Professional Negligence Solicitors: Assistance Across Manchester

When you place your trust in a professional, you expect competent and reliable advice. If you have suffered financial loss because of negligent advice or a failure to meet the required duty of care, you may have grounds to bring a professional negligence claim.

At AFG Law, our dispute resolution solicitors in Greater Manchester can deal with professional negligence matters and help you recover the compensation you deserve. We act for individuals and businesses across Greater Manchester, including Bolton and Bury, as well as clients throughout England and Wales. Our  dispute resolution team combines expert legal knowledge with a practical, results-driven approach.

Contact us today to find out how we can assist on your case.

What is professional negligence?

Professional negligence occurs when a professional fails to perform their responsibilities to the standard expected within their field. This failure, whether through error, omission, or by giving poor advice, can lead to financial loss, stress, or missed opportunities.

Professionals owe their clients a duty of care to act with reasonable skill and diligence. Where that duty is breached, and the client suffers loss as a result, they may be entitled to claim compensation.

At AFG Law, our professional negligence lawyers deal with claims including negligence by:

• Solicitors and barristers
• Accountants and auditors
• Financial advisers and financial advisors
• Surveyors and valuers
• Architects and engineers
• Estate agents and property consultants
• Insurance brokers and other regulated professionals

Examples of professional negligence

Professional negligence can take many forms, depending on the profession involved. Some examples include:

Solicitors and barristers

Barrister and solicitor negligence may include:

• Missing court deadlines or limitation periods.
• Providing bad advice or failing to advise on settlement terms.
• Drafting defective contracts or wills.
• Mishandling conveyancing or litigation, leading to loss.

Accountants and financial advisers

Accountants or financial advisers can be held liable for:

• Giving negligent tax or investment advice.
• Failing to detect accounting errors or fraudulent activity.
• Recommending unsuitable financial products, resulting in financial loss.

Surveyors and valuers

Negligence on behalf of a surveyor or valuer can include:

• Overvaluing or undervaluing a property.
• Failing to identify serious structural defects.
• Negligent survey reports relied upon by buyers or lenders.

Architects and engineers

Architect and engineer negligence may include:

• Design flaws leading to additional construction costs.
• Failure to comply with building regulations or planning requirements.
• Delays and oversights causing contractual penalties.

In all these cases, the key question is whether the professional breached their duty of care and caused you loss as a result.

What must be proven in a professional negligence claim?

To succeed in a professional negligence claim, three core elements must usually be shown:

1. Duty of care – The professional owed you a legal duty to exercise reasonable skill and care.
2. Breach of duty – The professional fell below that standard, giving rise to omissions, or errors.
3. Causation and loss – You suffered measurable financial loss as a direct result.

Professionals may also be liable where they breach a statutory duty, such as failing to comply with financial or regulatory requirements.

Our dispute resolution solicitors can assess your case, gather evidence, and obtain expert opinions to establish whether a claim is likely to succeed.

Limitation periods – how long do you have to make a claim?

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you typically have six years from the date of the negligence to issue a claim. However, if you were unaware of the negligence until later, you may have three years from the date you discovered (or ought to have discovered) the problem.

Because time limits are strict, you should seek legal advice as soon as you suspect negligence. Our solicitors can help you identify key dates and take prompt action to protect your position.

Pre-Action Protocol for Professional Negligence

Before starting court proceedings, parties must follow the Pre-Action Protocol for Professional Negligence. This protocol aims to encourage early communication, the exchange of information, and alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration.

The steps typically include:

1. Sending a Letter of Claim outlining the allegations and losses.
2. Receiving a Letter of Acknowledgment and, later, a Letter of Response from the professional or their insurers.
3. Engaging in negotiations or mediation to attempt settlement.

Our dispute resolution team ensures that every procedural step is handled correctly, strengthening your position if litigation becomes necessary.

Resolving professional negligence disputes

At AFG Law, we recognise that pursuing a negligence claim can be daunting. We aim to resolve disputes swiftly and cost-effectively wherever possible.

Alternative dispute resolution

Many professional negligence claims can be resolved through mediation, arbitration, or other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). These approaches can save time and legal costs while maintaining confidentiality.

Court proceedings

If ADR is unsuccessful or inappropriate, our professional negligence solicitors are experienced in handling court proceedings. We represent clients in the High Court and County Court, providing robust advocacy and strategic advice throughout.

Negotiation and settlement

We are skilled negotiators and often secure favourable settlements without the need for a trial. Our priority is always to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Compensation in professional negligence claims

The compensation you may recover depends on the losses directly caused by the negligence. These may include:

• Direct financial loss (e.g. lost investments, additional costs, or reduced property value)
• Expenses incurred to rectify the professional’s mistakes
• Loss of opportunity or profit
• Interest and consequential losses

Our solicitors will carefully quantify your losses and pursue full recovery wherever possible.

Why choose AFG Law’s dispute resolution solicitors in Greater Manchester?

With a strong local presence and nationwide reach, AFG Law provides comprehensive advice on professional negligence claims of all kinds.

• Experienced professional negligence solicitors in Manchester – Offices in Bolton and Bury, serving clients across Greater Manchester and beyond.
• Nationwide representation – We act for individuals, businesses, and organisations throughout England and Wales.
• Client-focused approach – Clear communication, strategic advice, and tailored representation.
• Commitment to resolution – We always seek practical solutions, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.

When you instruct AFG Law, you can be confident your case will be handled by an experienced team of dispute resolution solicitors, dedicated to achieving justice for you.

Speak to our dispute resolution solicitors in Greater Manchester

If you have received poor advice or suffered financial loss because a professional failed in their duty of care, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Contact AFG Law today for clear, practical legal advice.

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 solicitors in Greater Manchester, offices in Bolton and Bury, and a nationwide client base, AFG Law is here to help you resolve your dispute and move forward with confidence.