Professional Negligence Claims Explained

Professional Negligence claims are not always straightforward and can be difficult to prove. We have the experience and knowledge to be able to advise you on whether you may be entitled to compensation and to advise on the chance of a successful claim.

The professional negligence pre-action protocol is designed to apply when a claimant wishes to claim against a professional (other than construction professionals and healthcare providers) as a result of that professionals alleged negligence. If you have a claim against a construction professional or healthcare provider please contact us.

The aim of the protocol is to establish a framework in which there is an early exchange of information so that the claim can be fully investigated and help settle cases quickly and avoid time-consuming and expensive court cases.

Following your initial contact we will contact you to take details of your accident and the type of injury you have sustained. One of our specialist personal injury solicitors will then review your case.

We will let you know quickly whether you have a claim for compensation. If we do believe your claim will be successful we will then take the following steps on your behalf:

• We will write to the professional with details of your claim and ask them to notify their professional indemnity insurers, if any, immediately.
• This letter should be acknowledged by the professional within 21 days.
• As soon as there are grounds for a claim against the professional we will write a detailed letter of claim to the professional. The professional will have 3 months from the date of the letter of acknowledgement to investigate.
• Following the investigation, the professional must send a letter of response, confirming whether they wish to admit liability or defend the claim.
• At this point we will discuss with you whether it is better to accept an offered settlement or commence court proceedings.