Our goal is to help people in the best way possible. this is a basic principle in every case and cause for success. contact us today for a free consultation.
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MAITLAND | NEW SOUTH WALES
When a professional you relied on gets it wrong, the consequences can be lasting. A solicitor in East Maitland who mishandled your property settlement. A GP or specialist who failed to investigate symptoms that turned out to be serious. An accountant in Rutherford whose advice triggered an ATO audit you’re still dealing with. Whatever the situation, if a qualified professional caused you measurable harm, you may have a legal claim — and time to act may be limited.
Fair Go Australia works with clients across Maitland and the broader Hunter Valley to assess and pursue professional negligence claims. We operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, and you don’t need to come to us — we handle the work remotely, at no reduction in quality or communication.
PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE
Professional negligence occurs when a qualified professional — whether a solicitor, medical practitioner, financial advisor, accountant, or engineer — fails to meet the standard of care that their profession requires, and that failure causes you a measurable loss. This isn’t about minor oversights or outcomes that simply disappointed you. The law requires a demonstrable breach of professional duty, a direct link between that breach and your loss, and a loss that can be quantified.
In Maitland and across the Hunter Valley, professional services are part of everyday life. Conveyancers handle property transactions in one of NSW’s most active regional markets. GPs, specialists, and hospital services serve a growing population across the LGA. Financial advisors and accountants assist individuals and businesses in sectors ranging from agriculture and resources to retail and construction. When those services fall short of what the law requires, the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) provides a framework for holding professionals accountable.
If you are unsure whether what happened to you qualifies as negligence, that is precisely what a free case evaluation is for. You do not need to have already formed a legal opinion — you simply need to tell us what occurred.
CLAIM TYPES
We handle professional negligence claims across all professional categories. Below are the most common claim types we assist with for clients in Maitland and the Hunter Valley.
YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
In NSW, professional negligence claims are primarily governed by the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW). This legislation sets out how negligence is assessed, what standard of care applies, how damages are calculated, and what limits exist on the amount you can recover.
To succeed in a claim, you generally need to establish four things: that the professional owed you a duty of care; that they breached that duty by falling below the standard expected of a reasonably competent professional in their field; that the breach caused your loss; and that the loss is measurable and legally compensable.
The High Court’s decision in Rogers v Whitaker (1992) remains the foundational authority on professional duty of care in Australia. It established that professionals must exercise reasonable care and skill — and that a failure to do so gives rise to liability, even when the professional believed at the time that they were acting appropriately.
For claims heard in the NSW courts — including the Supreme Court of NSW, which handles significant professional negligence matters — Fair Go Australia’s specialist team can assess your position and provide a clear view of your prospects.
TIME LIMITS
Professional negligence claims in NSW are subject to limitation periods under the Limitation Act 1969 (NSW). The general rule is that you have three years from the date you discovered — or should reasonably have discovered — the negligence to commence proceedings.
That discovery date is not always obvious. You may have known something went wrong well before you understood it was the result of professional negligence. In some cases, the harm takes time to become apparent. Specialist legal advice can clarify precisely when your limitation period began — and how much time remains.
What is certain: if you miss the deadline, your right to claim is permanently extinguished in most circumstances. There is no benefit in waiting once you suspect negligence has occurred.
In NSW, professional negligence claims must generally be commenced within 3 years of the date you became aware — or should reasonably have become aware — of the negligence, under the Limitation Act 1969 (NSW). Missing this deadline can permanently extinguish your right to claim. If you are unsure whether your limitation period is still open, contact our team for a free assessment as soon as possible.
HOW WE HELP
We handle the vast majority of our work remotely. Clients in Maitland receive the same level of service as those in Sydney or any capital city. Communication is straightforward — phone, email, and secure document exchange — and there is no need to attend an office.
A free case evaluation gives you a clear, confidential picture of your situation: whether a claim is viable, what evidence you will need, and what a realistic process looks like. There is no cost and no commitment attached.
If your claim does not succeed, you pay nothing. We take on the financial risk so you can pursue a legitimate claim without concern about upfront legal costs.
We work exclusively on professional negligence claims. This is not a general practice covering everything from traffic matters to family law. It means the team assessing your claim has deep, specific experience in exactly this area of law.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
If a professional in Maitland or the Hunter Valley has caused you loss, a free case evaluation is the practical first step. There is no cost, no obligation, and we respond within one business day. The earlier you seek advice, the more options you are likely to have.
We respond to all enquiries within 1 business day.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have a question not answered here? Contact our team for a free, confidential assessment.
Our goal is to help people in the best way possible. this is a basic principle in every case and cause for success. contact us today for a free consultation.
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