GP negligence claims solicitors

GP medical negligence claims

GPs are the first port of call for most of us when we’re ill. We trust them to look after us or refer for specialist help. In most cases, they provide an excellent service. However, as with all aspects of medical treatment, things can go wrong.

Claiming against your GP or doctor

If you have experienced GP negligence, you might be facing a difficult situation – such as financing care costs or being unable to return to work. A compensation claim can help with your family’s needs, finances and care, so you can focus on getting better.

We understand that bringing a claim against your GP might feel daunting and stressful, on top of the medical issue you are facing. We know this is a hard time - so we’ll do everything we can to make it easier.

No win, no fee

We work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no need to worry about costs. Plus, our specialist solicitors provide an initial free assessment of your claim.

Make an enquiry today

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Examples of GP medical negligence claims

Usually cases are brought against a GP because they:

did not take a proper history from you
did not properly examine you
did not properly investigate your symptoms
failed to diagnose your condition correctly (misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis)
did not provide the right treatment or prescribed the wrong medication
failed to refer you to a specialist when referral was indicated
failed to take adequate precautions to prevent further infection
did not provide any ‘safety-net’ advice, for example, that you should return if things did not improve or if your condition worsened.

How a compensation claim can help

GP negligence can have life-changing consequences and you might need specialist care or treatment as a result of what’s happened. A compensation claim can help you move forward, get the right treatment and provide financial security for the future.

GP medical negligence FAQ's

What standard of care can I expect from a GP?

The General Medical Council (GMC) provides a set of standards which a GP must follow, outlining what a patient can expect from their GP. If a GP does not meet these standards, they are at risk of their membership to GMC being revoked. A patient may also be able to claim compensation from their GP if they have suffered as a result of substandard care and treatment.

The key duties that must be demonstrated by a GP are:

Putting the needs of the patient first
· Providing a good level of care
· Treating patients on an individual basis and with dignity
· Acting quickly if they believe the patient’s health is at risk
· Working collaboratively with patients and colleagues
· Acting with integrity and honesty

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has also set out guidelines to assist GPs when treating patients and arranging referrals. If these guidelines are not followed, negligent treatment or misdiagnosis can result.

Can I request a copy of my medical records?

Yes. A patient has a right to request access to their medical records under the Access to Health Records Act 1990, Data Protection Act (DPA 2018) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR 2018).

The patient can request access themselves (if they have capacity) or authorise a third party (such as a solicitor) to make the request on their behalf. It is known as a Subject Access Request (SAR).

The GDPR 2018 provides that such records should be provided within 30 days and that no fee is payable.

Can I request a copy of my deceased relative’s medical records?

Yes. Personal Representatives and anyone who may have a claim in relation to a patient’s death have a right to request access to the deceased’s records. You would need to provide evidence in support of your request, such as a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. Requests should be made to Primary Care Support England (PCSE). It is unlikely that the deceased’s usual GP Surgery will continue to hold their records after their death.