Professional Negligence
People and businesses often rely on professionals to provide specialist advice and services. When a professional’s work falls below the required standard and causes loss, a professional negligence claim may arise.
SWM Solicitors advises on professional negligence disputes involving solicitors, accountants, surveyors and financial advisers.
When Professional Advice Causes Loss
A professional negligence matter generally requires careful examination of what the professional was expected to do, what actually happened and whether the failure caused a loss.
These cases can involve detailed documents, professional standards and evidence about the financial impact of the alleged negligence.
Our solicitors can assess the circumstances and advise on the potential legal issues.
Legal Professionals
Solicitor Negligence
Solicitors are trusted to provide legal services with appropriate skill and care. Where mistakes or failures in legal work have caused loss, a professional negligence claim may be considered.
Financial and Accounting Services
Accountant Negligence
Businesses and individuals may rely on accountants for financial and tax-related advice. Where an accountant’s alleged failure or error has caused financial loss, we can advise on the circumstances and the potential options for pursuing a claim.
Financial Adviser Negligence
Financial decisions can have significant consequences, particularly where individuals or businesses rely on professional financial advice.
Property Professionals
Surveyor Negligence
Survey reports can influence major decisions about buying, selling or developing property. Where a surveyor’s work is alleged to have fallen below the required standard and caused loss, we can advise on potential professional negligence claims.
Establishing What Happened
Professional negligence claims can depend heavily on the documents and information available.
We may need to consider correspondence, agreements, professional reports, advice provided and evidence concerning the loss suffered.
Understanding the sequence of events can help establish where the dispute lies.
Assessing the Loss
A professional negligence claim is not simply about identifying an error. It is also important to consider whether the alleged negligence caused a recoverable loss.
We can advise on the issues that may need to be established and the evidence relevant to the claim.
Before Bringing a Claim
Professional negligence disputes can involve complex legal and factual questions. Taking advice before starting proceedings can help you understand the potential strengths and weaknesses of the case.
Where appropriate, we can also advise on attempts to resolve the dispute without full court proceedings.
Protecting Your Position
If you believe a professional’s actions have caused you financial loss, it can be important to preserve relevant documents and seek legal advice promptly.
Our solicitors can review the circumstances and explain the potential routes available.