We all rely on professionals for their expertise. Whether it is a solicitor, surveyor, accountant, or financial adviser, we trust them to provide accurate advice and high-quality service. But what happens when that advice falls short and causes you financial loss or damage? That is where a professional negligence claim may come in.
What is professional negligence?
Professional negligence happens when a professional fails to perform their duties to the standard expected of them, resulting in harm to their client. In simple terms, it means they made a mistake that another competent professional in the same field would not have made.
To bring a claim, you generally need to show three things:
- A duty of care – the professional had a legal obligation to act carefully and skilfully when providing their service to you.
- A breach of duty – they failed to meet the standards reasonably expected in their profession.
- Loss or damage – you suffered financial loss or another form of harm because of their mistake.
Examples of professional negligence
Professional negligence can arise in many industries. Some common examples include:
- A surveyor failing to spot structural issues in a property before purchase.
- An accountant giving incorrect tax advice that leads to financial penalties.
- A solicitor missing a key deadline, causing a claim to fail.
- A financial adviser recommending an unsuitable investment that results in significant losses.
These are just a few examples, but the key point is that you suffered loss because the professional did not act as they should have.
What can you do if you suspect negligence?
If you believe you have received negligent advice or service, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our solicitors can review the situation, assess whether the professional was at fault, and explain what evidence you will need to support your claim.
Most claims must be brought within six years of the negligent act or omission, so acting quickly can make all the difference.
How Oliver & Co can help
Our Dispute and Litigation team has experience helping clients across Chester and beyond with professional negligence claims. We offer clear, practical advice to help you understand your options and achieve the best possible outcome.
We know that taking legal action can feel daunting, so we focus on making the process straightforward and supportive from start to finish.
Get in touch
If you think you have been affected by professional negligence, contact our team today.
You can call us on 01244 312306, email us at law@oliverandco.co.uk or complete our Contact Form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.
Let us help you take the next step toward putting things right.
