Compensation for Professional Negligence

Yes, we offer a Free Consultation to clients during which you can discuss your professional negligence claim or concern with one of our expert professional negligence lawyers to determine the scope of the issue, the solutions and how we may be able to assist in recovering compensation for you.

Our expert lawyers are experienced in professional negligence claims and recovering compensation quickly and at an affordable cost. Our lawyers have successfully acted for many clients in recovering compensation for negligence, and have a high success rate of 98% in negligence claims.

If you have a professional negligence claim that you wish to discuss with one of our lawyers, please do not hesitate to call us today for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037 or complete our booking form.

Yes. We consider each claim on a case-by-case basis and we will discuss the different funding options with you to assess what type of funding arrangement would be in your best interest including whether you have an existing insurance policy in place which may contribute to your legal costs.

We are a price transparent law firm and will provide you with fixed fee options and flexible funding arrangements (including no win no fee arrangements) to ensure that funding your negligence claim is not an issue.

If you suffered financial loss resulting from professional negligence, please call us today for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037. For more information on funding arrangements, please see our Funding page.

Professional negligence can occur when a professional (such as a solicitor, accountant or other professional adviser) fails to perform their responsibilities and duties to a required standard. This error, mistake or bad service can result in financial loss and damage to you.

For example, a professional negligence claim can occur when a solicitor misses the limitation deadline to issue a claim form at Court and your claim subsequently becomes time-barred, or an accountant fails to properly advise you on your tax affairs resulting in an assessment or penalty from HMRC which you would not have otherwise received had you been properly advised.

If you think you have suffered a loss as a result of professional negligence call us for a Free Consultation with our expert professional negligence lawyers on 0207 459 4037.

A professional is considered to have expertise and skills in the services they provide. A professional negligence claim can be made against any professional (individual or company) who has failed to perform their responsibilities to a competent standard.

If you suffered from the negligent actions of a professional, you may be entitled to compensation. Our professional negligence lawyers can help you make a negligence claim to recover your losses against any of the following professionals (non-exhaustive list):

• Solicitors
• Barristers
• Other Legal Professionals (Conveyancers, Legal Executives, Lawyers)
• Engineers
• Architects
• Auditors
• Surveyors
• Valuers
• Accountants
• Tax Advisors
• Financial Advisors, including Banks and Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs)
• Insurance Brokers
• IT professionals
• Professional Trustees
• Estate agents, Letting Agents, Property Management Companies
• Construction professionals and Builders
• Doctors and other Medical Healthcare professionals

Please give us a call for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037 so that we can assess your professional negligence claim and determine the amount that we may be able to recover for you.

To be successful with your professional negligence claim, your claim will need to meet the “test” as follows:

1. Duty of Care – a duty of care is typically evidenced by the written retainer or instruction letter between the professional and client but in the absence of a written agreement it may be implied by the parties’ conduct.
2. Standard of Care – Establish the standard of care expected from the professional in their specific field. This involves comparing their actions to what a reasonable and competent professional would have done under similar circumstances.
3. Breach of Duty – you will need to demonstrate that the service provided by the professional fell below the standards of a reasonably competent professional. The professional is judged by the standard of care of a reasonably competent person in the area in which they hold themselves out as having expertise.
4. Causation/Loss – you will also have to prove that you have suffered a loss caused by an error, mistake or bad service from the professional. To find out more information on causation, our lawyers have written an article – Causation in Professional Negligence.
5. Damages – Provide evidence of the actual losses or harm you experienced as a result of the professional’s breach. This can include financial losses, emotional distress, or other damages.

The relevant test is whether “but for” the professional’s error, mistake or bad service would the loss have still occurred anyway? A claim will not succeed if you would have acted in the same way regardless of whether the professional had been negligent or not.

If you have suffered professional negligence you may have a compensation claim. Call our professional negligence lawyers today for a Free Consultation.

Our professional negligence lawyers have a proven track record and experience in successfully recovering compensation for a vast array of negligent complaints against professionals for example:

• Lawyers: missed time limits or deadlines; failure to investigate fundamental issues or evidence; failure to prepare a case with due care; failure to comply with court directions or deadlines; providing wrong or outdated legal advice; failing to follow instructions provided by a client; wrongly following a cause of action; administrative mistakes; failing to recover sufficient compensation and/or under settling a claim; and not keeping the details of their client’s matter confidential or acting when there is a conflict of interest
• Financial Advisers: failure to advise on the risks of entering into a financial product; wrongly assessing a client’s attitude towards risk when recommending a financial product; and failing to follow instructions provided by a client.
• Surveyors: failure to discover latent defects such as dry rot, woodworm, or a leak; over-valuation of a property; and failure to identify subsidence.
• Conveyancers: failure to investigate title correctly; failure to discover or warn of restrictive covenants burdening the property; failure to ensure proper planning permissions and building regulations consents obtained.

Please call us today for a Free Consultation so that our lawyers can assess whether you have a claim for professional negligence.

There are several initial steps that we would suggest when pursuing a professional negligence claim including:

1. The first step is for you to get in touch with our professional negligence lawyers so that we can assess and investigate your potential claim. You can complete our enquiry form or call us on 0207 459 4037 to get started with a Free Consultation.
2. Unless the relevant limitation period is about to expire (see further below), you are then required to comply with a legal procedure known as the ‘Professional Negligence Pre-Action Protocol’. The protocol encourages the early exchange of information to deal with professional negligence claims swiftly and cost-effectively, and is designed to encourage parties to settle a dispute early without the need for expensive court proceedings. This process involves sending a ‘Letter of Claim’ to the professional which should set out the factual and legal basis for your professional claim, allegations against the professional, losses claimed and include any documents relied upon to support your claim. To find out more about the pre-action protocol, our lawyers have written an article for you on our News page titled ‘Complying with the Pre-Action Protocol for Professional Negligence’.
3. The professional is required to acknowledge the ‘Letter of Claim’ within 21 days of receiving it following which the professional (and their insurers) may have up to 3 months to investigate the claim and provide a ‘Letter of Response’ in which they can either: (i) admit the claim; (ii) make proposals for settlement or alternative dispute resolution; or (iii) dispute the claim.
4. If settlement is not possible after these steps, the next step is usually to issue Court proceedings with a claim form under CPR Part 7 with particulars of the claim.

If you have experienced professional negligence you may be entitled to compensation, it is important to act quickly. Our professional negligence lawyers will be able to advise you on whether you have a claim, the amount you may be able to recover and the next steps, call us today for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037.

You have 6 years from the date the negligent error, mistake or bad service was provided to you to bring a professional negligence claim at Court (note: the time limit is 3 years for clinical negligence claims).

If you do not bring a claim within 6 years, you may be time-barred from bringing a professional negligence claim for losses suffered, and you will not be able to recover compensation.

What if it has been more than 6 years? If the negligent act was more than 6 years ago, but you have only recently discovered that the advice received was negligent, then the limitation period may be extended by 3 years from the date of you became aware of the negligent act knowledge (under Section 14 of the Limitation Act). However, these claims are more complex and harder to prove. Our professional negligence lawyers have written two recent articles which consider limitation issues in professional negligence claims – Can the Limitation period be extended? and When does the Limitation period start for claims against lawyers?

Our professional negligence lawyers can advise you on any limitation issues in your claim. Call us today for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037.

The value and compensation you may be able to recover for professional negligence can vary depending on various factors, including the nature and extent of the negligence, the financial losses incurred, and any non-financial damages.

Our expert professional negligence lawyers are regularly instructed on high-value and complex professional negligence claims and are perfectly placed to advise you on the value of your claim. We have dealt with claims as low as £50,000 to claims in the region of £15m.

There are several heads of loss which must be considered when quantifying the value of a professional negligence claim including:

• Financial Losses: The primary basis for calculating a professional negligence claim is the financial losses you have suffered due to the professional’s negligence. This could include direct monetary losses, additional costs incurred to rectify the professional’s mistakes, or lost profits.
• Non-Financial Damages: In some cases, you may also be entitled to claim non-financial damages, such as emotional distress or damage to your reputation. These damages can be more challenging to quantify but are essential to consider and must be supported by medical evidence.
• Legal Costs: The legal costs associated with pursuing a professional negligence claim are typically recoverable from the negligent party if your claim is successful. We are often about to act for clients on a no win no fee basis or fixed fee arrangement depending on your circumstances.
• Insurance Coverage: The availability of insurance coverage held by the professional or their firm may also impact the amount you can claim. If the professional has professional indemnity insurance, it can significantly affect the potential recovery. However, professionals will typically have professional indemnity insurance to cover you for losses of up to £3m.

Our expert professional negligence lawyers have extensive experience successfully acting for claimants who have suffered loss due to professional negligence. Our lawyers have been described among the best lawyers in the country, and are perfectly placed to advise you in respect of your case and recover compensation for you.

At Go Legal, we also have in-house accountants and external forensic accountants and experts who will be able to report on the losses suffered, and we can use this report to support your negligence claim to improve the strengths of your negligence claim. This is a unique and important approach which can help improve the prospects of settlement and increase the amounts you may be able to recover significantly.

If you are not sure how much you can claim for your professional negligence, please do not hesitate to contact us for a Free Consultation at 0207 459 4037 and we will conduct an assessment of the value of your claim, and discuss the strengths of your claim.

The Pre-Action Protocol for Professional Negligence Claims is a set of guidelines and procedures designed to encourage early and efficient resolution of disputes involving allegations of professional negligence. Other protocols will apply to different types of legal proceedings.

Our lawyers have written a detailed article setting out the obligations on parties to comply with the pre-action protocol, and the consequences of not complying with it – ‘Complying with the Pre-Action Protocol for Professional Negligence‘.

There are several key points in the pre-action protocol that claimants must comply with before starting Court proceedings for professional negligence including:

• Letter of Claim: Before initiating formal legal proceedings, the claimant (the party alleging negligence) is required to send a Letter of Claim to the professional or their firm. This letter outlines the details of the claim, including the alleged negligence, the losses incurred, and the desired outcome.
• Response: Upon receiving the Letter of Claim, the professional or their insurer has a specific timeframe to acknowledge the claim and investigate its merits. They must provide a detailed response, either admitting liability, denying it, or requesting additional information.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): The protocol encourages parties to consider alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, as a means of resolving the dispute without going to court.
• Experts and Evidence: Both parties are encouraged to exchange relevant information and evidence during the pre-action stage. This includes disclosing expert reports that support their positions.
• Costs: The protocol emphasises the need for parties to consider cost-effective methods of dispute resolution and to keep legal costs reasonable.

Following the Pre-Action Protocol is essential in professional negligence claims as it helps streamline the process, encourages early settlement, and can potentially reduce the costs and time involved in litigation.

Our professional negligence lawyers in London have a high success rate of resolving negligence claims often without Court proceedings because of our unique and thorough approach to negligence litigation (and leveraging your position for success at trial).

If you have a negligence claim, please do not hesitate to call us on 0207 459 4037 for a Free Consultation with our professional negligence lawyers.

Yes, you can make a professional negligence claim against a company if they have provided services or advice that fall below the expected standard of care.

In fact, most claims will be made against a company as they will have assets or monies to compensate you for the damage caused by the negligent advice or act of negligence, and they will typically have professional indemnity insurance.

To pursue a professional negligence claim against a company, you will need to meet the test for professional negligence; see above.

It is essential to gather evidence of the company’s negligence and seek legal advice from experienced solicitors specialised in professional negligence claims to assess the merits of your case.

At Go Legal, our expert team of professional negligence solicitors and mediators have extensive experience in handling claims against both individual professionals and companies. We can assess the specific circumstances of your situation and advise you on the best course of action.

Contact us for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037 to discuss your potential negligence claim and explore your legal options.

If you have been a victim of professional negligence, it is essential to take the following steps to protect your rights and potential claim to optimise the compensation that you recover:

1. Gather Evidence – Collect and retain all relevant documents, records, and communications related to the professional’s services that you believe were negligent. This may include contracts, emails, letters, invoices, and any other relevant materials.
2. Consult with our expert lawyers as soon as possible – Seek legal advice from our expert professional negligence lawyers. We can investigate and assess your professional negligence claim, review the evidence, and advise you on the strength of your potential claim. We will also come up with a strategy and advise on a tactical approach in the very first consultation to optimise the compensation that we recover for you.

Please note that professional negligence claims have strict limitation periods (usually 6 years). It is important to take action quickly and seek legal advice as soon as you suspect negligence to ensure you do not miss any deadlines otherwise you may lose the opportunity to make a claim and recover compensation for losses suffered.

Contact us for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037 to discuss your potential professional negligence claim and explore your legal options.

The Legal Ombudsman plays a crucial role in handling complaints related to professional negligence against solicitors in the UK. If you believe you have received inadequate or unsatisfactory services from a legal professional, you can file a complaint with the Legal Ombudsman. It can often be done alongside a claim against the lawyer for negligence.

A complaint to the Legal Ombudsman will usually involve the following steps:

1. Attempt to Resolve the Issue – Before approaching the Legal Ombudsman, it is advisable to first raise the issue directly with the solicitor or their firm. They may have an internal complaints procedure to address your concerns.
2. Time Limit – The complaint to the Legal Ombudsman must be made within six years of the act or omission that led to the problem or within three years from when you became aware of it. The complaint itself to the Legal Ombudsman must be brought within six months of receiving the final response from the legal professional’s firm.
3. Investigation – Once the complaint is received, the Legal Ombudsman will assess whether they have jurisdiction over the matter. If they do, they will conduct an investigation into the complaint.
4. Resolution and Remedies – The Legal Ombudsman aims to reach a fair and impartial resolution to the complaint. This may involve recommending that the legal professional or firm take corrective action, provide an apology, or offer financial compensation to rectify the harm caused.
5. Decision and Appeal – After the investigation, the Legal Ombudsman will issue a formal decision. If you disagree with the decision, there may be a limited opportunity to appeal the outcome.
6. Damages cap – Please note that if you have suffered significant financial loss or you are a large entity, a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman may not be suitable. Most of our awards by the Legal Ombudsman are under £500, though it can direct compensation up to £50,000.

It is important to note that the Legal Ombudsman is an independent body that operates separately from the legal profession. Their role is to impartially assess and resolve complaints to ensure fair treatment for clients. A complaint to the Legal Ombudsman can be made in parallel with a claim for professional negligence to optimise recovery via different routes.

If you are considering making a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman or require further guidance on matters of professional negligence, please do not hesitate to contact our professional negligence solicitors.

Contact us for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037 to discuss your potential professional negligence claim and explore your options.

Yes, you can still make a professional negligence claim even if the professional involved is facing disciplinary action (for example, by the SRA, BSB or ACCA) or has been struck off their professional register.

Often a complaint can be made to a regulator against the professional alongside a negligence claim for example where there is fraud or gross negligence involved which breaches standard rules and practises.

The disciplinary action or removal from the professional register does not affect your right to seek compensation for any losses or damages you have suffered due to their negligent actions. If the professional is facing disciplinary action or has been struck off it may even strengthen your claim as it could be seen as evidence of their incompetence or misconduct. However, it is important to note that the outcome of the disciplinary action or the professional’s removal from the register does not automatically guarantee success in your professional negligence claim.

To succeed in a professional negligence claim, you will need to prove the ‘test’ for professional negligence; see further above.

Our experienced professional negligence solicitors can assess the strengths of your case and guide you through the legal process to maximise your chances of recovering compensation.

Please call us today for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037 or use our booking form below to discuss your potential professional negligence claim and explore your options.

Professional negligence can occur when a professional (such as a solicitor, accountant, surveyor or auditor) fails to perform their responsibilities to the required standard.

If have suffered negligence from a professional it is important to understand at the outset the possible defences the professional (and their insurer) could use in response to a claim for negligence.

Our experienced professional negligence lawyers are experts in the nuances and tactics adopted by professionals (and their insurers) to reject or reduce the claim. In our experience, the typical defences to a professional negligence claim can include:

1. Standard of Care: The professional may argue that the service met the ‘reasonable’ standard expected of a similar professional in the same circumstances.

1. Contributory Negligence: The claimant’s actions or omissions contributed to the alleged loss or damage.
2. Limitation Period: The claimant brought the claim after the legal time limit (usually six years from the date of the negligence or three years from the date of knowledge of the negligence).
3. Causation: Establish that the breach of duty did not cause the claimant’s loss. This challenges the link between negligence and the harm suffered.
4. Exclusion Clauses: The professional’s contract may contain clauses limiting or excluding liability for certain losses.
5. Mitigation of Loss: The claimant failed to take reasonable steps to minimise or prevent their loss after the alleged negligence.
6. Illegality: The claimant was involved in an illegal act which contributed to their loss.
7. Novus actus interveniens: An intervening act breaks the chain of causation between the professional’s negligence and the claimant’s loss.

Understanding these defences and potential weaknesses in your negligence claim is important, and can be key to reaching an amicable and early resolution of your claim (and making early offers to protect your legal position).

If you have a negligence claim or complaint against a professional, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a Free Consultation at 0207 459 4037 and our lawyers can advise you on the strengths of your professional negligence compensation claim and the amount you may be able to recover for your losses.

Contributory negligence is a legal argument that could be raised by the professional in defence to a professional negligence claim. It essentially seeks to argue that your own negligence, actions or inactions contributed to the loss or damage you suffered.

However, this is only a partial legal defence to a professional negligence claim and even if successfully argued, the professional’s liability for your losses will only be discounted to take into account a contribution towards your losses.

If you think you have suffered a loss from the negligent actions of a professional, please call us  today on 0207 459 4037 for a Free Consultation with our expert professional negligence lawyers.

Yes, you may still be able to make a professional negligence claim even if you have accepted a settlement from the professional involved. Accepting a settlement will not automatically prevent you from pursuing a professional negligence claim. However, it will certainly make it more difficult and may have implications on the amount you can claim or the legal remedies available to you.

When you accept a settlement, you typically agree to resolve the dispute in exchange for a certain amount of compensation or other benefits. It’s essential to review the terms and conditions of the settlement carefully, as some agreements may include clauses that release the professional from any further liability or claims related to the matter i.e. full and final settlement of all claims.

If you have concerns about the settlement’s fairness or believe that you have a valid professional negligence claim beyond what was covered in the settlement, it is crucial to seek legal advice promptly. We can assess your situation, review the settlement agreement, and determine if there are still grounds for pursuing a claim (such as duress, fraud or undervalue settlements). 

Our professional negligence lawyers have recently written two articles on this issue: ‘Successful Professional Negligence Claim against Divorce Solicitors‘ and ‘Professional Negligence Claim for Undervalue Settlement‘.

Yes, there are alternative dispute resolution options available for professional negligence claims in the UK such as mediation. ADR is an alternative to going to court and can be a more cost-effective and time-efficient way to resolve disputes.

Our professional negligence lawyers have a high success rate in settling disputes by way ADR early on sometimes before legal proceedings are started. Our approach is unique and very thorough, and we will leverage your position to put you in a strong negotiating position.

The main type of ADR commonly used in professional negligence cases is mediation. In mediation, a neutral and independent third party, known as a mediator, helps the parties involved in the dispute reach a mutually agreeable resolution. The mediator does not make a decision on the case but facilitates communication and negotiation between the parties.

Our professional negligence lawyers regularly represent our clients at mediations often leading to early settlements. Several of our lawyers also trained mediators and are also registered members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and the International Mediation Institute.

Engaging in ADR can have several benefits. It allows for more control over the process and the outcome, as both parties actively participate in the resolution process. It can also be faster and more confidential than traditional court proceedings.

However, it’s essential to note that ADR is not always suitable for every case. The appropriateness of ADR depends on the specific circumstances of the claim and the willingness of both parties to engage in the process.

Our professional negligence lawyers have recently written an article on mediation and its benefits – Compulsory Mediation in UK Courts – A turning Point in Dispute Resolution.

Our lawyers will assess your case’s suitability for ADR for your professional negligence claim and discuss the best course of action with you in our first consultation. Our goal is to achieve the most favourable outcome for your professional negligence claim, and we will guide you through all available options, including ADR, to resolve the matter for you.

There is no limit on the amount of compensation you may be able to recover for a professional negligence claim. However, as a general rule, damages are assessed from the date of the breach i.e. the date of the professional’s error, mistake or bad service. The general principle is that you should be put in the position you would have been in had the professional not been negligent.

The loss must have been caused as a direct result of the professional’s negligence and it must have been reasonably foreseeable.

Professionals will usually have professional indemnity insurance to cover any loss or damage caused to you by a negligent error or service (and that insurance policy will also cover the majority of your legal costs of bringing the professional negligence claim). For example, solicitors normally have minimum insurance cover of £3 million.

Our professional negligence lawyers have recently written a detailed article analysing the various heads of loss you may claim, and an in-depth look at previous negligence case law – What is my Professional Negligence Claim Worth?

If you think you have a professional negligence claim, call us for a Free Consultation today so we can assess how much compensation you can recover for negligence.

We often get asked whether we can accept instructions on a “no win no fee” basis such as a Conditional Fee Agreement (“CFA”) or a Damages Based Agreement (“DBA”).

Our professional negligence lawyers will consider each claim on a case-by-case basis and we will discuss the different funding options with you to assess what type of funding arrangement would be in your best interest including whether you have an existing insurance policy in place which may provide a contribution towards your legal costs.

Our lawyers also have relationships with litigation funds and after-the-event insurers that may be able to provide funding for your professional negligence claim at discounted rates based on our opinion of your claim.

If your professional negligence claim is successful, our lawyers have an excellent track record of being able to recover the majority of your legal costs from the professional (and their insurer).

To find out more about our no win no fee options for professional negligence – you read a detailed article written by our lawyers – No Win No Fee Professional Negligence Solicitors.

If you think you have suffered professional negligence, please call us on 0207 459 4037 for a Free Consultation so that we can assess your claim and guide you on the steps to recover compensation.

Professional indemnity insurance is important in professional negligence claims. Indemnity insurance is a type of insurance that professionals, such as solicitors, accountants, architects, and others, obtain to protect against potential financial losses arising from professional errors, omissions, or negligence.

For professionals, having professional indemnity insurance is not only a legal requirement in many cases to allow them to practise but also a way to demonstrate their commitment to providing quality services to their clients. It gives clients peace of mind, knowing that they are protected in the event of any professional mistakes or negligence.

When you work with a professional, such as a solicitor or accountant, and they make a mistake that causes you harm or financial loss, you may have grounds to make a professional negligence claim against them. In such cases, their professional indemnity insurance can come into play to pay you compensation.

If a professional negligence claim is successful their professional indemnity insurance can cover the damages and costs for your compensation claim. This ensures that you, as the client, are able to receive the compensation you deserve for the harm caused even if the negligent professional has closed down.

It is important to note that each professional’s insurance policy may have different coverage limits and exclusions. It is advisable to seek legal advice from our experienced professional negligence lawyers who can guide you through the process and help you understand the role of professional indemnity insurance in your negligence claim. Call us today for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037.

To support your professional negligence claim, having strong and relevant evidence is crucial. The following types of evidence can be valuable in building successful professional negligence claim:

1. Documentation – Collect all relevant documents related to your interactions with the professional, such as contracts, invoices, emails, letters, messages, attendance notes and any written communication.
2. Correspondence – Preserve all correspondence exchanged with the professional, including letters, emails, and any communication that highlights issues or concerns.
3. Financial Records – Keep records of financial losses or damages resulting from the professional’s negligence, such as invoices, bills, or financial statements.
4. Timeline of Events – Create a detailed timeline of the events or simple chronology leading up to and after the alleged negligence occurred. This can help demonstrate the sequence of events and their impact on your situation.

Remember, the strength of your evidence can significantly affect the outcome of your professional negligence claim.

If you have a professional negligence claim, please call us today for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037 or use our booking form.

Yes, in a professional negligence claim, you may be eligible to claim compensation for both financial and non-financial losses.

Professional negligence can occur when a professional (such as solicitor, auditor or accountant) fails to meet the expected standard of care of someone in their field, resulting in harm or losses to their client. In the UK, this is known as the ‘reasonable person’ test. Our lawyers have recently written an article on the issue – ‘Reasonable Person Test in Professional Negligence Claims’.

Financial losses refer to direct monetary damages you have suffered as a result of the professional’s negligence. This can include things like financial investments gone awry, lost business opportunities, or additional expenses incurred due to the professional’s errors, or loss of chance to pursue a claim.

Non-financial losses are intangible harm or distress caused by negligence. This could involve emotional distress, reputational damage, or even the impact on your personal life due to the professional’s mistakes.

When pursuing a professional negligence claim, it’s essential to assess all the ways the negligence has affected you, both financially and emotionally. Properly documenting and quantifying these losses will help ensure you receive fair compensation for the harm caused.

As experienced professional negligence lawyers, we understand the complexities of these claims and can help you navigate the legal process to seek the compensation you deserve for all your losses. Our team will work diligently to build a strong case and represent your best interests to recover compensation for professional negligence.

Yes. If the professional who acted for you has raised an invoice which you paid or remains unpaid and the professional is chasing you for payment, then you may be able to challenge the bill and start professional negligence proceedings.

If you have a professional negligence claim, it is important to act quickly and seek advice before the professional starts debt recovery proceedings against you for any unpaid invoice.

Yes. As a claimant, you have a duty to mitigate your losses.  This means that you must take reasonable steps to minimise your loss and avoid steps that increase your loss.

If you fail to mitigate your losses, you may be unable to recover damages for losses from the negligent professional which could have been avoided by taking reasonable steps to mitigate your losses.

It may be difficult to claim for distress, inconvenience and upset arising from negligence.  Loss should normally be financial (or quantifiable). But, if you can show that the negligent act caused you distress from which you suffered some financial loss then we may be able to claim such losses on your behalf. However, evidence will be required to show link between the distress suffered and the negligence including medical evidence.

Our professional negligence lawyers have written a detailed article setting out the various heads of loss you may be able to claim in your professional negligence claim – What is my Professional Negligence Claim Worth?

It depends. There will be a winner and a loser in litigation. Just because you lost a case does not automatically give you grounds for a professional negligence claim. The professional may have given you all the right advice and explained the risks involved; litigation always has an element of risk for both parties.

Our professional negligence lawyers will need to analyse the file to see whether the advice given to you was accurate and whether you understood the risks involved (and whether proper advice was given to protect your legal position).

Please get in touch with our expert negligence lawyers for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037. We will be able to advise you on whether you have a claim and next steps to recover compensation.

Yes, you can make a professional negligence claim even if you are still using the services of the professional. It will not prevent you from seeking compensation for any losses or damages caused by their negligence.

However, you will have to consider whether your best interests are served by continuing to use that professional and whether there is a conflict of interest.

Professional negligence claims are based on the principle that professionals owe a duty of care to their clients. If a professional breaches this duty of care and their actions or advice result in harm or financial loss to you, you may have a valid claim for professional negligence.

It is essential to remember that the law allows you to seek compensation for any losses you have suffered due to the professional’s negligence, regardless of your ongoing relationship with them. If you believe you have a potential claim, it is advisable to seek legal advice promptly. Our skilled and experienced lawyers can assess your case, determine the strength of your claim, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.

Keep in mind that professional negligence claims can be complex, so having an experienced legal professional on your side can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. If you have concerns about the services provided by a professional and believe you may have suffered as a result, do not hesitate to consult with a solicitor to understand your rights and explore your legal options. Please call us for a Free Consultation on 0207 459 4037 today.

If a professional offers to settle your professional negligence claim outside of court, it is essential to approach the situation carefully to protect your rights and interests. You have to be aware that the professional want to settle the claim cheaply with you, and the offer does not represent your losses in full. We suggest taking the following steps:

1. Consult with our firm – Before accepting any settlement offer, it is crucial to consult with our expert negligence lawyers. Our expert professional negligence lawyers will assess the offer’s fairness and whether it adequately compensates you for the damages caused by the professional’s negligence. We will ensure that you don’t accept an offer that may not fully compensate you for your losses and we will work to optimise the amount that you recover. If necessary, we will work with our in-house accountants and forensic accountants to prepare a report on the losses you have suffered but for the negligence.
2. Review the Offer in Detail – Carefully review the settlement offer and understand its terms and conditions. It should cover all the aspects of your claim, including the extent of the damages, costs incurred, and any future losses you may face as a result of the professional’s negligence.
3. Evaluate the Strength of Your Case – We will evaluate the strength of your professional negligence claim to determine if it is in your best interest to settle outside of court or pursue legal action in court. Factors such as the strength of evidence, potential legal costs, and the likelihood of success will be considered throughout by our lawyers.
4. Negotiate if Necessary – If we believe that the settlement offer is not fair or doesn’t fully compensate you, we can negotiate on your behalf with the professional or their representatives. Many of our lawyers are experts in negotiation and are mediators as well, and we have extensive experience in obtaining and increasing compensation for clients.

Remember, settling a professional negligence claim outside of court can save time and legal expenses. However, it is vital to ensure that the settlement offer adequately compensates you for your losses and that you fully understand its implications. Having our skilled professional negligence lawyers by your side will help you navigate this process and make the right decisions for your case.

The timeline for professional negligence claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the evidence and the cooperation of the parties involved. Generally, it is essential to understand that each negligence claim is unique, and there is no fixed duration for resolving such matters. However, our lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with professional negligence claims and can provide a general overview of the typical stages involved:

1. Initial Assessment – At the outset, our negligence lawyers will conduct a thorough review of your case to assess its merits and gather necessary evidence from you and the professional.
2. Pre-Action Protocol – Before initiating formal proceedings, we will follow the Pre-Action Protocol, which involves notifying the other party and allowing time for them to respond. This stage can last 3-6 months typically.
3. Negotiation and Mediation – In many cases, negotiation or mediation can lead to an early resolution. This process can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the cooperation of the negligent professional (and their insurer).
4. Issuing Court Proceedings – If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we may initiate court proceedings. This step can extend the process, with a duration that varies depending on court availability and caseload.
5. Disclosure and Evidence Gathering – Both parties exchange evidence and documentation to support their respective positions. This phase may last a few months.
6. Trial Preparation – If the case proceeds to trial, we will prepare thoroughly for the court hearing. This may take a few months.
7. Trial – The trial itself can last for several days or weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.
8. Judgment and Resolution – After the trial, the court will issue a judgment. If successful, we will work to ensure that you receive the compensation or remedy you deserve. The overall process can take several months to complete.

Please note that the timeline can be affected by various factors, such as the court’s schedule, the willingness of the parties to cooperate, and the complexity of the legal issues involved.

Our professional negligence solicitors will strive to handle your case efficiently while aiming to achieve the best possible outcome. We understand that time is crucial, and we are committed to guiding you through the process as smoothly and quickly as possible to achieve an optimal settlement for you to compensate you for losses suffered.

It is common in professional negligence claims for the negligent professional to deny liability (at least initially). They wish to limit their liability. Our professional negligence lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with professionals who deny liability and then take a different approach when we are instructed.

Our professional negligence solicitors will thoroughly examine the evidence, request more documents from the professional, and assess the strengths of your claim. We will then present a strong and persuasive argument to support your case and counter the professional’s denial.

Throughout the process, we will strive to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf, but if necessary, we will not hesitate to escalate the matter to court proceedings. Rest assured, we are well-versed in handling complex professional negligence claims and will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Remember, even if the professional denies any wrongdoing initially, it doesn’t mean your claim lacks merit and this is typically a tactic they adopt in the early stages. With our dedicated legal team by your side, we will diligently pursue your claim and seek the compensation you deserve.

Professionals will usually have professional indemnity insurance to cover any loss or damage caused to you by a negligent error or service (and that insurance policy will also cover the majority of your legal costs of bringing the professional negligence claim). For example, solicitors normally have minimum insurance cover of £3 million.

Alternatively, if the professional does not have any insurance policy, then we will carry out a thorough due diligence process on the professional to see what assets and/or funds they may have to satisfy a professional negligence claim for your losses. We work with a team of well-renowned asset tracers and investigators.

If you think that the professional acting for you may be insolvent or has insufficient monies to pay you the compensation due to you, then it is important to seek advice from our lawyers and we can advise you on the likely losses you may be able to recover.

Each insurance policy is different but it is likely that the professional’s indemnity insurance will cover instances where the professional has been negligent. The professional will be able to make a claim under the policy for the losses you have suffered as a result of their negligent error, mistake or bad service.

If you think you have suffered professional negligence get in touch for a Free Consultation. We will be able to obtain a copy of the insurance policy from the professional for us to consider whether the policy covers losses arising from negligence in your claim.

To formally start a professional negligence claim, you must issue a County Court or High Court claim form under CPR Part 7 which sets out the details of the claim including the remedy you want.

The Claim Form must be filed at Court within strict time limits and the court fee paid (or otherwise complete an application to have your Court fees waived if you are unable to pay it).