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ARTICLE · 28 JUNE 2026

How Do I know If I Have A Professional Negligence Claim?

Watson Goepel LLP
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When professionals like accountants, lawyers, or realtors fail to meet their duty of care, it can result in significant harm to their clients. Understanding the four key elements required to prove negligence—duty of care, standard of care, breach, and resulting harm—is essential for determining whether you have grounds for a professional negligence claim.

CanadaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Robert D. Powell
Robert D. Powell
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Not every bad outcome means a professional was negligent—but when a lawyer, accountant, realtor, or other professional fails to meet the standard expected in their field, you may have a legal claim. Professional negligence cases can be complex, often requiring expert evidence to determine whether a professional breached their duty of care and caused financial harm. In this article, we explain what professional negligence is, the elements required to prove a claim, and the warning signs that may indicate it’s time to seek legal advice.

At law, there are many situations where a person owes another person – or group of people – a duty of care. Drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road and drive safely not just because it’s the law, but because failing to do so puts other drivers and pedestrians at risk. Grocery stores are expected to warn customers of wet floors and make sure that heavy items aren’t going to fall off shelves. Restaurants are expected to maintain proper

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