GP and NHS medical negligence compensation claims

If you have received a poor standard care following treatment on the NHS - you may be able to make a complaint and obtain compensation. If you are unhappy with the treatment or service you have received you are entitled to make a formal NHS complaint.

This must be responded to by the NHS organisation or primary care practitioner concerned. A Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) has been established in every NHS Trust and primary care trust (PCT). PALS are not part of the complaints procedure itself but they might be able to resolve your concerns informally or can tell you more about the. Local Resolution The NHS complaints procedure covers complaints made by a person about any matter connected with the provision of NHS services by NHS organisations or primary care practitioners (GPs, dentists, opticians and pharmacists).

We can also help with Nursing home negligence claims

If you or a relative have been injured whilst in a care home we may be able to help with advice about compensation. Care Home complaints are soaring but our team may be able to help you complain effectively and seek legal redress.

The first stage of the NHS complaints procedure is ‘Local Resolution’. Your complaint should be made in the first instance to the organisation or primary care practitioner providing the service

Who can complain?

A complaint can be made by a patient OR someone acting on behalf of the patient or person, with their consent. Is there a time limit for making a complaint? 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.

There is discretion to waive this time limit in certain circumstances.

PLEASE NOTE - generally you cannot complain using the NHS procedures and also make a legal claim. It is usually the case that the complaint must be instigated initially and responded to before the legal compensation process can begin. In some cases, however, there is a need to seek legal advice immediately.

It is recommended that you speak to a legal adviser and preferably a clinical negligence solicitor on the law society panel as early as possible following the cause of injury or complaint. Please also visit the Primary Care Trust site for further information.     

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.

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 the issue occurring.

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.

NEWS:

Maternity wards failing patients according to survey - 10th July 2008

Hospitals are failing to meet basic hygiene standards say the Healthcare Commission - 16th June 2008

Many hospitals unable to meet the "Deep clean" deadline set by the Government to combat the spread of infection - 3rd April 2008

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.

clinical negligence US - the patients charter - support and self-help groups - dentist compensation claims - nhs redress scheme - medical negligence news - British Nation Formulary - GP Notebook website - World Health Organisation (WHO) - British Standard [BSI] Medical equipment -