While no statistics definitively set forth the significance of mental impairment as a direct cause of legal malpractice claims, TLIE has witnessed numerous claims that appear to be caused or exacerbated by mental impairments. On many occasions, alcoholism and substance abuse have been significant contributing factors to claims. A significant number of recent claims seem to be related to age-related mental impairments. Undoubtedly, depression and other mental illnesses lurk beneath the surface of claims where lawyers "drop the ball" in some manner.
