GP negligence

Funding 

No win, no fee

The majority of our GP negligence claims are taken on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means there is no financial risk to you. However, there may be several other options available to you for funding your claim; these include your current insurance policies, which may cover legal costs and private funding. We will discuss these with you as part of your consultation. 

We have produced a guide to give you a broad understanding of the claims process - please read our guide for further details.

Time limits

As with any medical negligence case, there are strict time limits on bringing a claim against a GP. The time limit is three years from the date of knowledge, which is when you became aware of the issue. In most cases, this is the date the injury happened or the date you received the correct diagnosis. 

Average payouts for GP negligence

One of the first questions our clients ask us is about the average payout for GP negligence cases. The average payout across all types of NHS negligence is £50,000. However, that figure doesn't help in calculating your compensation because NHS negligence covers such a vast range of payouts, from million pounds payouts for severe life-changing injuries to more minor claims for less severe issues. 

Compensation is designed to help you get back on your feet. It is broken down into two areas:

• Special damages - compensate you for your pain and suffering. 
• General damages compensate you for your expenses; this could be for further medical care, rehabilitation, transport costs, loss of current and future earnings, and any modifications needed to your home or vehicles. 

We have a compensation calculator, which will show you the compensation payout bands for common injuries. Please get in touch with us for a more accurate valuation of your claim. 

Case studies

Deep vein thrombosis late diagnosis

Our client, Maria D, went to her GP on six occasions with ongoing symptoms of a swollen leg, tenderness in the calf and breathing difficulties. She was eventually referred with a possible DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Finally, a blood test was taken, and it was only on receiving the results of these that the patient was referred to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with DVT and pulmonary embolism.

Cardiac arrest

Our client, Molly U, contacted us on behalf of her late husband. He visited his GP and complaining of chest pains. His GP requested an EGC the same day. His GP failed to read the abnormal ECG and did not refer him to the hospital. Our client's husband suffered a cardiac arrest and died. 

Late diagnosis of cancer

Our client, Amanda W, went to her GP practice on four separate occasions; her symptoms included persistent mouth ulcers and a sore throat. After her fourth visit, she was eventually referred to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with mouth cancer. She required an operation to remove part of her tongue. 

Cardiogenic shock and acute myocardial 

We represented the family of Brendan W, who was diagnosed with polycythaemia vera (a type of blood cancer) and referred to a haematologist. The haematologist recommended a JAK 2 test and abdominal ultrasound. The haematologist also stated they'd be happy to see Brendan for regular venesection. Despite returning to his GP with further symptoms, the GP took no further action while the tests were carried out, and Brendan was not referred back to the haematologist. He subsequently died from cardiogenic shock and acute myocardial infarction.

Failure to refer

Our client, Peter L, went to his GP with sudden onset of severe headache and pain behind the eyes. His GP failed to refer him. He subsequently collapsed and was diagnosed with a ruptured aneurysm resulting in a subarachnoid haemorrhage.

How to complain about your GP or GP practice

All GP practices have an official complaints procedure that is required under the NHS constitution. The first stage is an informal process, which encourages you to speak directly to the doctor looking after your care. This is often the quickest way to have your concerns addressed. However, if you can't or do not feel comfortable with this, you can also access a feedback form, usually available on your GPs website. 

It is worth noting that making a complaint, is not the same as starting the legal process for compensation. 

GP negligence claims

Your GP has a duty of care to you. There are guidelines in place from The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), which are there to assist GPs when making decisions on treatment and referrals to enable them to offer you the highest standard of care. If a GP fails to follow the NICE guidelines, which results in negligence treatment or a late or misdiagnosis, you as the patient may suffer. 

Common GP negligence claims include: 

• Failure to refer patients for cancer investigations.
• Failure to examine a patient adequately.
• Prescribing the wrong medication or wrong doses of medication.
• Failing to diagnose unstable angina which can lead to cardiac arrest and death.
• Not evaluating previous medical history. 
• Not acting on the results of medical tests and evaluations.

Immediate legal advice

We can offer legal advice on GP negligence anywhere in the UK. We have centrally located offices in the heart of Warwickshire. We also provide home visits, hospital visits or online remote appointments, whichever is most convenient for you. 

We understand that any medical problem can be a difficult time for you and your family; we deal with your claim with sensitivity, compassion and care.

When a medical diagnosis goes wrong or you do not receive timely, appropriate treatment, the impact on your life can be dramatic and devastating. Whether via the NHS, GP surgery or private hospital, if the mistake was due to a lack of judgement or incompetence by a doctor or GP, you will need the expertise of a medical negligence solicitor to see if you have a claim. 

GP negligence claims can be complex, but our team of GP negligence solicitors have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process.