 13-0353, p. 5 (La.10/15/13), 130 So.3d 817, 822 , we find that defendants made a prima facie showing that there was an absence of factual support for an essential element of the legal malpractice claim.	1	2016–2016
Gibsland Bank & Trust Co. v. Kitchens, Benton, Kitchens & Black (APLC) green lactapp · 2013 1 sentence 2015Gibsland Bank & Trust Co. v. Kitchens, Benton, Kitchens & Black (APLC), 47,763 (La.App.2d Cir.5/15/13), 114 So.3d 529 , writ denied, 13-1643 (La.11/8/13), 125 So.3d 452 .	1	2015–2015
Gibsland Bank & Trust Co. v. Kitchens, Benton, Kitchens & Black (APLC) neutral la · 2013 1 sentence 2015Gibsland Bank & Trust Co. v. Kitchens, Benton, Kitchens & Black (APLC), 47,763 (La.App.2d Cir.5/15/13), 114 So.3d 529 , writ denied, 13-1643 (La.11/8/13), 125 So.3d 452 .	1	2015–2015
Miralda v. Gonzalez green lactapp · 2015 1 sentence 2015This Court in Miralda v. Gonzalez, 14-0888 (La.App. 4 Cir. 2/4/15) , 160 So.3d 998, 1017 , recently summarized the governing principles regarding the timeliness of a legal malpractice claim as follows: The timeliness of a legal malpractice claim is measured by La.	1	2015–2015
B. Swirsky & Co., Inc. v. Bott green lactapp · 1992 1 sentence 2014Swirksy & Co., Inc. v. Bott, 598 So.2d 1281 (La.App. 4th Cir.1992), a client filed a legal malpractice claim and breach of contract action against his former counsel, counsel’s law firm, and malpractice insurer for the attorney’s failure to file proof of loss claims forms with the client’s insurer relative to the client’s casualty loss by fire.	1	2014–2014
Lirette v. Roe green lactapp · 1994 1 sentence 2013Id., p. 2, 631 So.2d at 505 .	1	2013–2013
Naghi v. Brener green la · 2009 1 sentence 2012Naghi , 08-2527 at 5, 17 So.3d at 922 ; Teague, 07-1384 at 11, 974 So.2d at 1274 ; Reeder , 97-0239 at 5-6, 701 So.2d at 1295 . *625 In Reeder v. North, the court of appeal held while the attorney-client relationship is in existence and the attorney is actively attempting to remedy the alleged malpractice until the judgment giving rise to the malpractice claim becomes definitive, a legal malpractice claim does not ripen into a cause of action and prescription or peremption does not begin to run. 96-165, pp. 9-10 (La.App. 5 Cir. 11/14/96); 683 So.2d 912, 916 .	1	2012–2012
Teague v. St. Paul Fire and Marine Ins. Co. green la · 2008 1 sentence 2012Naghi , 08-2527 at 5, 17 So.3d at 922 ; Teague, 07-1384 at 11, 974 So.2d at 1274 ; Reeder , 97-0239 at 5-6, 701 So.2d at 1295 . *625 In Reeder v. North, the court of appeal held while the attorney-client relationship is in existence and the attorney is actively attempting to remedy the alleged malpractice until the judgment giving rise to the malpractice claim becomes definitive, a legal malpractice claim does not ripen into a cause of action and prescription or peremption does not begin to run. 96-165, pp. 9-10 (La.App. 5 Cir. 11/14/96); 683 So.2d 912, 916 .	1	2012–2012
Distefano v. B & P CONST., INC. neutral lactapp · 2004	1	2011–2011
American Reliable Insurance v. Navratil green ca5 · 2006	1	2011–2011
Eastman v. Flor-Ohio, Ltd. green fladistctapp · 1999	1	2011–2011
Dark v. Marshall green lactapp · 2006 1 sentence 2011In Dark v. Marshall, 41,711 (La.App. 2 Cir. 12/13/06), 945 So.2d 246 , the court therein considered whether legal malpractice occurred when a claim allegedly filed late by the defendant attorney was still viable when the defendant attorney \| (¡withdrew from representation.	1	2011–2011
Hudspeth v. Smith green lactapp · 2007	1	2011–2011
Murphy v. Gilsbar, Inc. green la · 2003	1	2010–2010
Hedlund Manufacturing Co. v. Weiser, Stapler & Spivak green pa · 1988	1	2009–2009
Coffey Ex Rel. Collins v. Jefferson County Board of Education green kyctapp · 1988	1	2009–2009
Couture v. Guillory green lactapp · 1998	1	2006–2006
Siegel v. Kranis green nyappdiv · 1968	1	2001–2001
Ferguson v. Burkett green lactapp · 1984	1	2001–2001
Carroll v. Wolfe green lactapp · 1999	1	2001–2001
Louisiana State Bar Ass'n v. Bosworth green la · 1986	1	2001–2001
Prestage v. Clark green lactapp · 1998	1	2000–2000
PRESTIGE v. Clark green la · 1999	1	2000–2000
Bank of Louisiana v. Mmahat, Duffy, Opotowsky & Walker green la · 1993	1	1999–1999
Carter v. Schott neutral lactapp · 1998	1	1999–1999
Harvey v. Dixie Graphics, Inc. green la · 1992	1	1998–1998
Penalber v. Blount green la · 1989	1	1996–1996
Ault v. Bradley green la · 1990	1	1995–1995

Statutes the citing opinions construe

LA § La. Rev. Stat. § 9:5605 (31) LA § La. Rev. Stat. § 1 (4) LA § La. Rev. Stat. § 9:5605.1 (3) LA § La. Rev. Stat. § 9:5606 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

TX 301 (1985–2026) NY 248 (1990–2026) IL 199 (1980–2026) OH 158 (1989–2026) NJ 88 (1980–2026) CA 76 (1969–2026) PA 68 (1987–2026) MI 65 (1987–2026) LA 53 (1985–2025) FL 53 (1983–2025) IN 44 (1981–2020) WA 43 (1992–2026) MN 40 (1984–2017) GA 39 (1990–2025) TN 38 (1996–2025) MA 37 (1988–2026) MO 28 (1981–2025) SC 28 (1996–2025) UT 27 (1996–2026) MS 27 (1982–2024) CT 25 (1996–2024) AZ 24 (1984–2026) IA 24 (1989–2026) CO 21 (1995–2025) ID 21 (1995–2026) KS 21 (1990–2026) AL 20 (1982–2025) NM 20 (1997–2025) NV 20 (1996–2025) OR 19 (1988–2025) MT 18 (1995–2026) VA 16 (1988–2026) ME 16 (1996–2020) WI 15 (1991–2025) DC 15 (1990–2024) NC 14 (2003–2022) VT 14 (1992–2025) SD 14 (1983–2023) RI 13 (1997–2017) WY 13 (2002–2026) KY 12 (2007–2024) MD 12 (1995–2024) NE 11 (1995–2026) AK 10 (1992–2025) ND 10 (1990–2024) WV 10 (2003–2021) DE 9 (1996–2025) HI 6 (2001–2026) NH 5 (2010–2019) OK 4 (2000–2025) AR 4 (2003–2025) VI 3 (1991–2014)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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