Medical Negligence Solicitors in Sale

With more than a century of serving the Sale community and a wider legal heritage of over 250 years across the North West, we have all the experience and in-depth legal expertise we need to guide you through the claims process. We’ll take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your legal position clearly, and support you at every stage of your claim.

What is medical negligence?

Medical negligence, sometimes called clinical negligence, occurs when a healthcare professional makes an avoidable mistake or fails in their duty of care, and this causes harm or aggravates an existing condition. Crucially, it’s not the same as a treatment being unsuccessful, or complications that may arise from proper care – negligence is specifically defined as when the standard of treatment falls below what is reasonably expected, and the patient suffers as a result.

Examples include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a serious illness
• Surgical mistakes, such as operating on the wrong area or errors during a procedure
• Birth injuries caused by failures to act appropriately during labour
• Prescription errors, including incorrect medication or dosage
• Anaesthetic mistakes, such as overdosing or failing to monitor a patient
• Failures in aftercare or monitoring that allow existing conditions to get worse
• Misinterpretation of scans or X-rays that lead to incorrect treatment
• Failure to obtain informed consent before treatment

Errors like this can have lasting consequences – physical, emotional, and financial. That’s why our medical negligence solicitors in Sale tirelessly work to help you pursue compensation that reflects your current needs and supports your future.

How do you make a medical negligence claim?

The first step is to speak to one of our solicitors for medical negligence in Sale. We’ll listen to your account of what happened and advise on whether you may have a claim. If you decide to proceed, we’ll request your medical records, gather independent medical evidence, and submit a letter of claim to the healthcare provider involved. In some cases, we may also recommend making a formal complaint to the NHS trust or private provider first, as their response can sometimes help clarify what went wrong.

Every claim is different, and our advice is always tailored to your circumstances. We guide you through each stage in plain English, ensuring you understand the process and what to expect.

How long do medical negligence claims take?

Anywhere from a few months to several years. Timeframes depend on the complexity of the case and whether responsibility is accepted. Some straightforward claims may be resolved in months, while more complex or disputed cases can take years. Whatever the situation, we’ll work diligently to progress your case and keep you updated throughout.

What are the time limits for making a medical negligence claim?

There are strict time limits for bringing a medical negligence claim. In most cases, you need to start your claim within three years of the “date of knowledge” – the point when you first knew, or could reasonably have known, that negligent treatment caused your injury. This isn’t always the date of the treatment itself, as the effects of poor care may only become clear months or even years later. The date of knowledge varies depending on the nature of the treatment and how the harm became apparent.

The main rules are:

• Adults: three years from the date of knowledge to start a claim
• Children: a claim can be made any time before their 18th birthday, after which the three-year limit applies until their 21st birthday
• People without mental capacity: no time limit while that incapacity continues
• Fatal cases: three years from the date of death for families to make a claim

The courts tend to strictly enforce these deadlines, and it’s only in exceptional circumstances that a claim may be allowed out of time. Since investigating a case can take many months, it’s always best to speak to us as early as possible so we can secure records and evidence while they are still available.

Why choose our team at Slater Heelis?

At Slater Heelis, we’ve been trusted by clients in Sale and across the North West for generations. Our solicitors handle claims involving both NHS and private healthcare providers, and we can assist with the NHS complaints process as well as the private system overseen by the Independent Sector Complaints Adjudication Service (ISCAS). Where inquests are required, we provide representation to ensure your voice is heard and your concerns are addressed.

Our team is recognised in respected legal directories such as The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, reflecting our expertise and dedication. With our no-win no-fee service, we focus on clear communication, avoiding unnecessary jargon, and keeping you informed at every stage.

Where to find our Sale office

You can visit our solicitors at:

1st Floor
Crossgate House
47–55 Cross Street
Sale
M33 7FT

Our office is located in the centre of Sale, just a short walk from the Metrolink station and close to local bus routes. There are parking options nearby, and the building has ground-floor meeting rooms for accessibility. We regularly support clients from Sale, Altrincham, Stretford, Urmston, Trafford, and across South Manchester.

Contact our medical negligence solicitors in Sale today

If you’ve suffered harm because of negligent medical care, our solicitors in Sale are ready to help you. We’ll take the time to understand your case, explain your options, and guide you towards the outcome you deserve.

To get started, you can contact us by:

• Calling us on 03330 111 3131
• Filling in our online contact form

Whatever the specifics of your case, you can always rely on our medical negligence solicitors in Sale to provide the clear, practical advice and representation you need to move forward.