When a professional you rely on gives poor advice or fails to meet the required duty of care, the consequences can be significant. If you have suffered financial loss or damage due to a professional’s mistake, you may be entitled to make a professional negligence claim.
At AFG Law, our dispute resolution solicitors in Bolton are here to help you with a professional negligence claim and secure fair compensation. We act for both individuals and businesses and have experience in resolving a range of disputes. As a long-established law firm, we are proud to provide clear, practical legal advice to clients across Bolton, Greater Manchester, and throughout England and Wales.
What is professional negligence?
Professional negligence arises when a professional fails to perform their duties to the standard expected within their field, and that failure causes a client to suffer loss. All professionals, including solicitors, accountants, surveyors, and financial advisers owe a duty of care to act with skill, diligence, and competence.
When that standard is not met, and you experience financial loss as a result, you may have the right to pursue a claim.
At AFG Law, our dispute resolution solicitors in Bolton handle professional negligence claims against:
- Solicitors and barristers – including missed deadlines, incorrect legal advice, or conveyancing errors.
- Accountants and financial advisers – negligent tax planning, poor investment recommendations, or miscalculations.
- Surveyors and valuers – overvalued or undervalued property assessments.
- Architects and engineers – design faults or non-compliance with regulations.
- Insurance brokers – failure to arrange appropriate cover or disclose key policy terms.
If you have received negligent professional advice or services, our solicitors can review your case and explain your options clearly.
What must be proven in a professional negligence claim?
To bring a successful professional negligence claim, three elements must be established:
- Duty of care – The professional owed you a legal duty to act with reasonable skill and care.
- Breach of duty – They failed to meet the expected standard of competence.
- Loss – You suffered measurable financial loss as a direct result of that breach.
Our solicitors will carefully assess your case, reviewing all documents, correspondence, and expert evidence to determine whether your claim has strong prospects of success.
Examples of professional negligence
Some common examples include:
- A solicitor missing a limitation date, preventing you from pursuing a valid case.
- A financial adviser recommending unsuitable products, causing financial loss.
- A surveyor failing to identify structural issues or overvaluing a property.
- An accountant submitting incorrect tax returns, leading to penalties.
Each case is unique. A member of our team will take the time to understand your situation and provide tailored advice on the most effective way forward.
How long do you have to make a claim?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, most professional negligence claims must be brought within six years from the date of the negligent act or omission.
In some cases, if you only discovered the negligence later, you may have three years from the date you became aware of it. Because limitation periods are strict, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to protect your right to claim.
How our Bolton solicitors can help
Pursuing a professional negligence case can feel daunting, especially if you have already lost confidence in another professional. Our solicitors in Bolton aim to make the process straightforward and transparent from start to finish.
We can assist by:
- Assessing the strength of your potential claim.
- Advising on evidence requirements and time limits.
- Attempting early resolution through negotiation or mediation.
- Representing you in court proceedings if settlement cannot be achieved.
Every member of our team is committed to achieving the best possible result for you, whether through alternative dispute resolution or litigation.
Why choose AFG Law?
Choosing the right legal representation is crucial when pursuing a negligence claim. Here’s why clients across Bolton and beyond trust AFG Law:
- Local expertise – AFG Law are an established law firm with offices in Bolton and Bury, serving Greater Manchester and nationwide clients.
- Personal service – A member of our team will manage your case throughout, providing regular updates and practical guidance.
- Commitment to results – We focus on resolving disputes efficiently while safeguarding your interests.
When you choose AFG Law, you gain access to a skilled and approachable team of solicitors who understand both the legal and personal aspects of your case.
Speak to our dispute resolution solicitors in Bolton
If you believe you have suffered financial loss or other damage as a result of professional negligence, our negligence solicitors in Bolton can help. We will assess your situation, advise on the merits of your case, and guide you through each stage of the process.
To discuss your professional negligence issue please contact a member of our team on 01204 377600. Alternatively, you can send an email with your name, contact information and brief details as to the nature of your issue to disputeresolution@afglaw.co.uk and one of our team will be able to help you.
With offices in Bolton and Bury, and clients throughout England and Wales, AFG Law provides trusted advice and effective representation for those pursuing a professional negligence claim.