Professional Negligence

Professional negligence arises where a professional’s advice, skill, or conduct falls below the standard reasonably expected in their field and results in loss or disadvantage.

We help:

  • Clarify whether a professional’s conduct may have fallen below the applicable standard of care
  • You nderstand how professional negligence issues are typically assessed and addressed
  • Identify options for addressing loss or disadvantage arising from negligent advice or conduct
Book Consult
4.9
85 Google Reviews
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

First class advice, service, and communication. I have had the pleasure of working with Velocity Legal for many years across a range of challenging matters and they never fail to impress.

Grant F

Their meticulous attention to detail, unwavering professionalism and strategic approach have delivered an outstanding result. Their level of service is nothing short of impressive.

Jack C

From the initial consultation to the final resolution, they provided exceptional
service and achieved an outstanding result for our case.

Wan Li

We are an accounting firm that works closely with Velocity Legal on all our client's legal matters… Every client who works with their team is delighted and impressed by the clear advice, efficient communication, and seamless process.

Selina L

I highly recommend the team at Velocity Legal. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, have an eye for detail and their work ethic is second to none.

Mark P

They provided so much support and guidance through the process and I felt like they genuinely cared about getting the right outcome for me. They obviously know their stuff but were able to explain things in a simple and clear way.

Natalie F

Approachable, honest, professional and transparent. An absolute pleasure to work with.

Bob W

4.9
85 Google Reviews
Book Consult

We Understand What You Are Going Through

Entrusting a professional with advice or services carries an expectation of care and competence. When outcomes fall short, it can raise questions about what went wrong and whether the situation could have been avoided.

You may be dealing with the effects of advice or work that did not meet expectations and be unsure whether this reflects professional negligence or an unfortunate outcome. These situations often require careful consideration of the standard of care that was applied and how the services were delivered.

We understand the impact these issues can have, particularly where financial or commercial consequences are involved. We help you understand how professional negligence is assessed and what options may be available to address the situation.

Our Services Include

  • Assessing whether a professional owed and breached a duty of care
  • Reviewing advice or services provided by professionals across different fields
  • Identifying loss or disadvantage linked to professional advice or conduct
  • Advising on potential claims arising from professional negligence
  • Supporting negotiations or settlement discussions with professionals or insurers
  • Representing clients in professional negligence proceedings where required

Our Difference

Accountability & Expertise

Every matter we handle comes with full accountability. You’ll deal directly with an expert – every time, no exceptions.

In Your Shoes

Understanding your unique circumstances and goals - so our advice is practical, personal, and never given in a vacuum.

Transparency & Communication

We speak your language. That means plain, clear advice - what’s happening, why it matters, and what comes next.

50+
Australian Based Team
4,000+
Matters Expertly Handled
10+
Awards & Industry Recognition

Our Process

  1. Book Meeting
    Fill in the contact form below or call our office to book an initial consult. You can choose between in-person or video conference.
  2. Get Advice

    You’ll discuss your situation in depth with a senior lawyer. This includes exploring your requirements, goals, and desired outcomes. You’ll walk away from this meeting with a clear understanding of the next steps.
  3. Achieve Outcomes

    Our legal team will work tirelessly to achieve your desired objectives. We work hard, communicate regularly, and pride ourselves on delivering results.
Book a Consult

Take the First Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

  • Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
  • Rapid response
  • Award winning team
Andrew Henshaw
Managing Director
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

Our Directors

Managing Director

Andrew Henshaw

Director

Greg Thomas

Director

Jess Hill

Director

Rajan Verma

Director

Seamus Ryan

Professional Negligence Lawyers in Melbourne

Negligence occurs when a person or entity owes a duty of care, breaches that duty, and causes reasonably foreseeable loss or damage as a result. Professional negligence is a specific category involving a breach of duty by a professional, such as a solicitor, accountant, financial adviser, engineer, or medical practitioner.

The consequences can be significant. Professional negligence may result in financial loss, missed opportunities, failed agreements, or an inability to pursue legal action or investment plans because of substandard professional guidance. If you believe you have suffered loss as a result of a professional's failure to meet the required standard of care, you should seek legal advice promptly. Strict limitation periods apply to negligence claims, and delays can affect your ability to recover.

What Professional Negligence Claims Involve

To establish a professional negligence claim, you generally need to show that the professional owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that the breach caused you actual loss or damage.

Common examples include a solicitor who misses a critical deadline, an accountant who provides incorrect tax advice, a financial adviser whose recommendations fall below the required standard, or a medical practitioner who fails to warn a patient of a material risk associated with a procedure. Each situation is fact-specific, and the strength of a claim will depend on the particular circumstances and the evidence available.

How a Professional Negligence Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a professional negligence claim is not straightforward. The legal and evidentiary requirements can be complex, and the professionals and firms involved will often have their own legal representation from an early stage.

An experienced negligence lawyer can help you understand your legal position and assess whether you have a viable claim. This includes reviewing the relevant professional standards, identifying the extent of your loss, gathering supporting evidence such as expert opinions and contemporaneous records, and advising you on the realistic prospects and risks involved.

From there, your lawyer for negligence will manage the legal process on your behalf. This may involve formal correspondence with the other party, negotiation, and if necessary, litigation. Throughout the matter, you should have a clear understanding of where things stand, what the options are, and what each pathway involves in terms of cost and likely outcome.

Why Choose Velocity Legal

At Velocity Legal, our disputes team has experience acting in professional negligence matters across a range of industries and professions. We provide clear, practical advice from the outset, with senior lawyer involvement throughout your matter.

We are transparent about costs. Following an initial consultation, we will give you a clear picture of the likely scope of work and associated fees, so you can make informed decisions about how to proceed.

If you believe you have suffered loss as a result of professional negligence, contact Velocity Legal to discuss your circumstances and find out how we can help. Read Less

Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell whether an issue is professional negligence or simply a poor outcome?
+
Not every unfavourable result amounts to professional negligence. The distinction usually turns on whether the professional acted with reasonable care and skill, rather than whether the outcome was disappointing.
What types of professionals can professional negligence claims involve?
+
Professional negligence concerns can arise across a wide range of professions. The relevant standard depends on the profession involved and the nature of the services provided.
Do professional negligence matters always proceed to court?
+
Not necessarily. Many professional negligence matters resolve through negotiation or settlement before court proceedings are required. Court processes are generally considered where resolution cannot be reached through other means.

Take the First
Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

  • Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
  • Rapid response
  • Award winning team
Book Consult
4.9
85 Google Reviews
Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)