Professional Negligence

What is Professional Negligence in Tort Law?

Quick Definition

Professional negligence occurs when a professional fails to perform their duties to the required standard of care, resulting in harm or loss to their client. This breach of duty can lead to a claim for damages if the client suffers as a result.

In Context

Professional negligence is common in fields like law, medicine, and accounting, where clients rely on the expertise of professionals. A classic example is the case of Bolam v Friern Hospital Management Committee (1957), which established the "Bolam test" for determining the standard of care expected from professionals. In exams, you might be asked to apply this test to assess whether a professional has breached their duty and what remedies might be available to the injured party.

See Also

• Duty of Care

• Breach of Duty

• Negligence

Learn More

For a comprehensive understanding of professional negligence, explore our Tort Law Notes for detailed case law and practical examples.