Professional Negligence Lawyer Staten Island, NY

When a professional’s error or misconduct causes you financial harm, pursuing a professional negligence claim in Richmond County requires an experienced civil litigation attorney. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in Staten Island and throughout the New York City metropolitan area in professional negligence matters, including legal malpractice, accounting malpractice, and claims against other licensed professionals. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, concentrates his practice on civil litigation and works with his Of Counsel to pursue favorable resolutions for individuals and businesses. Cases are handled in the New York Supreme Court, Richmond County, located at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. We understand the procedural requirements of the Civil Practice Law and Rules and the local practices of the 13th Judicial District. To discuss your potential claim, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

On this page

What Professional Negligence Means in Staten Island, New York

Professional negligence arises when a person in a specialized occupation—such as an attorney, accountant, architect, or engineer—fails to perform their duties at the standard of care expected of similarly situated professionals in their field, causing measurable harm to a client or third party. Unlike ordinary negligence, these claims involve a heightened duty of care because the defendant holds themselves out as having particular skill and knowledge. In New York, professional negligence actions are governed by the Civil Practice Law and Rules, and each case turns on whether the professional’s conduct departed from accepted practice in that profession. The Richmond County Supreme Court, part of the 13th Judicial District, has unlimited civil jurisdiction over these claims, and parties navigate the CPLR’s pleading, motion, and discovery rules from filing through trial or settlement.

Staten Island’s community of professionals—lawyers practicing out of St. George and New Dorp, accounting firms serving local businesses, and design professionals involved in the borough’s residential and commercial development—means that professional negligence claims on the Island often involve disputes rooted in close business relationships and substantial financial stakes. Whether a case involves a missed filing deadline in a legal matter, an audit error experienced to tax penalties, or faulty architectural plans causing construction delays, proving professional negligence requires expert testimony, detailed documentation, and a thorough understanding of both the profession’s standards and New York’s litigation process. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring experience in civil litigation to these claims, evaluating whether the professional’s actions fell below the required standard and building a record aimed at a favorable outcome.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Professional Negligence Cases

Every professional negligence case begins with a careful evaluation. Because these claims depend on establishing both a duty and a breach of that duty, the initial phase involves collecting engagement letters, correspondence, work product, and other relevant documents. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with the client to identify the standard of care applicable to the specific profession and to secure a qualified experienced attorney who can provide an opinion on whether the professional’s conduct fell short. In New York, expert testimony is generally essential to show the deviation from accepted practice, and the experienced attorney must be properly disclosed and qualified under CPLR § 3101(d).

Once the factual and legal basis is established, the firm drafts and files a complaint in the appropriate New York court—most often the Supreme Court for the county where the defendant resides or does business. For claims arising in Staten Island, that is typically the Richmond County Supreme Court. Throughout discovery, the firm pursues depositions, interrogatories, and document production to uncover the full scope of the professional’s actions and the resulting harm. Many professional negligence disputes involve complex damages calculations, including lost business opportunities, added legal costs, or financial penalties. The firm’s approach is to build a detailed damages presentation while also evaluating opportunities for resolution through motion practice or settlement discussions. While past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to position each case for the favorable outcomes under the specific facts and applicable law.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His practice concentrates on civil litigation, including professional negligence claims. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, bringing a trial-focused approach to civil disputes. His legislative involvement includes testifying before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Alongside Mr. Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute extensive experience in litigation, collectively providing over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar • Maryland Judiciary • DC Bar • NJ Courts • NY OCA

Last reviewed: June 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Negligence in Staten Island

What is professional negligence?

Professional negligence occurs when a licensed professional—such as a lawyer, accountant, architect, or engineer—fails to perform their duties at the level of care, skill, and diligence ordinarily exercised by members of that same profession in similar circumstances, and that failure causes measurable harm. It is different from ordinary negligence because the standard of care is measured against the practices of the profession, not the general public. In New York, proving professional negligence generally requires expert testimony to establish the applicable standard and how the defendant’s conduct fell short.

How do I know if I have a professional negligence claim?

A professional negligence claim typically requires four elements: (1) a professional duty owed to you, (2) a breach of that duty by failing to meet the professional standard, (3) a causal connection between the breach and your harm, and (4) actual damages. For example, if your accountant files an incorrect tax return that results in IRS penalties, or your attorney misses a court deadline that harms your case, you may have a claim. An experienced attorney can review your documents and the specific facts to assess whether the professional’s conduct fell below the required standard.

What damages can I recover in a professional negligence case?

In New York, damages in professional negligence cases aim to make the injured party whole. You may recover direct financial losses caused by the professional’s error, including additional costs incurred to correct the mistake, lost business profits or opportunities, and sometimes legal fees spent pursuing the claim. Courts may also award interest on the damages. The specific amount depends on the facts of each case, and an evaluation of your financial records and the professional’s work product is necessary to calculate a potential recovery.

Is there a time limit to file a professional negligence lawsuit in New York?

Yes, professional negligence claims in New York are subject to statutes of limitations. While the specific time period depends on the profession involved, claims generally must be brought within the applicable statutory period from the date the malpractice occurred or was discovered. The timeline can be affected by factors such as the continuous representation doctrine for legal malpractice. Acting promptly to investigate a potential claim is important because missing the deadline can bar recovery. An attorney can advise on the time limit that applies to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for a professional negligence case in Staten Island?

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, professional negligence cases are among the most complex civil claims. Proving the case requires an in-depth understanding of both the professional standard of care and the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules. Retaining an experienced civil litigation attorney gives you the ability to navigate procedural rules, retain and work with expert witnesses, and present your damages effectively. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle professional negligence matters in Richmond County and offer consultations to discuss your specific circumstances.

Authorities:
Richmond County Supreme Court — NY Courts •
New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) •
New York State Unified Court System

Richmond County Supreme Court Court hours: Mon-Fri 9:00AM-5:00PM. Counsel appearing on civil litigation matters should plan filings accordingly.

Reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation about your professional negligence matter in Staten Island.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.