Sean O’Neil Kinghorn

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

The Complainant retained the Attorney's firm following a 2008 motor vehicle accident. The medical report from Spanish Town Hospital was delayed because the hospital lost the records, and the claim became statute barred on 16 February 2014. The Panel found the Attorney failed to advise the Complainant of the limitation period before its expiration and failed to take reasonable alternate steps (e.g., filing a claim with available evidence, obtaining X-rays, or applying to extend time under CPR) to preserve the cause of action. The Panel found this conduct went beyond mere negligence and amounted to inexcusable/deplorable negligence, finding the Attorney guilty of professional misconduct under Canons IV(r) and IV(s). No express finding of dishonesty was made. The Attorney was fined J$2,000,000 (to be paid to the Complainant) and ordered to pay J$100,000 costs.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• Overriding duty to the court