Maurice Frankson

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

An attorney retained in 2007 to pursue a personal injury claim following a motor vehicle accident failed to effect service, allowed delays, mistakenly believed the claim was statute barred (offering personal settlement of $500,000), and later failed to attend a hearing for extension of time. The Panel found beyond reasonable doubt that the Attorney did not act with due expedition, failed to keep the client informed, and acted with inexcusable and deplorable negligence, finding him guilty of professional misconduct in breach of Canons I(b), IV(r), IV(s) and VIII(d). No dishonesty was found (the case involved negligence, not deceit or moral turpitude). Sanction was deferred pending a mitigation hearing.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• Act in the client's best interests
• No conflict between current clients
• Report serious misconduct of others

Aggravating factors:

• Lengthy delay of over 8 years in handling the personal injury claim
• Multiple unexplained periods of inactivity (22 months before first filing; delays in filing second claim form; over 3 years after missed hearing)
• Failure to respond to Complainant's repeated requests for information and documentation
• Failure to attend the court hearing on 4 November 2013 and inadequate steps to rectify (only filing a Notice of Adjourned Hearing without explanation to the Registrar)
• Claim allowed to become statute barred, causing loss to the client