What are GP negligence claims?

Your GP is often the first place you go for medical help. It's important at this early stage that your symptoms are taken seriously and that you receive the correct medication, the most appropriate treatment and, if necessary, are referred to a specialist.

If your GP provided a poor standard of care and as a result, you’re suffering from a subsequent injury or illness, you may be entitled to claim compensation due to medical negligence.

How do I know if I have a claim for GP negligence?

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has guidelines in place to help GPs provide treatment and make referrals. Failure to follow those guidelines can result in negligent treatment or diagnosis and the patient can suffer as a result. Examples of these include:

Diagnosis errors 

If your condition has been made worse because your GP:

• Failed to make a diagnosis
• Failed to refer you to a specialist to obtain a diagnosis
• Failed to refer you for further tests to obtain a diagnosis
• Failed to read the results correctly which resulted in a misdiagnosis

Treatment errors 

If your condition has been made worse because your GP

• Didn’t conduct a physical exam
• Didn’t take your medical history into account
• Didn’t provide the correct medication
• Neglected you

If you’ve suffered as a result of a diagnosis error or treatment error, you may have the right to GP negligence compensation. Contact our specialists for advice on making a No Win No Fee claim.

How much can I claim for a GP negligence case?

Every case of negligence is different, and the final amount of compensation awarded will be based on the severity of the injury and the affect the injury has had on your life.

Additionally, you'll also be able to claim for any lost earnings, any long term care and rehabilitation to maximise the chance of recovery and independent living.

To establish your full legal position, call us on 0330 041 5869.

How much time do I have to make a GP negligence claim?

If you believe you have a GP negligence claim, it's important that you seek advice from a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence cases as soon as possible, as there are time limits in place in England, Scotland and Wales.

Generally, a GP negligence compensation claim should be made within three years from the date the negligence occurred or the date you were first aware that you'd suffered a significant injury or illness due to negligence. However, there are exceptions.

To read more about the time limits of making a claim, please read our medical negligence FAQs or our medical negligence claims guide.

Why choose Slater and Gordon's GP negligence solicitors?

Not only do we have many years' experience securing compensation for GP negligence, we also have the utmost sensitivity to handle your case with great care.

We offer home and hospital visits and provide immediate representation and rehabilitation support. Contact us for a free consultation to help you understand whether or not you have a claim 0330 041 5869.

Can I change my solicitors to Slater and Gordon?

If you or a family member have been seriously impacted by GP negligence, and you feel that you're not getting the specialist legal advice you need from your current solicitor, we'll be happy to discuss switching your case to Slater and Gordon. Simply call our experts on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.