Expert Witness

As a result of long experience in the area of residential property valuation, Nigel Carter & Co. provide services in the capacity of Expert Witness, particularly in the context of alleged professional negligence in residential property valuation.

We act on behalf of both Claimants and Respondents and normally receive instructions from Solicitors acting for Professional Indemnity Insurers, or Lending institutions.

in most circumstances, instructing Solicitors require a Preliminary report with which they can discuss the validity of any negligence claim with their clients. The preliminary Report examines the substance and circumstances of any possible claim and requires the Expert to gather evidence on which to base an initial opinion.

If the matter proceeds, Solicitors will formally appoint the Expert to prepare a Full Report. The Full Report must comply with the Civil Procedure Rules in form and content and follow guidelines set out in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors' publication, "Surveyors Acting as Expert Witnesses".

Upon formal appointment, the Expert's role changes insofar as the Expert's duty is then to assist the court in coming to its decision, rather than acting as an Advocate for the party who has appointed him. Impartiality, even-handedness and adherence to the highest professional and ethical standards are central to the role of an effective Expert Witness.

Nigel Carter & Co. have accepted appointments as Expert Witness for many years and are regularly instructed by major Law firms specializing in this area of professional negligence and have experience in appearing before the court and Tribunals.