When a professional lets you down, the consequences can be significant. Whether you have suffered financial losses due to negligent advice from a solicitor, accountant, financial adviser, surveyor or another professional, pursuing a professional negligence claim can be complex.
That is why choosing the right solicitor to represent you is so important. It cannot simply be a quick search on the internet, it is vital that whoever you instruct is capable of giving you the best advice and has the wherewithal to fight for you.
One factor that clients should consider is whether their solicitor is a member of the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association (PNLA).
What is the PNLA?
The Professional Negligence Lawyers Association (PNLA) is a specialist organisation dedicated to promoting expertise and excellence in professional negligence law. Its members include solicitors and barristers who specialise in handling claims against professionals whose mistakes have caused loss to their clients.
Membership of PNLA demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high standards of legal knowledge and staying up to date with developments in this highly specialised area of law.
Are professional negligence claims complicated?
They can be. Professional negligence claims are often more complex than many other types of legal action. It is just not enough to show that a professional made a mistake. A claimant must usually be able to prove:
- The professional owed them a duty of care.
- That duty was breached.
- The breach caused a loss.
- The losses claimed were reasonably foreseeable.
These cases often involve detailed expert evidence, complex legal arguments and substantial documentation. They can and often are, vigorously defended by professional indemnity insurers. For that reason, specialist knowledge and experience are essential.
The benefits of choosing a PNLA member
A solicitor who is a member of the PNLA is likely to have significant experience in this area of law and access to valuable professional resources and training.
Benefits include:
Specialist knowledge
Professional negligence law is constantly evolving. PNLA members have access to specialist training, legal updates and networking opportunities that help them stay informed of important developments. David Wingate, partner at WE Solicitors has spoken at a number of PNLA events and is a valued member of the PNLA.
Experience of complex claims
Many PNLA members regularly handle claims involving solicitors, accountants, architects, surveyors, financial advisers and other professionals. This experience can be invaluable when assessing the strengths of a case and developing the best strategy.
Commitment to excellence
Membership of PNLA reflects a commitment to maintaining professional standards and delivering high quality legal services to clients.
Access to a network of experts
Professional negligence cases frequently require evidence from independent experts. Specialist solicitors often have established relationships with trusted experts who can provide the evidence needed to support a claim.
How WE Solicitors can help
At WE Solicitors, we know the frustration and financial impact that can arise when trusted professionals fail to meet the standards expected of them. We fully understand the enormity of being let down by a professional.
Our professional negligence team has extensive experience pursuing claims against a wide range of professionals and helping clients recover losses caused by negligent advice and services.
As members of the PNLA, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of expertise and client care. We combine specialist legal knowledge with a practical, client-focused approach to achieve the best possible outcomes for those we represent.
If you believe you have suffered loss as a result of professional negligence, contact WE Solicitors today for a confidential discussion about your circumstances and the options available to you.
