Maria Sabalza sued her attorney for malpractice after her personal-injury case got dismissed.
Although William Salgado agreed to represent Sabalza in a dispute against a grocery store, the guy didn't show up for a court appearance. When her case got thrown out because of that absence, Salgado attempted to get it recalendared, but he didn't show up for that court date either. So, Sabalza later switched attorneys and filed the malpractice claim.
After the Bronx County Supreme Court denied his request to have that case thrown out, Salgado appealed.
In order to be relieved of any liability, Salgado had to show that his client wouldn't have won her personal-injury case. Since he didn't do that, the Appellate Division, First Department, thought the case needed to proceed to trial.
Too late to learn?
To view a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: Sabalza v. Salgado