SSB Law Cavity Wall Claim Failure - Professional Negligence

Law firm SSB Law are expected to face over 1000 professional negligence claims from failed cavity wall insulation claimants. After the company filed for administration due to financial challenges, many of their clients were hit with hefty legal bills for their compensation claims brought by SSB Law.

SSB Law administration

Last month, SSB Law, a consumer claims firm, entered administration, revealing a debt of £200 million to six litigation funders.  SSB Group Ltd gave notice of its intention to appoint an administrator back in November.

Despite having almost 43,000 cases, the firm’s overhead cost structure was not sustainable for its current caseload, resulting in the redundancy of nearly 200 staff members in its Sheffield office.

FRP, the joint administrators, stated in their proposals that challenges within the cavity wall insulation (CWI) claims portfolio further strained SSB’s cash flow. This led to difficulties in case progression, settlements, and handling adverse costs orders, some of which could not be recovered through after-the-event insurance.

The situation worsened with adverse Court of Appeal decisions related to Plevin claims, causing a general slowdown in the portfolio’s progress. Additionally, the cessation of referrals and replacement claims from a crucial work referrer, due to substantial arrears, added to the firm’s woes.

Plevin claims, originating from a 2014 Supreme Court case, allow consumers to recover premiums paid for payment protection insurance policies based on undisclosed commissions.

Out of SSB’s active caseload, 37,000 were Plevin claims, while the remainder consisted of PCP (mis-sold car finance), CWI, personal injury, and Japanese knotweed claims.

SSB Law Cavity Wall Claim Failure

Since the administration of SSB Law, many of their clients have been ordered to pay thousands in costs for failed cavity wall insulation claims. This has arisen despite claimants being advised that their claims were being pursued on a no win, no fee basis and that they would not be held liable for any legal fees if their claim was unsuccessful.

Despite having conditional fee agreements and after-the-event (ATE) insurance in effect, there were instances where the insurance had been denied, which is why the claimants have been left to pick up the costs.

A similar situation arose following the administration of Pure Legal, when claims made against insulation firms had been discontinued, struck out, or lost at Court.

Professional Negligence

It is now thought that thousands of professional negligence claims could be pursed against the professional indemnity insurers for SSB Law for their failures to clients in these cases. Claims could potentially be brough for those who had dropped their case, had the case struck out, or for those who had cases lost at court.

Professional negligence refers to the failure of a professional to perform their duties to the expected standard, resulting in harm, loss, or damage to a client or a third party.

Professionals, such as lawyers, doctors, accountants, architects, and others, are expected to adhere to a certain standard of care and skill in their respective fields.

Key aspects of professional negligence include:

• Duty of Care: Professionals owe a duty of care to their clients or those who may be affected by their work. This duty is based on the expectation that the professional will exercise the skill and care normally expected within their profession.
• Standard of Care: Professionals are held to a standard of care that is considered reasonable and customary within their field. Failing to meet this standard may be considered negligence.
• Breach of Duty: A breach of duty occurs when a professional fails to meet the required standard of care. This breach is a deviation from what a competent professional would do in similar circumstances.
• Causation: There must be a direct link between the professional’s breach of duty and the harm or loss suffered by the client. The negligence must be a significant factor in causing the damage.
• Damages: The client or affected party must have suffered actual harm or financial loss as a result of the professional’s negligence. Without measurable damages, a negligence claim may not be valid.

How can Expert Commercial Law assist those impacted by SSB Law Cavity Wall Claim Failures?

Expert Commercial Law can connect those impacted by SSB Law failures to a solicitor who specialises in professional negligence. Our panel of solicitors have many years of experience in dealing with professional negligence disputes against solicitors.

We understand the complexities and emotional toll that come with making a professional negligence claim. Our panel of highly skilled and experienced law firms have a deep understanding of this area of law, and are dedicated to providing tailored and compassionate support to each of our clients.

Our commitment to excellence and our track record of successful outcomes are testament to our ability to deliver results. You can trust that our panel firms will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, without the financial burden of upfront fees. Choose us for dedicated and experienced representation, and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Please note, we are not a firm of solicitors. We act as an introducer and will pass on your case to a solicitor on our panel. Panel firms pay fees which contribute to the running of our website and marketing. We will never charge you for passing on your case.

All of the solicitors on our panel have the experience and expertise required to take on your case. Each solicitor is vetted before being allowed onto our panel and we only select the best in the business. All of our solicitor firms are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).