GP medical negligence compensation claims

Advice on clinical negligence

General Practitioners are the backbone of the NHS. No one can question the superb role they play in dealing with the vast majority of medical complaints in the UK. There are 300 million + consultations with Gp's every year.

This is thought to be around 90% of the workload of the NHS.

Customer satisfaction rates are thought to be around 90% following recent surveys carried out by the Royal College of General Practitioners [RCGP]. The enormous burden that GP's carry inevitably means that occasionally mistakes can and will happen. The nature of the service that they provide will mean that when mistakes do occur - the consequences can be serious for the injured party.

If you have been injured as a result of the negligence of a General Practitioner - you may be able to claim for medical negligence compensation. You should initially make a formal complain or if the situation involves serious harm , you should contact a clinical negligence solicitor immediately.

RELATED STORIES

Read a recent news story about GPs failing to diagnose cancers

Also read our What is negligence? page to determine if you feel you might have a claim.

Making a complaint about a GP

A complaint can be made by any person affected affected by the actions or decisions of a NHS organisation or primary care practitioner.

You should normally complain within 6 months of the event(s) concerned or within 6 months of becoming aware that you have something to complain about.

If want to continue with your complaint, or prefer not to deal directly with the practice involved, you can do this orally or by writing to the NHS organisation concerned (the local Primary Care Trust).

If you make your complaint orally a written record should be made by the PCT Complaints Manager. You should receive a response within 10 working days or from the chief executive of the NHS organisation concerned within 20 working days.

You should be kept informed of progress if this is not going to happen. [Source Royal College of General Practitioners]

Read more on how to complain about a Nursing Home and let the authorities know about poorly managed or uncaring establishments.

CALL 0800 0322210 - or if preferred contact our discreet ONLINE CHAT LINE - or complete our enquiry form opposite.

KEY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

1) How do you start a claim for medical negligence?

The first step is to speak to a firm of NO WIN NO FEE lawyers who specialise in medical claims. We can help provide advice in many cases although we must stress that we cannot deal with every complaint or possible claim.

2) Do you need to complain before considering a claim?

Ideally you should make a complaint about your situation to the treating practice, hospital or NHS Trust - as soon as possible. Generally speaking the NHS Complaint Procedures stipulate that a complaint must be brought within 6 months of you / your family being aware there was or is a problem. It is possible to make a claim at the same time as lodging a formal complaint - we may be able to help you with both.

Please, be aware that circumstances justifying a complaint (which can be numerous) do not necessarily merit pursuing a legal claim.

3) How do you pay your costs if you decide to pursue your case against a GP, NHS or other medical practitioner?

You may be entitled to Public Funding (formerly legal aid) - which means you can claim totally free of charge. You may be entitled to a "no win no fee" agreement if legal aid is not appropriate for you. You may have legal expense insurance (most household policies have this cover) In certain cases you may wish to privately fund your action.

Call our specialists on 0800 0322210 for FREE INFORMAL ADVICE on the merits of your case. We will then discuss how any claim can go forward and which funding option would be available to you.