If your GP failed to diagnose your condition or made a mistake in treating you, the effects can be devastating. If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of medical negligence, Slater and Gordon’s specialist GP negligence solicitors can help get the compensation you deserve.
Many of our doctor negligence lawyers are leaders in the field with a significant amount of expertise and experience securing the compensation our clients deserve.
Your GP is often the first person you go to for medical help. It's important at this early stage that your symptoms are taken seriously and you receive the correct diagnosis, the right medication, the most appropriate treatment and, if necessary, you are referred to a specialist for further investigations.
If you have been provided with a poor standard of care and suffered from an injury or illness as a result, you may be entitled to make a GP negligence claim.
What is considered medical negligence by a GP?
Negligence occurs when the care you receive falls below the standard reasonably expected of a competent GP, which then results in you suffering avoidable harm. In simple terms, it means something went wrong when it should not have, and this then caused you injury or made your condition worse.
In England and Wales, the applicable medical negligence laws consider whether a responsible body of GPs, in the same circumstances, would have acted in the same way as the defendant GP. If they would not have acted in the same way and thus the Defendant GP’s actions were illogical and indefensible, then a medical negligence claim can be made.
However, it is worth noting that it is not enough that an outcome was poor or you are unhappy with the result. Medical intervention always carries risk and some conditions progress despite good care. A GP negligence compensation claim focuses on avoidable harm. Therefore, it is only where reasonable care would have led to a quicker diagnosis, a less invasive treatment, a better recovery, or less complications, that a claim can be established.
In summary the key legal tests we consider when determining if the GP care you received was negligent include:
Breach of Duty: Did the GP fail to meet the standards reasonably expected of them, such as misdiagnosing, delay in diagnosing, or failing to treat conditions correctly?
Causation: Did the GP’s actions cause your injury, pain or suffering, or did it significantly worsen your condition?
How do I know if I have a claim for GP negligence?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has guidelines in place to help GPs provide the appropriate standard of treatment and to advise them when to make referrals to specialist colleagues. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in the GP failing to properly diagnose and treat your condition, resulting in further injury. Examples of GP negligence in the UK may include:
Failing to perform a physical exam where needed
Failing to take account of your medical history
Failing to refer you to a specialist to obtain a diagnosis
Failing to refer you for further tests that would result in the correct diagnosis
Failing to read test results correctly
Failing to prescribe the correct medication
If you’ve suffered because 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.
What evidence do I need to make a GP negligence claim?
As specialist medical negligence solicitors, we will collect and collate the majority of the evidence needed to bring a claim, so that you can focus on your recovery or caring for your loved one. We will start by obtaining your medical records from your GP practice and anywhere else you have been treated.
Your GP negligence solicitor will work with you to review them and the timeline of your treatment. A witness statement may then be taken. Once complete, your records and witness statement will be sent to one or more independent medical experts to assess both the quality of care you received and the impact this has had on your health.
In the meantime, you are encouraged to keep a simple diary of events and symptoms, as this can prove very useful as your case progresses. You should also preserve any medications that may be relevant to your case (with their packaging) and keep receipts and evidence of financial losses, such as lost or reduced wages for time off work, travel costs, care provided by family and friends, or any private treatment needed due to negligent care.
Photographs of the condition taken at the time of the index events can also be helpful, particularly if they clearly show what your GP was examining at the time of your appointment. Photographs can also depict how a condition has deteriorated over time, which can assist the medical experts with their opinions on causation.
Get in touch with our expert GP negligence solicitors today
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help.
Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive.
Mr Q (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim.
Ms S (medical negligence client)
If you believe that you have suffered an avoidable illness or injury, you could be entitled to make a GP negligence compensation claim. To begin the process, contact our specialist GP negligence lawyers today for a confidential, no-obligation discussion. We’ll talk you through the process of making a claim and discuss what has happened to you and to determine whether we think you have a case.
Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today for a no-obligation chat about your case with one of our industry-leading GP negligence lawyers
We’ll assess your claim and allocate a specialist solicitor to your claim, providing you with detailed advice on your funding options, including the availability of No Win No Fee funding (also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement).
As part of your claim, we will then need to access your medical records so they can be reviewed. We’ll then work in tandem with medical experts and witnesses to ascertain the standard of care you received and whether this potentially caused avoidable injury or illness.
If failings in care and subsequent injury are identified, our lawyers will notify the defendant of the claim and seek an admission of liability.
Your lawyer and the medical experts will then value your claim and determine what your needs are, both now and in the future, to ensure you have access to the best quality treatment, rehabilitation and support to maximise the chances of a full recovery.
We’ll then work hard to secure the best possible compensation in negotiations. Rarely, a claim may go to court, in which case your GP negligence solicitor will represent you throughout court proceedings.
Why should I make a GP negligence claim?
The impact of GP negligence can be wide-reaching and have long-term consequences for you and your family. We understand that making a claim against your GP can seem quite daunting, but it’s important to remember that if you’ve suffered because of negligent treatment, it’s only right that you gain access to the financial support you need to recover. This support may be used to ease any financial hardship caused by your injury or illness, or it may provide the funds needed for further treatment, rehabilitation, or adaptations to your home.
What’s more, raising issues regarding negligent treatment (whether in the NHS or within private medical settings) can help to bring malpractice issues to light and ensure that no one else suffers from the same unsafe practices that you did.
Taking the first step can be difficult, which is why our team of friendly and approachable medical negligence solicitors is here to support you when you are ready. To discuss your doctor negligence claim, contact our team for a confidential, no-obligation conversation on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Why should I choose Slater and Gordon from my GP negligence claim?
At Slater and Gordon, our expert team of GP negligence solicitors are some of the best in the country, and we have many years' experience securing doctor negligence compensation for our clients, handling each case with the utmost sensitivity and care.
Crucially, our GP negligence solicitors know the importance of supporting you and your family through this most difficult time. We understand your needs and the challenges you face and are dedicated to fighting for your rights.
We have a national medical negligence team, all of whom only practice in this area of the law
Our team includes highly experienced in-house midwives and litigation nurses who work collaboratively with solicitors. This results in an excellent team that can be relied upon to investigate a medical negligence claim correctly and effectively
We are ranked in the independent legal directory Chambers and Partners and in the Legal 500, showcasing our dedication to providing outstanding medical negligence services
We are Lexcel accredited, which was introduced by The Law Society as a quality mark for client cases, practice management and legal compliance
Over the years, our dedication to protecting the rights of the individual have resulted in thousands of 5-star reviews and an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot.
Get in touch with our expert GP negligence solicitors today
Frequently asked questions about GP negligence claims
What is breach of duty of care?
Breach of duty of care is the legal way of describing care that fell below a reasonable standard. For GP negligence claims, the question is whether a reasonably competent general practitioner would have acted differently in the same situation.
Examples might include:
Failing to ask key questions about symptoms that would have pointed to a serious condition
Not examining you when it was appropriate
Failing to order tests or chase up their results
Not making a timely referral to hospital or a specialist
It also includes administrative errors that cause harm, such as wrongly filing test results or not communicating urgent findings.
Importantly, breach of duty of care is assessed against what was known, or should have been known, at the time of your care, not by what became clear later. That is why your timeline, your records, and a careful reconstruction of consultations and test results are so important in proving a case.
How much can I claim for GP negligence in the UK?
Every case of negligence is different, and the final amount of compensation awarded will be based on the severity of the injury and the effect the injury has had on your life.
You'll also be able to claim for any lost earnings and long-term care and rehabilitation you may need to maximise your chance of recovery and independent living, where these needs have been caused by the injuries you have negligently sustained.
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 doctor negligence claim, you must seek advice from a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence 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.
How long will my GP negligence compensation claim take?
It's difficult to determine how long it will take to settle your GP negligence claim, as there are a variety of factors that can influence the timeline. For instance, one of the first things our solicitors will aim to do is establish liability. This means receiving an admittance of at least partial blame by the other side. How long this takes can vary and is dependent on the attitude of the defendant.
Also, in general, the more complex your case is, the longer it will take settle. It's therefore strongly advised that you speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor as soon as you feel ready. You can speak to a member of our team by calling 0330 041 5869 or reaching out to us online.
Can I make a No Win No Fee GP negligence claim?
The majority of our GP negligence claims are funded by a Conditional Fee Agreement, otherwise known as a No Win No Fee agreement.
This means if you lose your case, you won’t have to pay any fees; therefore, there should be no financial risk to you. For further information about 'No Win No Fee' agreements, read our medical negligence fees page.
How can GP negligence affect me?
Negligence by a doctor can have a significant impact on almost every aspect of your life, including your physical health and emotional wellbeing, your ability to perform your usual daily activities, relationships with family and friends and your finances.
For example, delayed diagnosis can mean more aggressive treatment, greater side effects, and a longer recovery. This can result in unnecessary suffering, a loss of quality of life, time out of work and a loss of earnings, and the need for further treatment or care. Even when the outcome is eventually positive, you may have endured a lot in the meantime and need help to get back on your feet. Many clients tell us they have lost trust in the healthcare system, feel anxiety about future symptoms, or live with trauma after a frightening episode.
Can I claim for mental or emotional harm caused by GP negligence?
Yes, you can, as it is very common to sustain a psychological injury when you have sustained physical injuries that have been disruptive to your life. Therefore, if the negligence has caused you mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, post‑traumatic stress symptoms, or a loss of enjoyment of life, those effects can be assessed by an independent psychiatrist or psychologist and included in your claim.
Your claim can also include the cost of counselling or therapy recommended to help your recovery. We will always handle these issues sensitively and can arrange assessments and treatment in a way that feels comfortable to you.
To learn more or to establish your full legal position, speak to a member of our team today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
What happens if I don’t discover the error until years later?
In England and Wales, the general rule is that you must issue your claim in court within three years of the date of the negligent event, or three years from the date you first knew, or could reasonably have known, that you were injured and that it may have been caused by negligent care. This is often called the ‘date of knowledge’.
There are, however, some exceptions to the rule:
Children and young people under the age of 18 have until their 21st birthday, because the three‑year period does not start running until they turn legally become adults at the age of 18.
For adults who lack mental capacity, time may not run at all while capacity is absent.
If someone has died, a family member or loved one may be able to make a claim on behalf of their estate, and they will usually have three years from the date of death or the date of knowledge of negligence.
Because these rules can be complex, it is important to seek early advice as soon as you suspect something may have gone wrong. Even if you think you are out of time, there are limited circumstances where the court will allow a case to proceed. Our experienced legal experts can review your timeline quickly, request your records, and protect your position if a deadline is approaching.
Can I get advance compensation payments while my claim is ongoing?
Yes, it can be possible to secure advance compensation payments, known as interim payments, while your claim is ongoing and to cover urgent needs.
If the other side accepts that negligence caused your injury, or if the court orders it, interim payments can be paid to help with things like lost income, rehabilitation, travel to appointments, specialist equipment, or home support. This money will then be deducted from the total awarded compensation, once your claim has been settled.
To learn more about interim payments or start a GP negligence claim, speak to our legal experts today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Will making a claim affect my future NHS treatment?
No, making a GP negligence compensation claim will not affect your right to NHS care. You are entitled to receive treatment free from discrimination or disadvantage, regardless of whether you have raised a complaint or started a claim. All medical professionals are expected to treat their patients fairly and professionally regardless of their circumstances.
In some cases, you may choose to move to a different GP practice for peace of mind, but that is your choice, not a requirement.
What will happen to the doctor I claim against?
The focus of a GP negligence claim is securing the compensation you need to aid in your recovery and to support you through the financial implications of your injury or illness. It is not designed to be a punishment for the doctor responsible for your care.
Claims are usually dealt with by the practice’s medical defence organisation or, for NHS care, through NHS Resolution. If your case raises significant concerns about patient safety, the practice or NHS body may review procedures, offer further training, or make system changes. Regulatory bodies such as the General Medical Council (GMC) may investigate where there are serious fitness-to-practise concerns, though this is most often triggered by patterns of incidents rather than a single mistake.
This means that, in isolation, your claim itself is unlikely to put your GP at risk of losing their licence. Instead, it is about recognising the harm you suffered and putting you, as far as money can, back into the position you would have been in, had the negligent treatment not occurred.
Can I sue a private doctor?
Yes, you can bring a doctor negligence claim against a private GP or private clinic if substandard care caused you avoidable harm.
It doesn’t matter if the doctor responsible for your care practised in the NHS or in a private setting, all medical professionals owe you the same duty of care, so the legal principles remain the same.
Where your care was provided by the NHS and private clinicians, we can help to identify which party is legally responsible and whether liability is shared. Our specialist GP negligence solicitors have a wealth of experience in handling complex, multi‑defendant cases and can coordinate the process to ensure your claim runs smoothly so that you can focus on your recovery and wellbeing without the stress.
Learn more by speaking to our team today on 0330 041 5869 or you can request a call back at a time that suits you using our online form.
Will I have to go to court for a GP negligence claim?
It is highly unlikely that you will need to go to court as part of your GP negligence compensation claim as most cases settle without a trial. The legal process encourages settlement through a formal pre‑action protocol, which involves exchanging information and expert evidence and then negotiating.
In rare cases, where liability is disputed or the value of the claim is significant and complex, a judge may ultimately need to decide. If your case does go to court, we prepare you thoroughly and will support you at every step.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything Slater and Gordon have done to fight this case for us. I appreciate it has involved a lot of people. Please can you also thank the expert witnesses who have provided their expertise and help. Mr and Mrs H (medical negligence client)
I cannot recommend Slater and Gordon enough, throughout the entire period of the case, all the staff have been both very professional, and supportive. Mr Q (medical negligence client)
Kept informed regularly as to how my claim was going, prompt replies to any questions I had, excellent customer service at all times. Excellent service from all staff that have been involved in my claim. Ms S (medical negligence client)