Which professionals may be liable for economic loss due to negligent performance?

In the context of Georgia tort law, professionals like accountants and attorneys can be held liable for economic losses resulting from negligent performance because they owe a duty to their clients to perform their services with the appropriate level of skill and care specific to their professional standards. When they fail to meet these standards, they may be deemed negligent, and clients who suffer economic losses as a result can seek damages.

Professionals in these fields often enter into contractual relationships or fiduciary duties with their clients, which allows for a higher expectation of care compared to other professions. If an accountant incorrectly prepares financial statements that lead to a client suffering financial loss, or if an attorney fails to properly advise a client in a legal matter resulting in monetary harm, these professionals can be held liable for that economic loss.

On the other hand, while business owners generally owe a duty to their customers, liability for economic loss typically requires a specific professional relationship or a breach of duty that is tied to the inherent professional responsibilities in fields like accounting and law. Real estate agents, while they do have some level of responsibility, are generally not held to the same standard as accountants and attorneys regarding economic loss. Similarly, construction workers may face liability concerning physical injuries or property damage but typically do not extend to purely economic