If you’ve recently discovered that your financial advisor may have mishandled your hard-earned savings, you’re probably feeling a confusing mix of emotions right now. Anger. Betrayal. Maybe even embarrassment. First, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and what happened to you is not your fault. Thousands of people every year find themselves asking the same question you’re asking right now: H? The good news is that there are clear paths forward, and with the right guidance, you can hold bad actors accountable and potentially recover the money you’ve lost.
This article is here to walk you through everything you need to know—without the confusing legal jargon or intimidating language. We’ll explain your options, help you recognize the warning signs of advisor misconduct, and show you how experienced advocates like Haselkorn & Thibaut can stand in your corner.
Understanding When and How to Sue Your Financial Advisor
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Before diving into the process, let’s clarify what we mean when we talk about taking legal action against a financial advisor. When a financial professional violates their duties to you—whether through negligence, fraud, or misconduct—you have the right to seek compensation for your losses.
This doesn’t always mean a traditional courtroom lawsuit. In fact, most disputes with stockbrokers and financial advisors are resolved through a process called FINRA arbitration. FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, oversees brokerage firms and their representatives. If your advisor worked for a brokerage firm, you likely signed an agreement requiring disputes to go through FINRA arbitration rather than civil court.
Don’t worry—this process can actually work in your favor. It’s often faster and less expensive than traditional litigation, and experienced attorneys know exactly how to navigate it.
Red Flags: Common Ways Financial Advisors Harm Their Clients
You might be wondering if what happened to you truly qualifies as misconduct. Here are some of the most common issues that lead clients to take action against their advisors:
- Unauthorized trades: Your advisor bought or sold investments without your permission or knowledge.
- Unsuitable recommendations: You were pushed into investments that didn’t match your risk tolerance, age, or financial goals.
- Excessive trading (churning): Your advisor made frequent trades primarily to generate commissions, not to benefit your portfolio.
- Illiquid or inappropriate products: You were sold complex products like non-traded REITs, private placements, or variable annuities that weren’t right for your situation.
- Misrepresentation or omission: Your advisor lied about an investment’s risks or failed to disclose important information.
- Ponzi schemes and outright fraud: In the worst cases, advisors steal client funds or operate fraudulent schemes.
Let’s look at a brief example to make this more concrete.
Margaret’s Story: When Trust Is Broken
Margaret, a 68-year-old retired teacher, worked with the same financial advisor for over a decade. She trusted him completely. When he recommended moving her retirement savings into a “safe, guaranteed” investment, she didn’t question it.
Two years later, Margaret discovered that her “safe” investment was actually a high-risk, illiquid private placement. She’d lost over $150,000—money she was counting on for her healthcare and living expenses.
Margaret felt ashamed. She wondered if she should have asked more questions. But here’s the truth: her advisor failed her. He had a legal obligation to recommend suitable investments and to be honest about the risks. He violated that duty.
Margaret’s story isn’t unique. And if something similar happened to you, please know this: seeking help isn’t just okay—it’s the right thing to do.
You Have Rights—And You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
Here’s something important to understand: financial advisors and brokerage firms have legal obligations to their clients. These include:
- The duty of care: They must act with reasonable diligence and make recommendations that are in your best interest.
- The duty of loyalty: They must put your interests ahead of their own.
- The duty to disclose: They must be honest about risks, fees, and conflicts of interest.
When an advisor violates these duties, you have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. This is where experienced investment fraud attorneys become invaluable.
Why Choose Haselkorn & Thibaut?
If you’re considering legal action, you deserve a team that truly understands what you’re going through—and has the track record to back it up.
Haselkorn & Thibaut is a nationally recognized investment fraud law firm that has spent decades helping everyday people like you recover money lost due to broker misconduct and financial advisor negligence.
Here’s what sets them apart:
| What You Get | Details |
|---|---|
| Over 50 Years of Combined Experience | Decades of focused expertise in securities arbitration and investment fraud cases. |
| Millions Recovered for Clients | A proven history of securing meaningful financial recoveries for families and individuals. |
| 98% Success Rate | An exceptional track record that speaks to their skill and dedication. |
| Top Rated Nationwide | Recognized across the country for excellence in investor advocacy. |
| Free Consultation | Get your case evaluated at no cost and no obligation. |
| No Recovery, No Fee | You don’t pay unless we recover money for you. |
That last point is worth repeating. With Haselkorn & Thibaut’s no recovery, no fee policy, you can pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs. If they don’t win your case, you owe them nothing.
How the Process Works: What to Expect
Taking action might feel overwhelming, but the process is more straightforward than you might think—especially with experienced attorneys guiding you.
Step 1: Free Consultation
Your journey begins with a confidential conversation. You’ll share your story, and the legal team will evaluate whether you have a valid claim. This consultation is completely free, and there’s no pressure to move forward.
Step 2: Case Investigation
If your case has merit, attorneys will gather evidence, review account statements, and identify exactly how your advisor violated their duties.
Step 3: Filing Your Claim
Most cases are filed through FINRA arbitration. Your attorneys will handle all the paperwork and legal filings on your behalf.
Step 4: Negotiation or Hearing
Many cases settle before reaching a formal hearing. If a hearing is necessary, your attorneys will present your case before a panel of arbitrators.
Step 5: Recovery
If successful, you’ll receive compensation for your losses. And remember—you don’t pay unless we recover money for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim against my financial advisor?
Time limits vary, but FINRA generally requires claims to be filed within six years of the event that caused your loss. However, it’s best to act quickly. Evidence is fresher, and your case is stronger when you don’t delay.
What if I signed documents agreeing to the investments?
Signing paperwork doesn’t mean you agreed to be misled. If your advisor misrepresented the risks or recommended something unsuitable, you may still have a valid claim.
Will I have to go to court?
In most cases, no. The majority of investment disputes are resolved through FINRA arbitration, which is a more streamlined process.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
With Haselkorn & Thibaut’s no recovery, no fee structure, you pay nothing unless your case is successful.
What if my advisor has already left the firm?
You may still be able to pursue a claim against the brokerage firm that employed them. Firms are often held responsible for the actions of their representatives.
You Deserve to Feel Confident Again
Losing money to a bad financial advisor can shake your faith—in the financial system, in professionals you trusted, even in yourself. But here’s what we want you to remember:
This wasn’t your fault.
You trusted someone who was supposed to act in your best interest. When they betrayed that trust, they broke the law—not you.
Taking action isn’t about revenge. It’s about accountability. It’s about recovering what’s rightfully yours. And it’s about making sure what happened to you doesn’t happen to someone else.
Take the First Step Today
If you’ve been harmed by a negligent or dishonest financial advisor, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Haselkorn & Thibaut is here to listen, to answer your questions, and to fight for you. With over 50 years of combined experience, a 98% success rate, and millions recovered for clients, you’ll have a dedicated team in your corner every step of the way.
And remember: your initial consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless they recover money for you.
Ready to take the first step? Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1 888-885-7162 for your free, no-pressure consultation. You’ve been through enough—let experienced advocates help you find a path forward.
You don’t have to face this alone. Help is just a phone call away.
