Professional negligence claims against financial advisors
Professional negligence cases against financial advisors or insurance brokers can take many forms. The most common form is the mis-selling of a particular financial product. This could take the form of a mortgage, secured loan, life insurance policy, payment protection insurance or an equity release scheme.
Our areas of specialism include:
- Mis-sold mortgages
- Mis-sold loans
- Mis-sold life insurance
- Mis-sold payment protection insurance (PPI)
- Mortgage fraud
- Poor investment advice
- Failure to disclose relevant information to insurers
- Failure to ask relevant questions of a consumer
Understanding financial advisor negligence
Financial advisors are entrusted with providing expert guidance on investments, retirement planning, and other financial matters. When they fail to meet the required professional standards, it can result in significant financial losses and distress for their clients. Financial advisor negligence can include poor investment advice, misrepresentation, failure to disclose risks, and conflicts of interest. If you have suffered due to the negligence of a financial advisor, you have the right to seek compensation.
Can you claim against a financial advisor?
Yes, you can claim against a financial advisor if their negligence or misconduct has caused you financial loss. To successfully make a claim, you must demonstrate that the financial advisor breached their duty of care and that this breach directly resulted in your financial loss.
Common examples of financial advisor negligence
- Poor investment advice: Recommending unsuitable investments that do not align with your financial goals or risk tolerance.
- Misrepresentation: Providing false or misleading information about financial products or investment opportunities.
- Failure to disclose risks: Not informing you of the potential risks associated with an investment, leading to unexpected losses.
- Conflicts of interest: Advising you to invest in products that benefit the advisor more than the client.
- Inadequate diversification: Failing to diversify your investment portfolio, increasing the risk of significant losses.
How to prove financial advisor negligence
To establish a claim for financial advisor negligence, you must demonstrate that the advisor owed you a duty of care, breached this duty by not adhering to professional standards, and caused you financial loss as a direct result. Evidence such as investment records, communications with the advisor, and expert testimony can support your claim.
What is the time limit for a financial advisor negligence claim?
The time limit for bringing a financial advisor negligence claim is generally six years from the date of the negligent act. However, if the negligence was not discovered until a later date, you have three years from the date you became aware (or ought to have become aware) of the negligence to file a claim. This is known as the "date of knowledge" rule.
Do financial advisors have a duty of care?
Yes, financial advisors have a duty of care to their clients. This duty requires them to act in their clients' best interests, provide suitable advice, and disclose all relevant information that could affect their clients' financial decisions.
How Stephensons can help
At Stephensons Solicitors LLP, our specialist financial advisor negligence solicitors have extensive experience in handling complex claims. We are committed to securing the best possible outcome for our clients, offering clear and practical advice throughout the process. Our services include:
- Assessing the merits of your case and advising on the best course of action.
- Collecting and organising necessary documents and expert opinions to build a strong case.
- Striving to resolve claims through negotiation or mediation to avoid lengthy court proceedings.
- If necessary, representing you in court to pursue your claim and achieve fair compensation.
Why choose Stephensons for financial advisor negligence claims?
At Stephensons Solicitors LLP, our team of expert financial negligence solicitors can guide you through the claims process. We offer personalised advice, helping you gather evidence, assess your case, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients, often through early settlement negotiations to avoid lengthy court proceedings.
- Recognised by the Legal 500 for our expertise in professional negligence claims.
- Providing personalised legal support tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
- Offering guidance through every stage of your claim, from initial consultation to final resolution.
- Discussing various funding arrangements to ensure access to justice.
Contact us
If you believe you have a claim for financial advisor negligence, contact Stephensons Solicitors LLP today. Our dedicated professional negligence lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal complexities and secure the compensation you deserve. Call us now on 0161 696 6178 or fill out our online enquiry form to schedule a consultation.
