Professional Negligence

With sensitive issues involved, and a great deal at stake for both parties, the outcome of a professional negligence claim can often have far-reaching implications, both financial and personal, for the claimant and defendant practitioner.

Obtaining specialist advice is therefore crucial. Timely instruction can make for a swift, confidential and cost-effective solution either through negotiation or an Alternative Dispute Resolution technique such as mediation. If, however, early settlement proves impossible, and the claim goes to arbitration or the courts, the legal team still needs to start work as soon as possible to address the disputed issues.

Members of Chambers have appeared in a range of important professional negligence cases outside the construction field, such as Holt v Payne Skillington [1995] 77 BLR 51 (solicitors' negligencce), more recently, First City Insurance Group v Orchard [2003] PNLR 162 (solicitors' and barristers' negligence) and Hurstwood Development v Motor & General Insurance [2002] PNLR 10 (brokers' negligence). Other cases have related to surveyors and valuers, estate agency, claims consultants, environmental consultants, and IT consultants.

It is, however, in construction cases that Keating Chambers’ standing in the professional negligence field has been founded. Through its skilful handling of cases dealing with issues ranging from preliminary advice through the design stages to contract administration (see Architects’ Negligence, Engineers’ Negligence and Project Managers’ Negligence), Chambers’ members have earned a notable reputation at all levels: “This set has secured a stellar reputation for its members’ involvement in many of the landmark decisions that form the current law on construction professional negligence. It is home to an impressive group of silks and juniors” (Chambers & Partners 2006, Professional Negligence).

Further Information
For further information on how our members can assist you, please contact the Senior Clerks, John Munton and Nick Child, in the first instance, on +44(0)20 7544 2600. They and their teams of Clerks will be pleased to advise you on the member of Keating Chambers appropriate to your requirements.