Professional negligence is one aspect of the general rules on negligence. It deals with the situation where a professional holds himself out as having specialist skills and abilities. Professional people hold themselves out as having skills that are greater than those of the average individual. The standard upon which to measure their performance is based on the standard of care of a similar expert in the relevant field. Thus, professionals providing services in a wide range of situations will be judged by the standards of those claiming to have the same set of skills and abilities in the relevant field.
Even those with vast experience can make mistakes which can have severe consequences for their clients.
Professional negligence cases can be traumatic for the Defendant. It is therefore important that cases are handled in a delicate manner.
It is important to consider the possibility of mediation or arbitration before commencing litigation for a claim of professional negligence.
