Professional Negligence

Professional negligence claims arise when a professional fails to exercise the standard of care expected of a reasonably competent practitioner in their field, causing financial loss or other damage to the client. Unlike clinical negligence (which covers medical professionals), this covers solicitors, accountants, surveyors, architects, financial advisors, and other regulated professionals.

Common claims include solicitor negligence (missed court deadlines, poor advice, failed conveyancing), surveyor negligence (missed structural defects in property surveys), accountant negligence (incorrect tax advice, audit failures), and financial advisor negligence (unsuitable investment recommendations, pension transfer mis-selling).

The claimant must prove that the professional owed a duty of care, breached that duty by falling below the expected standard, and this breach caused quantifiable loss. Most regulated professionals carry professional indemnity insurance, providing a defendant with resources to pay compensation.

Compensation depends on the financial loss caused. Solicitor negligence claims typically range from £10,000 to £500,000. Surveyor negligence claims for missed property defects commonly settle for £20,000 to £100,000. Financial advisor negligence claims for pension mis-selling can reach £100,000 to £1 million. The limitation period is 6 years from the date of the negligent act, or 3 years from the date of knowledge (whichever is later), subject to a 15-year longstop.