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If you've suffered financial loss or legal complications due to a surveyor's negligence, you need expert legal support to navigate your claim. At Stephensons, our dedicated team of professional negligence solicitors specialise in handling surveyor negligence cases. Whether it's an inaccurate property valuation, missed structural issues, or failure to identify planning restrictions, we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve. Our experienced lawyers will guide you through every step of the process, providing clear, practical advice to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore your options.
Most house purchases involve a survey of some kind. Even though it may be at the insistence of a lender, we all rely heavily on surveyors to uncover and bring to our attention any problems that there are with a particular property which could devalue it or cause financial implications in the future.
Our experienced team of professional negligence solicitors have represented many consumers who have moved into newly purchased properties, only to find problems such as damp and dry rot. Failing to spot the presence of Japanese Knotweed is another common surveyor mistake, but more detrimental mistakes can include not recognising subsidence and the need for underpinning.
If you believe that you have been misled or let down by a negligent property surveyor in a personal or business capacity, please contact our legal experts to discuss your situation on 01616 966 229.
Surveyor negligence occurs when a surveyor fails to perform their duties to the expected professional standard, resulting in financial loss or other harm. This can include incorrect property valuations, missed structural defects, or inadequate surveys.
Yes, you can sue a surveyor for negligence if they fail to perform their duties to the expected professional standard, resulting in financial loss or other harm. To sue for negligence, you must prove that the surveyor owed you a duty of care, breached this duty, and caused you financial loss as a direct result of this breach.
Professional surveyors who are negligent could be held accountable and a claim made against them, especially if their actions have devalued the property; but, the compensation may not cover the cost of rectifying the problem. Instead courts may only award damages equivalent to the difference in value between the property in the defective state and the value as if the defect did not exist. This is called the diminution in value.
To establish whether there has been a diminution in value, you will need to obtain an independent expert surveyor’s report to confirm this. You should choose this expert carefully. Our professional negligence team have contacts with surveyors across the UK, who are experienced in dealing with this kind of case.
It is important to note that surveyor negligence cases that go to court, will be given a margin of error which may determine the outcome of the case. Therefore, before you consider issuing proceedings we would recommend that you speak to one of our negligence claims team on 01616 966 229.
Common examples of surveyor negligence include inaccurate property valuations, failure to identify structural problems, overlooking planning restrictions, and providing incomplete or misleading survey reports. These errors can lead to financial loss, additional repair costs, or legal complications for property owners.
Surveyor negligence can occur in various ways, impacting property transactions and leading to significant financial and legal issues. Common examples include:
Inaccurate property valuations:
Failure to identify structural problems:
Overlooking planning restrictions:
Providing incomplete or misleading survey reports:
Neglecting environmental factors:
Errors in boundary surveys:
Failure to advise on legal requirements:
These forms of negligence can cause various issues, including:
Financial loss
Additional repair costs
Legal complications
To prove surveyor negligence, you need to show that the surveyor owed you a duty of care, breached this duty by not meeting professional standards, and caused you a financial loss directly resulting from this breach. Documentation and expert testimony can support your claim.
You can generally claim damages for the diminution in value i.e. the difference between the property with no defects to the property with the defects found, and any additional expenses incurred due to the surveyor’s negligence. Compensation aims to cover financial losses and restore your position.
You generally have six years from the date of the negligent act. However this can be extended in certain situations when you have only just discovered the problems. In such situations you would have three years from when you discovered the negligence to file a claim. It’s crucial to seek legal advice promptly to ensure you don’t miss the limitation period for your claim.
Yes, many surveyor negligence claims are settled out of court through negotiation or mediation. This approach can save time, reduce legal costs, and provide a quicker resolution compared to pursuing a lengthy court process.
To support your claim, you need the original survey report, any terms of engagement, correspondence with the surveyor, expert opinions on the negligence, and documentation of the financial losses incurred. Comprehensive evidence strengthens your case and improves your chances of a successful claim.
Yes, it is advisable to consult a solicitor specialising in professional negligence claims. They ensure your case is handled effectively, help gather necessary evidence, and maximise your chances of a successful outcome, providing expert guidance throughout the process.
While the primary focus is on financial loss, in some cases, you may claim for emotional distress if it can be directly linked to the surveyor’s negligence. This requires demonstrating the distress’s impact on your wellbeing and its connection to the negligent act.
The cost of making a claim varies depending on the complexity of the case. You may have legal expenses insurance that covers such claims. It’s important to discuss funding options with your solicitor.
If you suspect surveyor negligence, gather all relevant documents and seek legal advice from a professional negligence solicitor as soon as possible. They will assess the viability of your claim and guide you through the necessary steps to pursue compensation. Call us on 0161 696 6178.
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