Professional negligence
Professional negligence work forms a considerable amount of the work handled by the firm’s Commercial Dispute Resolution group. Whilst we realise that no-one wants to be embroiled in a dispute, sometimes it cannot always be avoided.
We have experience of dealing with both claimant and defendant professional negligence work in respect of claims including lawyers, accountants, major banks, surveyors, as well as individuals. With experience of working on both sides of the fence, we are able to offer pragmatic, commercial and well-rounded advice.
Experience
A leading PLC sports marketing agency on the acquisition of another business
We are advising an independent leading sports marketing agency on a claim against a top 100 UK law firm for negligence as a result of its failure to advise properly in respect of the purchase of a business by our client. We are engaged in pre-action protocol correspondence with the law firm.
Major international insurance company’s client on a £2 million negligent claim
Appointed to advise specialist insurer to act on behalf of their technology client in respect of a claim by a major retailer relating to an agreement that the client was to develop websites for the retailer in the UK, USA, Japan and Australia. The retailer alleged that our client had been negligent and had suffered losses of £2 million. In a detailed Letter of Response written by us, we demonstrated that the problems from which the website development suffered were almost wholly attributable to the retailer. Following our letter, the claim was abandoned.
A leading investment management company on allegedly giving negligent advice
Advising a financial services provider on the handling of a series of complaints/claims for compensation concerning the provision of allegedly negligent advice and/or the recommendation of unsuitable products by an employee at a former office, which was subsequently sold to another company. We have advised on the strategy to be employed in relation to further claims and also on the issue whether the client had an indemnity and/or contribution claim against the company to which it sold the business.
Couple’s claim against surveyor's failure to report on Grade II listed house
Acting for a couple in their claim against a surveyor for professional negligence as a result of the surveyor’s failure to report properly on the condition of a Grade II listed house purchased by the couple. The matter settled very favourably in the clients’ favour after use of the pre-action protocol and a without prejudice meeting.
High net worth deprived of £1 million tax relief
Acting for a high net worth in his claim against his financial advisers for damages for professional negligence.