Professional Negligence Time Limits

England & WalesLast reviewed 18 September 2026

In England and Wales a negligence claim against a professional must generally be brought within six years of the date the cause of action accrued, or if later, within three years of when you knew, or should have known, the material facts. A longstop of 15 years from the negligent act or omission also applies to latent damage claims.

The Basic Rules

Direct Answer: Section 14A of the Limitation Act 1980 sets a six-year period from accrual or, if later, three years from the starting date, being when the claimant knew the material facts about the damage and other relevant facts.

The starting date includes what a reasonable person would have discovered, including from expert advice reasonably obtained. This means a claimant cannot ignore obvious signs of a problem and then rely on late discovery.

The 15-Year Longstop

Section 14B provides an overall longstop of 15 years from the date of the negligent act or omission for latent damage claims, after which the claim is barred even if you have only just discovered the problem. The details differ depending on the type of claim and the professional involved, so take advice.

When Time Starts

The date the claim accrued is usually when you first suffered actual damage, which may be later than the date of the negligent advice, for example when you exchanged contracts or when a loss crystallised. Fixing this date is often the hardest part, so ask a solicitor to check it before you assume you are in time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to sue a professional for negligence?

Generally six years from when the cause of action accrued, or three years from the date of knowledge if that is later, subject to a 15-year longstop.

What is the date of knowledge?

When you first knew the material facts about the damage and other relevant facts, including what you reasonably should have found out.

What is the 15-year longstop?

An overall limit of 15 years from the negligent act or omission for latent damage claims, regardless of when you discover the problem.

Does time start when the advice was given?

Not necessarily. It usually runs from when you first suffered actual damage, which can be later.

What if I only found out recently?

The three-year knowledge rule may help, but it is limited by the longstop and by what you should reasonably have known earlier.

Can I bring a professional negligence claim on a no win no fee basis?

Often, if a solicitor thinks the claim has reasonable prospects and is worth the cost of pursuing. Under a Conditional Fee Agreement you pay no solicitor fees if the claim fails, but a success fee is deducted from your damages if it succeeds and other costs may apply, so ask for the terms in writing and how disbursements are covered.

Sources for this page

Every rule stated above is based on the primary sources below. Each link goes to the legislation, court rule or regulator itself so you can check it. Last verified 18 September 2026.

Limitation Act 1980 s.14A — Latent damage in negligence
For negligence claims the time limit is six years from accrual or, if later, three years from the date the claimant knew the material facts and other relevant facts; s.14B adds a 15-year longstop.
Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, s.58 (conditional fee agreements)
The provision that makes CFAs lawful and enforceable. CFAs derive from this section, not from LASPO.
Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013, arts. 4–5 · in force from 1 April 2013
Art. 4 caps the success fee at 100% of base costs. Art. 5 caps what may be taken from damages in personal injury at 25% of PSLA plus past pecuniary loss, net of CRU, at first instance.
Civil Procedure Rules, Part 44 (incl. rr.44.13–44.17, QOCS)
Qualified one-way costs shifting and its exceptions. Rule 44.14 was amended with effect from 6 April 2023.

Who wrote and checked this page

Written and published by: Edward & Amaury Solicitors (Edward & Amaury Ltd, company no. 12195443), regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 800525.
Legal review: This page has not yet been through independent legal review. It is written from the primary sources listed below, which you can check directly.
Review dates: Last reviewed 18 September 2026. Next review due 18 March 2027.

Fee rules change. California’s medical malpractice fee limits changed on 1 January 2023, and the QOCS rules in England and Wales changed on 6 April 2023. If you spot something out of date, tell us — we publish corrections.