We all need professional advice from experts from time to time such as from solicitors, architects, accountants, surveyors and engineers. But what happens if that advice results in a loss to you, whether it be financial or physical damage?
Professional negligence occurs when a professional fails to perform their responsibilities to the required standard and breaches their duty of care to you which puts you in a worse position than before you instructed them.
Professionals owe a duty of care to their clients and if that care falls below what could reasonably be expected, you may have a claim against them for compensation.
What does this mean?
A professional owes you a duty of care if you enter into a retainer with them, that is a legal contract. If you do then they must ensure the work they do for you is undertaken to the required standard.
If they fail to give the proper advice to the required standard they are said to have failed in their duty of care to you and you can claim compensation for the loss that breach has caused.
Examples of this could be missing deadlines, failing to instruct an expert and failing to provide the correct advice.
We have dealt with claims in the following professional areas:
- Accountants
- Architects
- Barristers
- Engineers
- Financial advisors
- Insurance brokers
- Solicitors
- Surveyors
- Valuers
Time limits
There are strict time limits for bringing a claim for professional negligence. You have 6 years from the date of the act that led to your loss. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your chance to make a claim.
It is important to know however, that each case is different and so it is best if you contact us to talk through the issues, so you receive early advice on the best way forward.
If you think you could have a claim for professional negligence please contact Victoria Evans, Litigation specialist at GAD solicitors on 0151 236 5000 or email us at info@gadlegal.co.uk.
