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Professional negligence claims soar in England and Wales

The number of professional negligence cases in England and Wales soared 137% last year, putting increased pressure on PI insurers.

UK law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain says 147 professional negligence cases were tried last year, compared with 62 in 2007 and 42 in 2006.

Professional negligence claims are launched against professional advisers accused of offering bad advice, causing subsequent loss or damages for clients.

The law firm says the economic downturn is a major contributor for the surge in cases, due to falling stock and property markets.