Claims Against Professional Advisors
Both individuals and business will often use professional advisors for complex transactions, or simply for peace of mind. When that professional advisor fails to advise or guide you correctly however, the loss to you can be significant.
Our team of professionals can however assist you in seeking redress for any losses you sustain, and assist you in being placed into the position you would have been had you been correctly advised at the outset.
What is Professional Negligence?
Professional negligence occurs when a professional (such as a solicitor or a surveyor), fails to act in a manner expected of someone of their profession. When that failure to act appropriately results in you sustaining financial loss you can bring a claim for damages, which may include financial losses you have sustained or will sustain, or in some circumstances for physical and emotional distress.
How can we help you today?
Examples of professional negligence include:
- A surveyor failing to note a structural defect during a property, resulting in you buying a property which cannot be sold or refinanced.
- A solicitor who advised you on a property purchase but failed to advise on the restrictions of use for that property.
- An architect who failed to adequately design a new development, resulting in the property suffering from structural issues or being unable to be completed.
Such claims often involve the insurers for the party at fault, and therefore can be distressing without the correct representation. Equally, it can be difficult to establish negligence in the first instance, or indeed that the loss flows from the incorrect advice. You may also need further expert evidence, which in itself can be distressing, when your claim arises from professional advice in the first instance.
What redress can you obtain?
In the vast majority of cases you will be claiming damages for any losses you sustain. Those losses can be difficult to calculate in themselves if they result in the devaluation of an asset, or significant losses and penalties during a new development.
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Our solicitors are well versed in calculating your losses, and ascertaining what can be recovered in addition to any initial financial loss to ensure that you are adequately compensated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Professional negligence occurs when a professional — such as a solicitor, accountant, surveyor, financial adviser, or architect — fails to meet the standard of care expected in their field, causing you financial loss or damage. Our professional negligence solicitors can assess whether you have a valid claim and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.
Yes. You can bring a claim against a solicitor if they made a serious mistake that resulted in financial loss — for example, missing a court deadline, drafting incorrect documents, giving poor advice, or mishandling a transaction. Your solicitor will review your case, obtain the relevant files, and determine whether their conduct fell below the required professional standard.
Absolutely. You can claim against an accountant, financial adviser, surveyor, architect, or other professional if their advice or service caused you loss. Examples include incorrect tax advice, valuation errors, or investment recommendations that weren’t suitable for your circumstances.
Professional negligence may include: ● Providing incorrect or misleading advice ● Failing to meet deadlines or statutory requirements ● Making calculation or drafting errors ● Breaching contractual or fiduciary duties ● Acting without proper skill or care If their actions caused you measurable financial harm, you may be entitled to compensation.
You’ll need to show that the professional owed you a duty of care, that they breached it, and that the breach caused you a financial loss. Your solicitor will help gather documents such as contracts, correspondence, reports, and financial records to build a strong case.
Your first step is to take legal advice. A professional negligence solicitor will review the facts, notify the professional of your claim through a Letter of Claim (in line with the Professional Negligence Pre-Action Protocol), and seek a settlement before court proceedings become necessary.
In most cases, you have six years from the date of the negligent act to bring a claim. If you only discovered the negligence later, you may have three years from the date of discovery — but there are strict limits, so early legal advice is essential.
Compensation aims to put you back in the position you would have been in if the negligence hadn’t occurred. This could include loss of earnings, additional expenses, or lost opportunities. Your solicitor will calculate your losses and pursue a fair settlement on your behalf.
Not necessarily. Many professional negligence claims are resolved through negotiation or mediation before reaching court. Your solicitor will aim to secure a settlement quickly and cost-effectively, but will be prepared to take formal action if required.
Yes. Our experienced solicitors advise clients across Essex, London and Cornwall and nationwide. Whether you’re claiming against a solicitor, accountant, or another professional, we’ll work to recover your losses and hold them accountable for the standard of service you were entitled to expect.
OUR CLIENTS SAY…
“Lorraine provided quick and thorough advice on a potentially complicated property matter. She explained everything very clearly and enabled me to feel confident in my options and decision.”
Penelope
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Located in the heart of London, Essex & Cornwall
Paul Robinson Solicitors is a thriving independent law firm committed to providing exceptional service to clients nationwide, with offices situated throughout London, Essex and Cornwall.
Established in 1983, the firm has steadily expanded over the past 45 years, offering an extensive range of legal services to both personal and commercial clients. The team of highly experienced and skilled solicitors specialises in various fields and is dedicated to providing an outstanding level of service to achieve positive outcomes for their clients. The firm’s cutting-edge technology and efficient systems, together with its support and managerial staff, ensure maximum efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.
