(a) If the liability to damages of a legal services provider is dependent in whole or in part upon the resolution of a underlying action, the outcome of which is either in doubt or could have been affected by the alleged breach of the legal services provider standards of care, then, in that event, the court shall upon the motion of the legal services provider, order the severance of the underlying action for separate trial.
(b) In defense of the underlying action, the legal services provider may assert any and all substantive and procedural defense, restriction, limitation, or immunity which could have the effect of limiting, mitigating, reducing, or avoiding liability or damages.
Structure Code of Alabama
Article 30 - Legal Service Liability Actions.
Section 6-5-570 - Statement of Legislative Intent.
Section 6-5-571 - Short Title.
Section 6-5-572 - Definitions.
Section 6-5-573 - Creation of One Form of Action Against Legal Service Providers.
Section 6-5-574 - Limitation on Time for Commencement of Legal Service Liability Action.
Section 6-5-575 - Settlement of Disputes by Voluntary Arbitration.
Section 6-5-577 - Rules of Evidence and Procedures in Civil Actions Preserved.
Section 6-5-578 - Effect of Compliance or Violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
Section 6-5-579 - Severability of Underlying Action and Available Defenses.
Section 6-5-580 - Standards of Care.
Section 6-5-581 - Applicability and Effect on Inconsistent Provisions of Law.