ARCHITECTS PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIMS
The majority of architects are regulated by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) together with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) which deals with complaints about an architect’s competence and does have the power to strike off; however neither of these institutions will deal with compensation for professional negligence by an architect. Many architects are employed on projects from the initial stages of investigation of viability through to completion of the building and often certify each stage to enable release of capital to builders. We are able to deal with cases of architects professional negligence in the following circumstances :-
- erroneous advice by an architect
- inadequate plans or project preparation work
- negligent building works
- inappropriate contractual matters
HELPLINE 0844 915 0135
Alternative Dispute Resolution
The main point relating to architects professional negligence is that, although serious errors are relatively rare, when they do arise the consequences are often very expensive to rectify. Whilst there are well structured complaints procedures involving the RIBA and ARB, most disputes regarding architects professional negligence will involve legal action if an agreement cannot be reached to rectify the problem. As an alternative to the issue of proceedings in a court of law it may be possible to invoke alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and settlement negotiation. Almost without exception qualified architects who are members of the RIBA carry indemnity insurance to cover against architects professional negligence however unqualified draftsmen or plan drawers may carry no such insurance and may be personally liable to pay compensation from their own pocket.
HELPLINE 0844 915 0135
Forensic Chartered Architects
In the event that a client considers legal action as a last resort we are able to call upon the services of forensic chartered architects who, in conjunction with our solicitors may be able to offer alternative dispute resolution by the use of agreed experts, adjudicators, arbitrators or mediators. If all else fails we will instruct specialist architects who are professional expert witnesses to provide an opinion which will be the basis of our evidence and will if appropriate, in due course, issue proceedings in the High Court of Justice claiming compensation for professional negligence by the errant architect.
HELPLINE 0844 915 0135
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 architect 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.