Clear and timely communication is a fundamental obligation of every attorney. Clients are entitled to be informed about the status of their case, significant developments, settlement offers, and decisions that affect their legal rights. When a lawyer fails to communicate and that failure causes harm, Georgia law may allow the client to pursue a claim for attorney negligence or legal malpractice.
Failure to communicate can leave clients uninformed, unprepared, and unable to protect their interests. If your attorney failed to communicate important information in your legal matter in Newton County, Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. can help you evaluate your rights and legal options.
What Does Failure to Communicate Mean Under Georgia Law?
Attorneys in Georgia are required to keep clients reasonably informed about the status of their matters and to promptly respond to reasonable requests for information. Failure to communicate occurs when a lawyer does not provide necessary updates, ignores client inquiries, or withholds material information, and that conduct results in harm.
While occasional delays may occur, persistent or material communication failures may breach the professional standard of care.
Common Examples of Failure to Communicate
Failure-to-communicate claims may arise from conduct such as:
- Ignoring client calls, emails, or messages
- Failing to inform the client of case developments
- Not communicating settlement offers or deadlines
- Failing to explain risks, options, or consequences
- Not advising the client of hearings, motions, or rulings
- Withholding information about adverse events
- Failing to notify the client of dismissal or default
- Ceasing communication without proper withdrawal
Each case depends on the nature of the information withheld and its impact on the client’s rights.
Attorney Communication Duties – Key Considerations
Client Communication Obligations
| Duty | Why It Matters |
| Timely Updates | Allows informed decision-making |
| Disclosure of Offers | Client controls settlement decisions |
| Explanation of Risks | Protects client’s legal rights |
| Responsiveness | Maintains trust and accountability |
| Notice of Developments | Prevents missed opportunities or deadlines |
Failure in any of these areas may materially harm a client’s case.
Failure to Communicate vs. Client Dissatisfaction
Courts distinguish between actionable negligence and mere dissatisfaction.
- Negligence: Failure to communicate material information affecting rights or outcomes
- Dissatisfaction: Disagreement with advice or communication style
A claim requires proof that the lack of communication caused actual harm, not just frustration.
What Must Be Proven in a Georgia Failure-to-Communicate Case
To pursue a claim based on failure to communicate, a client generally must establish:
- An attorney-client relationship existed
- The attorney failed to reasonably communicate
- Material information was withheld or delayed
- The failure breached the standard of care
- The client suffered actual damages
Courts closely examine communication records, timelines, and causation.
Damages in Failure to Communicate Claims
Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:
- Lost settlements or legal opportunities
- Increased legal costs
- Loss of legal rights due to missed deadlines
- Financial losses caused by uninformed decisions
- Other provable economic damages
Courts focus on whether the outcome would have been different with proper communication.
Time Limits for These Claims in Georgia
Failure-to-communicate claims are subject to strict statutes of limitation. In some cases, the limitations period may begin when the communication failure occurs, even if the consequences are realized later.
Prompt legal evaluation is essential to preserve potential claims.
What to Do If Your Lawyer Failed to Communicate
If you believe your attorney failed to keep you informed, consider the following steps:
- Preserve emails, texts, letters, and call logs
- Document unanswered inquiries and missing updates
- Obtain copies of court filings and notices
- Avoid signing releases or waivers without legal advice
- Seek a professional legal evaluation promptly
Early action can significantly affect your ability to pursue a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is poor communication always legal malpractice?
No. A claim requires proof that the communication failure caused harm.
What if my lawyer eventually responded?
Delayed communication may still be actionable if it caused damage.
Do I need everything in writing?
Written records are helpful but not always required.
Why Choose The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.
- Experience evaluating communication-based malpractice claims
- Knowledge of Georgia professional responsibility standards
- Careful review of timelines and communications
- Clear, professional communication
- Commitment to ethical, client-focused representation
We approach these matters with discretion, diligence, and precision.
Speak With a Failure to Communicate Lawyer in Newton County, Georgia
If your attorney failed to communicate important information in your legal matter in Newton County, Georgia, The C. Paul Law Firm P.C. is ready to help you understand your legal options.
Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.
The C. Paul Law Firm P.C.
1870 The Exchange, Suite 200, #1387
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (212) 551-PAUL
Website: www.cpaullawfirm.com
Reach out today to speak with a member of our team and take the next step toward accountability and resolution.