Professional Negligence Claims Solicitors

If your solicitor or any other professional advising you has let you down and, due to their actions, you have suffered a financial loss, you may be able to make a professional negligence claim to recover your financial losses.

Given the complexities of professional negligence claims and the resources available to the defendant, having experienced legal support is vital. Our expert solicitors are here to provide advice on your claim and guide you through this process.

Depending on the strength and circumstances of your case, we may consider acting on a no-win, no-fee basis. Our team will carefully assess your claim and discuss funding options with you to find the most suitable approach for all parties.

To arrange an initial consultation, please call our friendly team on 01689 887887 or fill in our enquiry form. For further information, please contact our specialist solicitor Jill Lawton by emailing her at jill.lawton@cwj.co.uk.

Our solicitors can assist with…

We have extensive experience helping clients pursue professional negligence claims across a wide range of industries, including:

• Solicitors
• Surveyors
• Valuers
• Architects
• Accountants
• Banks
• Insurance brokers
• Financial advisors

Claims might include:

• A solicitor providing negligent advice, missing a court deadline or not issuing a claim within the limitation period.
• An accountant providing incorrect tax or financial planning advice or missing a deadline, resulting in a penalty.
• A surveyor missing significant defects in a property or not identifying subsidence.
• A valuer providing incorrect valuation advice.

Our professional negligence claims solicitors

Our team combines expertise across various legal disciplines with a compassionate and practical approach. We understand the stress these situations can cause and are committed to simplifying the process throughout so you always feel in control.

Our clear communication and expert knowledge have allowed us to deliver consistently outstanding service to clients. We are proud to say that members of our professional negligence team are ranked by Chambers & Partners.

For more information, please see our commercial litigation solicitors page.

Professional negligence claims FAQs

What is professional negligence?

To have a claim, your complaint must go beyond inadequate or poor service. To succeed in an action for negligence, you need to establish that:

• The professional owed you a duty of care,
• That duty was breached,
• That breach caused you to suffer loss,
• That loss is recoverable.

What is the process of a professional negligence claim?

The Pre-Action Protocol for Professional Negligence applies to a claim for professional negligence. This Protocol sets out a code of good practice and contains the steps that parties should generally follow before commencing court proceedings regarding a professional negligence claim.

The Protocol aims to enable the parties to understand the issues in dispute, share information and documentation, and make informed decisions about settlement and how to proceed.

When the claim concerns architects, engineers and quantity surveyors, the Pre-Action Protocol for Construction and Engineering Disputes applies, which involves a slightly different procedure.

Once you become aware of an issue and you are considering making a claim, you should send a letter advising your opponent that it is your intention to make a claim. This is known as a Preliminary Notice. Your opponent should respond within 21 days to acknowledge the Preliminary Notice.

Once you decide that there are grounds for a claim, you should send a Letter of Claim, providing full details of the claim.

Your opponent should respond with a Letter of Acknowledgment within 21 days of receiving the Letter of Claim. They will then be permitted 3 months in which to investigate the claim and respond. The Letter of Response should answer the claim and say if the claim is admitted, denied, or part admitted and part denied.

It may be possible to resolve the matter by alternative dispute resolution, such as without prejudice negotiations or mediation. If your opponent denies the claim or if a settlement is not achievable, proceedings can be issued.

Is there a time limit on negligence claims?

Generally, the time limit for bringing a professional negligence claim is six years. For breach of contract claims, a claim can be made within six years from the date of the breach of contract, and a claim in negligence can be made within six years, starting with the date when the loss occurred.

However, for negligence claims, if new key facts come to light after the negligence occurred, the limitation period may be extended by three years from the date when you have or should have acquired knowledge of the relevant facts. There is a longstop of 15 years from the date of negligence.

Limitation is a complex issue. If you become aware of a claim, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Speak to our solicitors in Orpington, Kent

If you feel that you have been a victim of professional negligence, it is best to act quickly and seek legal advice. Our professional negligence solicitors are here to help.

You can contact us either by filling in our simple online enquiry form, or by calling our friendly team on 01689 887887.

For further information, please contact our specialist solicitor Jill Lawton by emailing her at jill.lawton@cwj.co.uk.