Professional Liability

Protecting Professionals and Clients with Northpoint Legal

Professionals across various industries—including lawyers, doctors, accountants, engineers, and financial advisors—are expected to uphold high standards of care in their work. When professional negligence, misconduct, or errors lead to financial loss, personal harm, or reputational damage, legal action may be necessary. At Northpoint Legal, we provide comprehensive representation for both professionals facing liability claims and clients seeking compensation for professional negligence in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.

If you are involved in a professional liability dispute, our experienced legal team can help you understand your rights and legal options.

Professional Liability in BC

Professional liability refers to the legal responsibility of professionals to perform their duties competently and ethically. A failure to meet industry standards, regulations, or contractual obligations may lead to liability claims. These cases are typically governed by:

• Common law negligence principles
• Regulatory and licensing body standards
• BC Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act
• Professional Conduct Codes (e.g., Law Society of BC, College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC)

For more details on professional regulations, visit the BC Laws Database.

Common Types of Professional Liability Claims

1. Professional Negligence

Negligence occurs when a professional fails to exercise the level of care, skill, or diligence expected in their industry. Examples include:

• Medical errors leading to patient harm
• Legal malpractice resulting in lost cases or financial losses
• Financial mismanagement by investment advisors
• Engineering or architectural design flaws leading to structural failures

To succeed in a negligence claim, the plaintiff must prove:

1. The professional owed a duty of care.
2. They breached that duty by failing to meet industry standards.
3. The breach caused harm or financial loss.

2. Breach of Contract

Many professionals operate under service contracts with their clients. A failure to deliver promised services or uphold contractual obligations may result in a breach of contract claim.

Examples include:

• Lawyers missing critical filing deadlines
• Consultants failing to meet project deliverables
• Accountants misrepresenting financial records

3. Misrepresentation & Fraud

A professional may be held liable for intentional or negligent misrepresentation if they provide misleading or false information that causes harm.

• Real estate agents misrepresenting property conditions
• Investment advisors providing fraudulent financial advice
• Business consultants overstating expertise or service guarantees

4. Regulatory & Disciplinary Actions

Many professions are governed by regulatory bodies, such as:

• Law Society of BC (for lawyers)
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (for doctors)
• Chartered Professional Accountants of BC (for accountants)

If a complaint is filed, professionals may face disciplinary hearings, license suspensions, or legal sanctions. We provide legal defense for professionals facing investigations, misconduct allegations, and administrative penalties.

5. Employer & Workplace Liability for Professionals

Many professionals work under employers or within organizations. Liability disputes may involve:

• Vicarious liability, where an employer is held responsible for an employee’s negligence
• Employment disputes regarding wrongful termination due to professional liability claims
• Whistleblower retaliation cases

For guidance on employment-related liability, visit the BC Employment Standards Branch.

Defending Against Professional Liability Claims

If you are a professional facing a liability claim, it is essential to have strong legal representation to:

• Challenge allegations of negligence or misconduct
• Negotiate settlements to avoid reputational harm
• Defend against disciplinary actions from regulatory bodies
• Mitigate damages and protect professional licenses

Northpoint Legal has extensive experience representing professionals in complex liability disputes.

Remedies for Clients Affected by Professional Negligence

If you have suffered financial or personal harm due to professional negligence, you may be entitled to:

• Monetary damages for financial losses
• Corrective actions (e.g., contract renegotiation, service refunds)
• Professional discipline actions against the negligent party

We help clients pursue fair compensation through litigation, mediation, or regulatory complaints.