In professional negligence claims, what is required to support the Statement of Claim?

In professional negligence claims, the requirement for supporting the Statement of Claim is centered on the need for an expert report that includes an opinion about both the breach of care and the nature of damages. This is crucial because professional negligence involves evaluating whether a professional has failed to meet the requisite standard of care expected in their profession, which often necessitates specialized knowledge beyond the understanding of a layperson. An expert provides insights on how the professional’s conduct deviated from the standard that is expected in the industry.

Moreover, the inclusion of an opinion regarding damages is significant as it substantiates the claim by detailing the specific losses or injuries that resulted from the alleged negligence. Together, these components establish a foundation for the claim and assist the court in understanding the complexities of the professional standard involved and the consequences of the breach.

While other responses may mention various forms of evidence such as witness statements or reports from multiple experts, they do not fully capture the essential elements required for a professional negligence claim to be supported effectively. A singular expert opinion that addresses both the breach of care and the resultant damages remains the cornerstone for building a persuasive argument in these cases.