GP negligence claims

Why should I choose National Accident Helpline?

For more than years_since years, we've been helping people just like you who suffered an injury through doctor negligence. Our extensive and knowledge in cases that can sometimes be complex means we can let you know if we think you have grounds for your GP negligence claim.

If you're ready to start the process, our friendly team of expert medical negligence advisors will guide you every step of the way. We give you the space to tell us about your experience in your own words - but we'll also ask you some questions to ensure we build a full picture of what has happened.

Why should I make a claim?

We appreciate that there are plenty of possible reasons why you could be unsure about starting a claim against your GP. But it's important to remember that GP negligence can have long-term consequences for you and/or a loved one - physically, emotionally and even financially. So, it's only right that you're compensated for the loss and suffering you've had to endure.  

Making a GP negligence claim is more common than you may think too. NHS Resolution figures show that £2.4bn was paid out to settle medical negligence claims in England during 2018/19. But not all claims are made against the NHS. If a healthcare professional has been negligent during the course of your private medical treatment, you could also be entitled to compensation.

Your claim may also highlight an unsafe practice or unsuitable treatment, so it may stop others from being injured in the same way.

Worried about claiming?

You may be concerned that making a claim against your GP will affect the NHS or your doctor's career. And we completely understand this. But please don't worry - any compensation doesn't get taken from critical healthcare budgets.

Claims against the NHS are handled by NHS Resolution, which is like an insurance company to make sure there's always a separate fund to cover GP negligence claims. A new government-backed clinical negligence scheme for general practice (CNSGP) has also now come into force.

How do I start a claim for GP negligence?

Starting your claim is as simple as calling us today on - or, if you prefer, complete a callback form and we'll get in touch with you instead. You'll be able to speak to one of our friendly, trained experts who are here to give you impartial advice about your case. And it won't cost you a penny either.

There's no rush to take the next step when you're thinking about a GP negligence claim. Our friendly and personal injury advisors will listen to what has happened to you or your family member and, when they have accessed your claim, they can put you in touch with one of our No Win No free solicitors - but only when you are ready.

How does a GP negligence claim work?

After you've decided to go ahead and we've found the right medical negligence lawyer for your case, the first step will be to contact whoever is responsible for your pain and suffering. If they accept the blame here, it should make the claim process much easier and help your solicitor to secure compensation before the claim is fully settled.

Our solicitors also gather the evidence they need to establish a strong case on your behalf - such as the care you should have received from your GP and the impact that doctor negligence will have on your future health and wellbeing.

The chances are you won't have to go to court either. NHS Resolution figures for 2018/19 show that 70.7% of NHS claims in England were settled out of court, and less than 1% required a full trial. But even if your GP negligence claim does go to court, our specialist solicitors are on hand to make sure you're fully prepared and at ease with the process. We're with you all the way.

How long will my claim take?

Each GP negligence claim is unique. Our solicitors build a case around you and your wellbeing - so we can't tell you how long your claim will take for sure.

There are situations where a claim can last for years if the case is especially intricate. It depends on the complexity and severity of your claim, as well as who the claim is being made against.

If a claim involves private healthcare, it can sometimes be a little more complex and can take a longer time to settle. These claims are also more likely to go to court.

Is there a time limit to making a claim?

Like any medical negligence or personal injury claim, there is a time limit to making a claim for GP negligence. In this type of claim, this is three years from the incident when you were injured, or from the date when you became aware of the negligence.

Take for example a case where you were prescribed incorrect medication, and taking that medication resulted in you experiencing pain or suffering. We would consider when you became aware that the incorrect medication had caused you pain and suffering; it may be possible that the time limit for making a claim would run for three years from this point.

There's also an official admin process that our solicitors must follow. before the claim deadline of three years elapses. It's always a good idea to start your claim as soon as possible.

There are two exceptions to this three-year deadline:

• If GP negligence results in brain damage that means someone can't claim on their own behalf, there is no time limit.
• If the patient is under 18, a claim can be made by a parent or guardian at any time. Otherwise, when that individual turns 18, they will then have until their 21^st birthday to make their own claim.

Take for example a case where you were prescribed incorrect medication, and taking that medication resulted in you experiencing pain or suffering. We would consider when you became aware that the incorrect medication had caused you pain and suffering; it may be possible that the time limit for making a claim would run for three years from this point.

How much compensation could I get?

If you've suffered due to a GP's negligent treatment, the physical and emotional impact can be all too real - without money worries adding to that. From lost income to the cost of any further treatment needed to put the problem right - this is all factored into any compensation amount.

To give you an idea of how much you might be entitled to, why notuse our interactive compensation calculator. This will give you an indication, but it's only once a claim is underway that you'll get an accurate idea of the amount of compensation you may receive.