ACCOUNTANTS PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIMS
In the case of accountants professional negligence it should be noted that general complaints about an accountants behaviour or poor service are not usually matters that give rise to legal action for damages in a court of law. These matters should be addressed to the relevant professional body which operate well controlled and structured complaints procedures :-
- Certified Accountants - Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA).
- Chartered Accountants - Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICA).
HELPLINE 0844 764 0104
Breach of the Duty of Care
A typical accountancy professional negligence claim alleges that an accountant’s work has fallen below the established standard of care that is to be expected, which must be met to prevent an unreasonable risk of harm. There are four key elements to recovery of damages in a professional negligence claim against an accountant :-
The claimant must show that the accountant had a duty of care to the claimant. The normal accountant/client relationship is usually sufficient to establish this duty of care.
The accountant must be proved to have breached that duty of care in such a way that amounts to negligence. The accountant must have behaved in a way that was unreasonable such that no other body of accountants would have deliberately behaved in that way
The claimant must be able to show actual loss or anticipated loss.
It must be proved that the loss was a direct result of the negligent behaviour.
HELPLINE 0844 764 0104
Forensic Experts
Typically these matters are complex legal issues that cannot be won in a court of law without a team of experts working towards the same goal. We regularly call upon the services of expert forensic accountants whose primary job is to provide evidence to assist in the prosecution of accountants professional negligence claims. Our forensic experts are able to provide evidence on liability as well as quantum and are well able to deal with the assessment of standards of professional competence. In addition where it is possible to reconcile the issues without recourse to a court of law they are able to assist at various stages of a dispute and have experience of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and settlement negotiation.
HELPLINE 0844 764 0104
Professional Negligence Lawyers Association
If you find yourself in the invidious position of having to consider legal action to claim damages for professional negligence against an accountant we can help. Our civil litigation solicitors, who are members of the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association deal with claims using the no win no fee scheme and compensation is paid in full. If you would like to know if you have a potential claim just email or use the helpline and we will take full details, carry out a detailed risk assessment and advise you in the clearest of terms whether or not we believe that you have a valid claim for compensation and the value of damages likely to be awarded.
Please Note :- We do not deal with complaints about poor service, bad attitudes or inadequate procedures. We deal with claims involving financial loss that has been or is likely to be sustained.