Medical Negligence Claims

Medical negligence — also known as clinical negligence — occurs when a healthcare professional provides care that falls below an acceptable standard, and you suffer harm as a result. If you or a loved one has been affected, you could be entitled to significant compensation.

What Is Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence happens when a doctor, nurse, surgeon, dentist, or other healthcare professional:

• Makes a diagnostic error — misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Makes a surgical mistake — operating on the wrong area, leaving instruments inside
• Provides inadequate treatment — failing to follow accepted medical practice
• Gives incorrect medication — wrong drug or wrong dosage
• Fails to obtain informed consent — not properly explaining risks
• Provides poor maternity care — leading to injury to mother or baby
• Fails to refer or follow up — missing warning signs of serious conditions

For a claim to succeed, you must show that:

1. The care you received was below the standard expected of a competent professional in that field
2. This substandard care directly caused your injury or worsened condition

Common Types of Medical Negligence

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

Failing to correctly diagnose a condition — such as cancer, fractures, or infections — can lead to delayed treatment and a worse outcome. If a correct diagnosis would have led to better treatment and outcome, you may have a claim.

Surgical Errors

Operating on the wrong body part, damaging internal organs, leaving surgical instruments inside the body, or using inadequate technique can all form the basis of a claim.

Birth Injuries

Injuries to mother or baby during pregnancy, labour, or delivery caused by inadequate care — including cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and maternal injuries.

Medication Errors

Being prescribed the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or drugs that interact dangerously with existing medication.

Dental Negligence

Substandard dental work causing unnecessary pain, tooth loss, nerve damage, or infection.

How Much Could You Claim?

Medical negligence compensation depends on the severity of the harm and its impact on your life:

You can also claim for:

• Ongoing medical costs — Private treatment, rehabilitation, therapy
• Lost earnings — Past and future
• Care needs — Professional or family care
• Aids and adaptations — Home modifications, specialist equipment
• Pain and suffering — Physical and psychological

How to Make a Medical Negligence Claim

1. Get your medical records — These form the evidence base for your claim
2. Seek appropriate treatment — For the harm you’ve suffered
3. Complete our free assessment — Check your eligibility in 60 seconds
4. Speak to a specialist — Clinical negligence is a highly specialised area
5. Independent medical assessment — An expert evaluates the harm caused
6. Receive your compensation — On a No Win No Fee basis

Medical negligence claims are more complex than other personal injury claims and typically take longer to resolve — often 18 to 36 months. However, most cases settle without going to court.

Time Limits for Medical Negligence Claims

You have 3 years from the date of the negligence or from the date you became aware that negligence caused your injury. For children, the 3-year limit starts at their 18th birthday. For those lacking mental capacity, there may be no time limit.

Think you may have a medical negligence claim? Check if you can claim → — our free assessment takes just 60 seconds.