We all need a little professional advice from time to time, whether it’s talking to a financial consultant about the best investment options or reviewing plans for a future home addition with an architect. Most of the time, the professional you hire to provide you with the advice you’re seeking is exactly that — professional and trustworthy. However, there are times when acting on ‘expert advice’ can result in a major financial loss. If you live in the Lakeland, Florida area, and if find yourself in this situation, filing a professional negligence claim can help you recover the money you’ve lost.
What counts as professional negligence in Lakeland, Florida?
Professional negligence occurs when a professional advisor’s conduct falls below accepted industry or practice standards and causes financial damage to their client. You can file professional negligence claims against accountants, architects, brokers, engineers, insurance agents, land surveyors, attorneys, medical practitioners, nursing home attendants/employees, pharmacists, and others.
There are numerous situations in which a professional advisor must pay compensation due to their negligence. For example, you may be entitled to compensation when poor tax advice from an accountant results in financial losses. Professional negligence also includes physical errors made by an ‘expert,’ such as when a surveyor fails to detect signs of cracking in a property. These types of mistakes can be costly to fix, and they may even lower the property’s value.
How to make a professional negligence claim in Florida?
To file a professional negligence claim in Lakeland, Florida, you’ll need to be able to prove that you sustained a significant financial loss as a result of your advisor’s negligence. You cannot sue someone for negligence simply because you were unhappy with their service — you must have clear proof of negligence. You will have to demonstrate the following:
a) The professional owed you a duty of care or a certain standard of expectations within that field
b) The duty of care was breached and,
c) The breach of duty directly correlates with the damages you suffered.
Making a claim against a negligent professional in Lakeland is a big decision. If you are considering doing so, you should be 100% sure that you have a strong case, as the process can be complex and time-consuming. If you believe that you have a good claim, it’s wise to consult with a professional negligence attorney in Lakeland, Florida. They will advise you on whether you are likely to be awarded compensation based on your specific situation, and if they would be willing and able to go to trial if necessary.
The idea of making a claim against a negligent professional in Florida may concern you — will it end up costing even more than you have already lost in time and money? It doesn’t have to. Like personal injury claims, professional negligence claims are often handled on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis. This generally means that if a claim for professional negligence is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay anything. And, if your claim is successful, the defendant will usually reimburse you for your attorney’s fees and other legal costs.
Call Our Lakeland Negligence Attorney to Schedule a Free Legal Consultation
If you have suffered significant financial loss because of the negligence of a professional, the O’Toole Law Group is here to help. Our negligence attorneys in Lakeland, Florida offer free legal consultations to help you understand what you might be entitled to, and how your case should proceed. Call our law office at (863) 533-5525 or contact us via our website today to discuss your situation.
