Accountants Negligence

Making an Accountants Negligence Claim

Each accountants negligence case has to be judged on its own facts. The usual professional negligence test will apply, ie the accountant will be liable if he fails to exercise the skill and care of a reasonably competent accountant. In assessing whether the accountant’s duty of care has been breached we often look at accounting standards set by the profession’s governing bodies such as the Accounting Standards Board (ASB). The ASB issues accounting standards which apply to accountants throughout the UK and courts will take these accounting standards into consideration when considering an accountants negligence claim.

Basic principles of professional negligence law also apply when assessing the loss resulting from an accountant’s negligence. As always, causation is an important factor. It is not sufficient to prove that the accountant was negligent, a claimant must also show that loss has resulted directly from the accountant’s negligent act or omission and establish a causative link.

Accountants negligence claims call for specialist legal advice from solicitors who are experienced in dealing with negligent accountant cases. For a free assessment of your claim, contact our professional negligence legal helpline on 0808 139 1595. Alternatively, send us details of your accountants negligence query by email at lee.dawkins@sleeblackwell.co.uk