Accounting Malpractice Lawyer in Queens County (Queens), NY — What Are Your Rights?
An accounting malpractice lawyer Queens can help you recover damages when an accountant’s negligence causes you financial harm. In Queens, such claims are governed by New York’s professional negligence laws, including CPLR § 214, which sets a three-year statute of limitations. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides focused representation for these complex financial disputes.
What Is Accounting Malpractice in New York?
Accounting malpractice, a form of professional negligence, occurs when an accountant fails to perform their duties with the standard of care and skill expected in the profession, resulting in financial loss to their client. In New York, these claims are grounded in principles of both contract and tort law. The core statute governing the time to file such a lawsuit is found in the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR). Specifically, CPLR § 214(6) establishes a three-year statute of limitations for actions to recover damages for malpractice, other than medical, dental, or podiatric malpractice.
Last verified: April 2026 | Queens County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a background in accounting and information systems to these technically demanding cases, providing a distinct advantage in dissecting financial records and experienced testimony.
Official Legal Resources
For the authoritative text of New York’s statute of limitations, refer to CPLR § 214 (official New York State Senate site). For local court procedures and forms, visit the Queens County Supreme Court website.
The Queens County Litigation Process for Professional Negligence
Pursuing a professional malpractice claim lawyer Queens requires handling specific procedures in the Queens County Supreme Court, which has unlimited jurisdiction over civil matters. The court’s Commercial Division may hear qualifying business disputes. A key local procedural fact is that the court requires strict adherence to discovery deadlines and motion practice schedules under the CPLR. Success often hinges on securing a qualified accounting experienced early to establish the standard of care and the deviation from it.
- Case Evaluation & Retention of Experts: We immediately analyze your financial records and engage a forensic accounting experienced to review the alleged negligence and quantify damages.
- Filing the Summons & Complaint: We file the action in Queens County Supreme Court, ensuring it is within the three-year statute of limitations, and serve the defendant accountant or firm.
- Discovery Phase: We conduct depositions of the involved accountants and exchange all relevant documents, including tax returns, audit work papers, and client communications.
- experienced Disclosure & Reports: We submit detailed reports from our retained accounting experienced, outlining the standard of care and how the defendant breached it.
- Motion Practice & Settlement Negotiations: We file or defend against pre-trial motions (e.g., for summary judgment) and engage in settlement discussions, which often resolve these cases.
- Trial: If a settlement is not reached, we present your case at trial, using experienced testimony to demonstrate negligence and the resulting financial harm to the jury or judge.
Potential Consequences & Damages in Accounting Malpractice Cases
In Queens, a successful accounting malpractice lawsuit can recover compensatory damages for your direct financial losses, plus statutory interest.
| Type of Damage | Description | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Compensatory Damages | Direct financial losses (e.g., tax penalties, interest, lost investment value, overpayments). | CPLR Article 50 |
| Consequential Damages | Foreseeable indirect losses resulting from the malpractice (e.g., lost business opportunities). | Common Law / Hadley v. Baxendale |
| Prejudgment Interest | Statutory interest of 9% per annum on the awarded damages from the date of the loss. | CPLR § 5001 |
| Legal Fees & Costs | In some cases, the court may award attorneys’ fees and litigation costs to the prevailing party. | Court Rules / Contract |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Financial Negligence Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex civil litigation. Mr. Sris, the firm’s owner and managing attorney, has a unique background in accounting and information systems, providing an inherent advantage in investigating and presenting accounting malpractice claims. This technical foundation allows us to work effectively with forensic experts, understand intricate financial documents, and challenge opposing experts during discovery and at trial. Our approach is direct and focused on the financial details that determine the outcome of your negligence lawsuit lawyer Queens.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific case results are confidential and vary, our firm-wide record across all practice areas includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In accounting and professional negligence matters, our strategy focuses on a meticulous review of financial records, early engagement of authoritative experienced witnesses, and aggressive pursuit of discovery to build an undeniable case for our clients’ losses. We understand that your goal is financial recovery, and we structure our litigation strategy to maximize the potential for a settlement or verdict that makes you whole.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Accounting Malpractice Lawyer Near Queens County (Queens), NY
Our New York location serves clients throughout Queens County. We are accessible from major highways including I-495 (LIE), the Grand Central Parkway, and the Van Wyck Expressway. We provide representation for individuals and businesses across Queens neighborhoods such as Jamaica, Flushing, Astoria, Long Island City, Forest Hills, Bayside, Jackson Heights, Rego Park, Elmhurst, Woodside, Corona, Rockaway Beach, Howard Beach, Ozone Park, and Fresh Meadows.
24/7 Phone Consultations — (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 — Meetings By Appointment Only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
By appointment only.
Accounting Malpractice Lawyer Queens FAQ
What is the time limit to sue an accountant for malpractice in New York?
Yes, there is a strict limit. You generally have three years from the date the malpractice occurred to file a lawsuit under CPLR § 214(6). However, the “discovery rule” can sometimes extend this period if you could not have reasonably discovered the error earlier. Consulting an accounting malpractice lawyer Queens immediately is critical to protect your rights.
Do I need an experienced witness for an accounting malpractice case?
Yes, it is essential. New York law typically requires experienced testimony to establish the standard of care in the accounting profession and to demonstrate how the defendant accountant deviated from that standard, which is a core element of your negligence lawsuit lawyer Queens. We work with forensic accountants early in the process.
What kind of damages can I recover?
You can seek compensatory damages for your direct financial losses, such as IRS penalties, interest, and lost funds. You may also recover consequential damages for foreseeable indirect losses. New York law also allows for prejudgment interest at a rate of 9% per annum on the awarded damages from the date the loss occurred.
Can I sue if my accountant made a mistake on my taxes?
It depends. A simple error may not rise to the level of malpractice. To have a valid professional malpractice claim lawyer Queens, you must show the accountant failed to exercise the reasonable care and skill of other accountants in similar circumstances, and that this failure directly caused you a measurable financial loss, such as substantial penalties you would not have otherwise owed.
What is the difference between malpractice and a breach of contract?
Breach of contract involves failing to perform a specific task outlined in an agreement. Accounting malpractice is a tort claim based on the failure to meet the general professional standard of care, which can exist even without a written contract. Many cases allege both theories to ensure all avenues for recovery are pursued.
Internal Resources: For broader civil litigation information, see our New York Civil Litigation Lawyer hub page. For related legal needs in Queens, consider our Queens Business Lawyer or Queens Contract Lawyer pages. Learn more about our lead attorney on his profile page.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For the most current guidance regarding your specific situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.