legal malpractice?

[babyto]

3 years ago (1998), I was thrown down a flight of stairs in a NY bar by an employee. The emplyee was fired, arrested and plead out. The security tape was mysteriously missing. I received a head injury which required an operation, but had no lasting physical impairment. A law firm took my case against the bar on contingency. A jury was picked and we went to court on 12/5/01. My lawyer was so ill prepared that the judge berated him and dismissed the case. My lawyer now wants me to pay $3000, which I do not have (and he knows this) for an appeal. What are my options? Thank you.

 

[alax]

It is possible to sue an attorney for failing to perform the duties for which they were hired, and to obtain a judgement for monetary compensation.
Find two attorneys, one for the appeal, and the second one for discussing your desire to take legal action against your initial attorney.
I would not recommend using your initial attorney for the appeal as it could damage your credibility when you seek to 'sue' this attorney, having contracted the attorney's service not once, but twice with the second time being after the supposedly breached contract.