GP negligence claims

GP negligence claims

For finding answers and getting justice

We believe that trust is an integral part of any relationship between a patient and their general practitioner (GP). However, when that trust is breached due to negligence, the resulting impact can be devastating. If you've experienced negligence from a GP and suffered health-wise as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Switalskis, we understand the emotional and physical toll that GP negligence can take on people and their families. Our aim is to stand beside you, providing not just legal advice, but empathetic guidance and unwavering support in what is undeniably a challenging time.

If you’ve suffered due to the negligence of your GP, you could claim compensation. Whether it's a case of misdiagnosis, late diagnosis, incorrect treatment, or even a failure to refer for further investigation or specialist care, our expert team is here to assist you in your quest for justice.

To speak to one of our specialist GP negligence solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.

How Switalskis can help you

We appreciate the sensitivity of GP negligence claims and understand how important it is for you to have legal representation that you can trust. Our team of specialised solicitors has extensive experience in successfully handling GP negligence cases.

Our team goes beyond standard legal advice. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, providing you with guidance and support every step of the way. We stand by you through the complexities, simplifying the legal jargon and translating this into clear, easy-to-understand language. With Switalskis, you're not just a client; you're a valued individual who deserves the best possible legal representation.

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

What is GP negligence?

GP negligence refers to instances where a general practitioner (GP) provides substandard care that harms the patient's health. A GP, like any other medical professional, has a duty of care towards their patients. When this duty of care is breached, it can result in negligence.

We understand the critical role GPs play in maintaining our health and wellbeing. We also acknowledge that, like any other professionals, GPs can make errors. If you believe your GP failed in their duty of care, we’re here to help you seek the compensation you deserve to cover your pain, suffering and any financial losses you may have experienced.

What examples of GP negligence claims are there?

GPs are often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical attention. While they typically provide excellent care, there can be instances where mistakes or negligence happen. Here are some examples of doctor negligence claims:

  • Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: this is a common form of GP negligence and can occur when a GP fails to correctly identify a patient's condition, resulting in inappropriate treatment or a delay in necessary treatment. For example, a GP may misdiagnose a lump as benign when it is malignant, or a GP may fail to diagnose a heart condition, leading to serious consequences for the patient.
  • Prescription errors: these happen when a GP prescribes the incorrect medication or dosage or fails to check for potentially harmful interactions with other medications the patient is taking. This could lead to side effects, allergic reactions or a lack of improvement in the patient's condition.
  • Failure to refer: GPs are generalists, not specialists. If a GP fails to refer a patient to a specialist when it's necessary, it could delay critical treatment and lead to a deterioration in the patient's health. For example, a GP may not refer a patient for further investigations for symptoms that may indicate cancer.
  • Neglecting patient concerns: this involves not taking a patient's symptoms or worries seriously, which can prevent them from receiving the treatment they need. This may include failing to investigate persistent headaches that could be a sign of an underlying serious condition.
  • Poor follow-up care: failing to arrange necessary follow-up appointments or tests, not acting on abnormal test results, or failing to provide appropriate aftercare can be deemed as negligence.
  • Incorrect or inadequate treatment: providing incorrect treatment for a diagnosed condition, or failing to provide necessary treatment, can lead to a worsening of the patient's health.

If you've experienced any of these situations, you may have grounds for a GP negligence compensation claim. At Switalskis, we're here to help you navigate this process, providing support, advice and expertise every step of the way.

Making a GP negligence claim

The process of making a GP negligence claim may seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Our team will guide you through each step.

Step 1: Initial consultation

Reach out to Switalskis for a free, no obligation initial consultation. During this meeting, we’ll listen to your story, understand your concerns and explain whether we think you have a strong case. If we decide to proceed, we can then discuss the next steps and the available funding options.

Step 2: Establishing your claim

We’ll gather all the relevant information we need to build your case. This will include applying for all of your medical records, including your GP records. We’ll ask you for photographs, receipts and any other documents that may support your claim. We will take a detailed witness statements to tell your version of events. We may arrange for you to be assessed by an independent medical expert to provide an unbiased view of your injuries and future prognosis. The aim will be to prove that the negligence was responsible for your injury and consider the potential value of the claim.

Step 3: Notifying the defendant

Once we have supportive evidence, we’ll send a letter of claim to the doctor and/or hospital involved. This will outline details of the claim and state allegations regarding the negligent treatment.

Step 4: Defendant response

The defendant will then have four months to investigate the allegations made against them and respond to the letter of claim in a letter of response. This letter will include whether the defendant accepts they are at fault, which is called an admission of liability. If they do not accept fault, they will state this in the letter and this is called a denial of liability. We will advise you of the next steps at this stage.

Step 5: Settlement and compensation

If the defendant or medical practice has admitted fault, negotiations can start. Our GP negligence solicitors will negotiate on your behalf, using our expertise and experience to secure the highest possible compensation amount for you. At this stage, we will discuss how much compensation you may receive. This will be calculated to cover the pain and suffering caused by GP negligence, as well as any financial losses or expenses you’ve experienced as a result.

Step 6: Court proceedings (where necessary)

Most claims will be settled through negotiation, without needing to go to court. In the rare instances where the case does go to trial, you can trust us to represent you throughout the process.

Remember, at Switalskis, we treat each claim with the gravity and individual attention it deserves. We aim not just to secure compensation for you, but also hold the negligent party accountable, encouraging improvements in healthcare practices and standards.

Is there a time limit on making a GP negligence claim?

Generally, you have three years from the date of the negligent treatment or from the date you first became aware of the negligence to make a GP negligence claim. However, exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, including:

  • Children: if the person affected by the negligence is under 18, the three-year limitation period doesn't begin until their 18th birthday. This means they have until their 21st birthday to make a claim.
  • Mental capacity: if the person affected by the negligence lacks mental capacity, there is no time limit to make a claim on their behalf.
  • Fatal cases: if the negligence has resulted in death, the family of the deceased has three years from the date of death or the date of the post-mortem results to make a claim.

Given the complexities around the time limit and the importance of making your claim within the given time period, it’s always advised to seek legal advice as soon as possible after the negligence has occurred or been discovered. The sooner you reach out to Switalskis, the sooner we can begin gathering evidence and building a robust case for your GP negligence claim.

How are GP negligence claims funded?

Potential costs are among the biggest concerns our clients have about claiming compensation. At Switalskis, we're committed to making the process as accessible as possible by offering various funding options to meet your needs:

  • No win, no fee agreement: also known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA), this is the most common way to fund a GP negligence claim. Under a no win, no fee agreement, you won’t need to pay anything if your claim is unsuccessful. Our costs are written off. If you win your case, a percentage of your compensation will be used to cover our fees. This option allows you to pursue your claim without any financial risk, and we’ll discuss all of the potential costs with you upfront to avoid any surprises.
  • Legal expenses insurance: we will begin an insurance policy to cover you for the out-of-pocket costs we experience during the investigation. We have our own insurance provider that we use. However, you may have legal expenses cover as part of your home or car insurance policy, which can also be used to fund your claim. We’ll assist you in understanding your policy and liasing with your insurer.
  • Legal aid: in very rare cases, Legal Aid may be available for clinical negligence claims, although it’s usually reserved for specific situations. Our team can guide you on whether you might be eligible.

Remember, your first consultation with our clinical negligence solicitors is free and without obligation. We'll discuss the funding options available to you and help you choose the best one for your situation.

How long do GP claims take?

The duration of GP negligence claims can vary greatly, depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether liability is accepted by the GP. Rest assured, our team will keep you informed every step of the way, providing you with regular updates and working diligently to bring your case to a successful conclusion as promptly as possible.

How much can I expect from a GP negligence claim?

It's hard to give a specific amount for a GP negligence claim because every case is different. The amount you could get depends on how badly you were hurt and how it has affected your life.

The goal of the compensation is to try to get you back to where you would have been if the GP hadn't made a mistake. Usually, the compensation you get will cover:

  • General damages: this is for any physical or emotional pain you've had because of the mistake. Courts look at similar past cases to decide how much this should be.
  • Special damages: this covers any money you've lost or had to spend because of the mistake. This can include lost wages, costs for extra care, medical bills, and travel expenses.
  • Future losses: if the mistake will affect you long-term, like if you can't work anymore or need ongoing care, this will also be considered in the amount you get.

Our expert GP negligence lawyers will make sure to consider everything you've lost or might lose in the future. We work with medical professionals to understand fully how the mistake has affected your life, so you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

Our GP negligence claims specialists

Photo of Suzanne Munroe
Suzanne MunroeDirector and Solicitor
Photo of Sarah Walker
Sarah WalkerDirector and Solicitor
Photo of Charlotte Reeves
Charlotte ReevesDirector and Solicitor
Photo of Kay Barnes
Kay BarnesDirector and Solicitor
Photo of David Thomas
David ThomasDirector and Chartered Legal Executive
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Why Switalskis?

Experiencing GP negligence can trigger significant changes in your life and bring about emotional turmoil. At such times, you deserve a dependable ally who can guide you through these challenging and unsettling periods - this is where Switalskis comes in.

Clarity in complexity

GP negligence compensation claims can involve intricate details, but understanding these details doesn’t have to be problem. Our commitment is to transform complicated legal jargon into digestible, everyday language. We aim to address all your concerns, simplify the complex, and ensure that you have a thorough grasp of every stage of the procedure.

Empathy at every step

Our priority is to recognise and understand your unique circumstances. We lend an empathetic ear to your worries, respect your feelings, and provide considerate counsel customised to your needs. For us, you're more than just a client - you're an individual facing a difficult situation, and we're on hand to provide our comprehensive support.

Expertise you can trust

In GP negligence compensation claims, it's important to have trusted professionals on your side. At Switalskis, we leverage decades of industry experience and a well-established success rate in GP negligence claims. We're dedicated to upholding your rights and striving for the most favourable result for you and your loved ones.

Many of our legal practitioners have received accreditations from the Law Society and AvMA (Action Against Medical Accidents) , underlining their specialist experience in medical negligence claims.

Championing your rights

Our team is fuelled by the drive to defend your rights and ensure your story gets the attention it deserves. We aim to accompany you at every step of the claim process, making sure you're well-versed and self-assured to make informed decisions. With Switalskis, your claim is more than just a legal procedure; it's our shared pursuit for justice and your deserved recompense.

We can support you in the following medical negligence situations

Find out how Switalskis can help you

If you believe your health has been affected due to GP negligence, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Our legal experts are here to listen, understand your unique circumstances, and fight for the best possible outcome for you.

Contact Switalskis today by calling 0800 1380 458 or get in touch with us through the website to discuss your concerns in confidence with a legal specialist.

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