Wang v Zheng

The plaintiff in this case, Wang, sought to recover damages from the defendant, Zheng, for professional negligence in contract and tort. Wang alleged that Zheng, as her solicitor, failed to properly advise her in relation to a contract for the purchase of an apartment. Wang claimed that Zheng's negligence resulted in her purchasing the apartment for an amount that exceeded the value of the property. Zheng admitted to a breach of duty but denied any actual loss, arguing that the value of the property was greater than the purchase price. Zheng further argued that Wang could not prove that she would not have purchased the property if she had received proper advice.

The court was required to determine whether Wang had suffered any actual loss as a result of Zheng's negligence and whether such loss was causally linked to the breach. The court considered the evidence provided by both parties, including expert opinions on the value of the property and the impact of Zheng's advice on Wang's decision to purchase the apartment. The court also examined the principles of causation and loss in professional negligence cases, including the need for the plaintiff to prove that the defendant's negligence caused the loss.

The court found that Wang had not proven that she would not have purchased the property if she had received proper advice from Zheng. The court held that Wang had not suffered any actual loss as the value of the property exceeded the purchase price. The court further found that even if there had been a breach of duty, Wang had not established a causal link between the breach and any loss suffered. The court therefore dismissed Wang's claim and ordered that judgment be entered in favour of Zheng. The court also ordered Wang to pay Zheng's costs, on the ordinary basis, and granted liberty to apply for some other costs order within 14 days.