GP Negligence Claims

You can sue your GP for negligence if their care fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent doctor and that failure caused you harm. To have a valid claim, you need to show both that negligence occurred and that it directly resulted in injury, a worsened condition, or financial loss.

GP negligence covers any situation where a doctor’s care falls below an acceptable clinical standard. Common examples include a missed or delayed diagnosis, failure to refer a patient to a specialist, failure to act on test results, prescribing errors, and inadequate follow-up care. If the failure caused harm that would not otherwise have occurred, there may be grounds for a claim.

Anyone who has suffered harm as a direct result of substandard GP care may be eligible to make a GP negligence claim. This includes patients making a claim on their own behalf, parents or guardians claiming on behalf of a child, and family members bringing a claim following the death of a loved one. Those who lack mental capacity can also have a claim brought on their behalf by an appointed representative.

The amount of GP negligence compensation depends on the severity of the harm caused and its impact on your life. Awards typically account for pain and suffering, any ongoing medical treatment required, and financial losses such as lost earnings. A solicitor can give you a realistic estimate once they have reviewed your medical records and the details of your case.

A GP negligence claim typically takes between one and three years to resolve, depending on its complexity. Straightforward cases that settle early can conclude sooner, while cases requiring detailed medical expert evidence or court proceedings will take longer. We’ll give you an honest timeframe once we’ve assessed your case.

You generally have three years from the date of the negligent treatment or from the date you became aware that negligence may have caused your injury  to bring a GP negligence claim. Exceptions apply for children and those who lack mental capacity. If you’re unsure whether you’re still within the time limit, seek legal advice as soon as possible.

A complaint to your GP practice or to the NHS is an informal process that may result in an apology or changes to practice, but it does not result in compensation. A GP negligence claim is a legal process through which you can seek financial compensation for the harm caused. You can pursue both, and making a complaint does not prevent you from also making a claim.

If you suspect GP negligence, gather any records you have, including appointment notes, test results, prescriptions, and seek legal advice from a GP negligence solicitor as soon as possible. Do not wait to see whether your condition improves, as the three-year time limit begins from the date of the negligent act or the date you first connected your harm to it.

Most GP negligence claims settle out of court. The majority of cases are resolved through negotiation between your solicitor and the GP’s insurer or NHS Resolution, without the need for a trial. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will issue court proceedings and represent you fully, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

Slater Heelis handles GP negligence claims on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, a percentage of your GP negligence compensation will cover legal fees, which will be agreed and explained clearly before you proceed. There are no hidden costs and no financial risk to you.