Legal duty: Extraordinary diligence

As a society, we rely on professionals to provide us with services that are essential to our daily lives. From doctors to lawyers, engineers to architects, we trust these experts to perform their duties with the utmost care and diligence. However, when it comes to certain professions, the legal duty of extraordinary diligence is required.

Extraordinary diligence is a legal term that refers to the highest level of care and attention that a professional must provide to their clients. This duty is typically reserved for professions that involve a high degree of risk or require specialized knowledge and expertise. Examples of professions that may be subject to extraordinary diligence include doctors, lawyers, accountants, and financial advisors.

The concept of extraordinary diligence is rooted in the principle of negligence. Negligence occurs when a professional fails to exercise the level of care and skill that a reasonable person in their position would provide. When a professional is subject to the duty of extraordinary diligence, they are held to an even higher standard of care than the average person in their profession.

For example, a doctor who is subject to the duty of extraordinary diligence may be required to take additional precautions when treating a patient with a rare or complex medical condition. This may include consulting with other specialists, conducting additional tests, or providing more frequent follow-up care. Similarly, a lawyer who is subject to the duty of extraordinary diligence may be required to conduct extensive research and analysis when preparing a complex legal case.

The consequences of failing to meet the duty of extraordinary diligence can be severe. In addition to potential legal liability, a professional who fails to provide the required level of care may also face disciplinary action from their licensing board or professional association. This can include fines, suspension or revocation of their license, or even criminal charges in extreme cases.

In conclusion, the legal duty of extraordinary diligence is an important concept that applies to certain professions that require a high degree of skill and expertise. Professionals who are subject to this duty must provide the highest level of care and attention to their clients, and failure to do so can have serious consequences. As consumers, it is important to be aware of the duty of extraordinary diligence and to choose professionals who are committed to providing the best possible service.