You trusted a professional to guide you, perhaps a solicitor, a barrister, or a consultant, and you acted on their advice. Later you discover the advice was wrong, and it has cost you money, a missed deadline, or a case that should have succeeded. It is a difficult position to be in: the very person meant to protect your interests is the reason you are now out of pocket.
What counts as professional negligence by a solicitor or adviser?
Professional negligence happens when a professional fails to meet the reasonable standard expected of them and you suffer a financial loss as a result. Common examples include missing a court or limitation deadline, giving incorrect advice, mishandling a settlement, or failing to explain your options properly. It is not about a decision simply going against you; it is about work that fell below the standard a competent professional should provide. The Legal Ombudsman found evidence of poor service in 70% of the complaints it investigated in 2024/25, up from 65% two years earlier.
Can I do anything if my previous solicitor got it wrong?
Yes. You are entitled to seek a second opinion and, where there has been negligence, to claim compensation for the loss it caused. A fresh, independent legal team can review what happened, obtain your original file, and assess whether the advice or the handling of your case fell below an acceptable standard. Getting a clear, honest view of where you stand is often the first step to putting things right.
How long do I have to make a professional negligence claim?
Time limits matter, so it is worth acting sooner rather than later. Under the Limitation Act 1980, you generally have six years from the date of the negligent act, or three years from the date you first realised, or should reasonably have realised, that you had suffered a loss, whichever gives you longer. There is also an overall 15-year longstop. Because these rules are complex and every case differs, early advice helps you avoid the risk of a claim becoming time-barred.
WE Solicitors has helped people across Manchester and Oldham who were let down by a previous adviser. We understand that your trust has already been broken once, so we explain everything in plain English, review the original advice carefully, and pursue recovery of your losses on a No Win, No Fee basis. You deal with one straight-talking team, and we handle the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to confront my old solicitor myself?
No. We deal with the other side and their insurers on your behalf, so you do not have to have that conversation.
What could a professional negligence claim recover?
Compensation aims to put you back in the position you would have been in had the advice been correct. We will explain what that could mean for your particular situation.
How do I know if I even have a claim?
The only way to be sure is to have your case reviewed. The first consultation is free, and there is no obligation to continue.
If a professional you trusted around Manchester or Oldham gave you advice that cost you, it costs nothing to find out where you stand. Speak to our team on 0800 294 3065 for a free, no-obligation conversation, or use our online contact form and we will call you back.
Sources: Legal Ombudsman, 2024/25 annual complaints data and insight · Limitation Act 1980, sections 2, 5 and 14A · Solicitors Regulation Authority
