Types of professional negligence claims

Home / The most common types of professional negligence claims

Paul Walton Professional Negligence Consultant at Davis Blank Furniss

My workload is incredibly varied and I represent clients who have cases against many types of professional advisors. Below is a list of the most common types of claims that I handle. If you would like to talk to me about how I might be able to help you, please do contact me. Contact Paul Walton here.

ACCOUNTANTS

Drafting accounts inaccurately
Failing to claim tax credits
Failing to submit VAT returns promptly
Late submission of accounts to HMRC
Company accountants failing to advise Directors clearly as to allocation of funds
Company accountants allocating Director’s Loan Accounts inappropriately
Negligent Pensions advice
Failing to understand time limits for claim to Financial Ombudsman Service
Incorrect assessment of Tax liabilities.

VALUERS AND ESTATE AGENTS

Inappropriate high valuation of property, leading client to purchase at over value
Failing to spot significant property defects
Failing to undertake proper investigations for signs of asbestos
Failing to note signs of subsidence and structural movement
Incomprehensible or misleading valuation report to Lender/Mortgagee

ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS

Use of inappropriate materials in building
Failing to allow for adverse weather conditions on structure
Serious under estimate as to likely cost of building
Defective heating system and utility services
Building not capable of providing services and facilities for which it was designed
Causing client to be in breach of Planning Laws
Causing client to be in breach of Health & Safety Regulations
Damage to Listed Buildings without appropriate permissions and consents

SOLICITORS

Missing time limits in litigation
Missing substantial items in claims for compensation (e.g. loss of earnings)
Negligent drafting of Credit Hire Agreements
Failing to register Option with Land Registry
Failing to include Rent Review clause in Lease
Failing to advise as to conflicts of interest as between husband and wife and partners
Failing to submit employment claim for unfair dismissal on time
Settling employment claim in terms which exclude right to pursue personal injury claim
Negligent drafting of Will so it is invalid and beneficiaries do not receive what was intended
Failing to draft a gift of property in a Will to allow for the possibility that the Testator may sell the property before death
Failing to deal properly with tax issue in Will

BARRISTERS

Negligent conduct of the case in Court
Negligent advice to the criminal client about the plea to be entered
Failing to call evidence
Incorrect advice about the legal position
Negligent advice about an appropriate settlement

TRADE UNIONS

Representing a Member in an employment claim but failing to appreciate time limits

Representing a Member in a litigation claim but failing to appreciate time limits

INSURANCE BROKERS

Failing to arrange Insurance at all
Failing to arrange Insurance at an adequate value
Failing to retain evidence of Insurance arrangements.

For more information regarding professional negligence, please read more from Paul Walton.

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