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Clinical And Medical Negligence Compensation Claims

If you’ve been harmed due to medical negligence, we can help you claim compensation

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£85 million in compensation

Won for our clients by JF Law Solicitors

Clinical And Medical Negligence Claims

If you’ve been harmed due to medical negligence, we can help you claim compensation

Excellent
four and a half stars TrustPilot score
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Our specialist medical negligence solicitors have helped thousands of people recover compensation for the unnecessary harm that they suffered. 

With significant experience in pursuing compensation claims against private healthcare organisations and NHS trusts and groups you can feel confident that your case is in good hands. 

To speak with us today, simply click the button below or call us for free.

Below, you can learn everything you need to know about medical negligence, how the claims process works, find examples of compensation payouts, and find answers to the most frequently asked questions. 

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What Is Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence, also sometimes referred to as clinical negligence, is when a patient sustains avoidable harm (harm that should have been prevented) because a medical professional treating them breached their duty of care. 

All medical professionals owe a duty of care to anyone they treat. To adhere to this duty of care, they must always deliver the correct standard of care. As such, duty of care can be breached if a medical professional delivers substandard care. 

In cases where things have gone wrong due to errors or the expected standard of care not being met, a medical negligence claim could be a justifiable course of action.

Contact us today if you are wondering how to claim for medical negligence.

A doctor on the hospital floor after giving negligent treatment.

How To Claim For Medical Negligence

If you’ve experienced harm following medical treatment in England or Wales, you may have grounds to make a medical negligence claim.

Medical negligence is defined as situations where a healthcare professional fails to meet the expected standard of care.

For instance, if your GP fails to refer you promptly for cancer screening despite regular appointments and clear symptoms, you may be entitled to compensation for harm caused by delayed diagnosis and treatment.

To successfully claim compensation, you must prove two essential points:

  • A healthcare professional owed you a duty of care.

  • That duty was breached, directly resulting in harm or injury.

We offer a free eligibility check to help you understand your options. Call us at the free number provided at the top of this page and start your claim today.

The Claims Process: A Step-By-Step Guide

1. Tell Us What Happened

When you get in touch, we'll go over everything with you and review the evidence you have. We'll also provide you with advice on your options, the chances of succeeding in a claim, and how much compensation you could be entitled to. We provide all of this advice free of charge

2. Investigations

We'll investigate the case, obtain more evidence and initiate the claims process by notifying the defendant of the case against them. We'll obtain further evidence from the defendant, like CCTV footage and accident reports, and arrange for you to be examined by a medical expert to obtain specialist evidence in support of your case

3. Settlement

With evidence exchanged and investigations complete, we'll look to settle the case for a fair amount and one that you're happy and satisfied with. We only act on your instructions.

Examples Of Medical Negligence Payouts

Compensation in a successful medical negligence claim may consist of two parts (known as ‘heads of loss’). These are general damages (for physical pain and mental suffering) and special damages (for related expenses). 

To help value general damages, those responsible for calculating clinical negligence claims, such as medical negligence solicitors, may refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) in conjunction with the findings of an independent medical report. The JCG is a text that provides guideline values for different types of illnesses and injuries in varying severities. 

In our table below, we provide a few figures from this text along with a figure in the first row that shows how you could be awarded compensation for various types of harm and expenses. The figure in the top row was not taken from the JCG. Furthermore, as all medical negligence claims are different and settled on their own merits, this table is only provided for guidance. 

Injury/IllnessSeverityNotesGuideline Amount
Multiple Severe Injuries or Types of Harm and Special DamagesVery SevereSettlements for medical negligence may include compensation for various types of harm in addition to related expenses, such as lost earnings and nursing care.Up to £1,000,000+
Brain DamageVery SevereThere’s no meaningful environmental responses and the injured person requires full-time nursing. £344,150 to £493,000
BladderComplete Loss of FunctionThe claimant has completely lost both bladder function and control.Up to £171,680
Amputation of ArmsLoss of One Arm (ii)The claimant had an amputation above the elbow. £133,810 to £159,770
FootAmputation of One FootThe claimant has lost their ankle joint.£102,470 to £133,810
Female Reproductive SystemPermanentA claimant with children (or who wouldn’t have had children in any event) suffers sexual dysfunction that is likely to be permanent. £52,490 to £124,620
LungsCancerGenerally an older person, there’s severe pain along with functioning and quality of life impairments. £85,460 to £118,790
Male Reproductive SystemImpotenceA claimant with children (or who wouldn’t have had children in any event) suffers impotence or significant sexual dysfunction that is likely permanent. £52,490 to £108,310
KidneySignificantThere’s a significant urinary track infection risk or other total loss of natural functioning.Up to £78,080
SpleenLossDamage to the immune system leaves the claimant at risk of internal infections and disorders.£25,380 to £32,090

Other Things You Can Claim Compensation For

Additionally, you might be compensated for the financial hardships faced due to medical negligence. Examples include reimbursement of your:

  • Loss of earnings. 
  • Money spent on in-home care, either from professionals, such as a visiting nurse or friends and family. 
  • Costs associated with home and/or vehicle adaptations. 
  • Any money spent on domestic help while you recover. 

To help with your medical negligence claim and to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to, you should save documentation relating to your costs and expenses. For example, wage slips, bank statements and any invoices or receipts. 

An advisor from our team can help value your clinical negligence claim as well as give you advice on what you could be reimbursed for under special damages. Please get in touch using the details above. 

The Types Of Medical Negligence You Can Claim Compensation For

 

We specialise in all types of medical negligence claims. However, some of the more common examples we see include:

If you feel that you or a close relative may have suffered harm as a result of an act of medical negligence then contact our specialist team today for free advice.

Who Pays Compensation In Medical Negligence Claims?

Some of our clients worry that in making a medical negligence claim they may be putting a strain on the finances of public health services. This is understandable, but the reality is that compensation in medical negligence claims against the NHS are paid by insurance reserves. 

Can I Make A Clinical Negligence Claim On A No Win No Fee Basis?

If you choose to work with one of our solicitors, they can work on your medical negligence claim on a No Win No Fee basis. They’ll do this under the terms of a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This means that your solicitor:

  • Doesn’t expect an upfront payment for their work on your clinical negligence claim. 
  • Also won’t ask for ongoing fees. 
  • Won’t ask you to pay for completed work should your claim fail. 
  • Only takes a payment from the compensation that has been awarded to you, called a success fee, if your claim wins. This percentage is subject to a legal limit. 

Get In Touch

If you would like to know how to make a medical negligence claim, speak to a member of our advisory team. They can also provide you with a no-obligation claim assessment, and if you are eligible, they can connect you to one of our specialist medical negligence solicitors. Speak to us today:

  • Call 0151 375 9916
  • Fill out our contact us form and an advisor will get back to you. 
  • Ask a question in our live chat. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You can pursue medical negligence claims against private healthcare providers if they’ve caused you harm.

Private hospitals and clinics owe patients the same duty of care as NHS institutions. If treatment from a private surgeon, GP, or medical professional results in injury or harm due to substandard care, you may have grounds for compensation.

Common examples include surgical errors, misdiagnosis, inadequate aftercare, or improper administration of medication.

To successfully claim, you must establish that the private healthcare provider failed to meet the required standard, directly causing your injury or suffering.

Our specialists offer free advice to assess eligibility and guide you through claiming compensation from private organisations. Reach out to us today for free advice.

Hiring specialist medical negligence solicitors significantly improves your chance of successfully claiming compensation.

Medical negligence claims involve complex medical and legal principles, often requiring expert evidence. Experienced solicitors understand how to clearly establish duty of care, breach, and causation. They will collect essential evidence, consult with medical experts, negotiate with healthcare providers, and advocate effectively on your behalf.

Without proper legal expertise, claims may fail due to insufficient evidence or procedural mistakes. Engaging a solicitor reduces stress, increases your compensation prospects, and ensures you receive fair treatment throughout the process.

Our solicitors offer comprehensive guidance and a free initial consultation to assess your claim.

As a general rule, you have 3 years to make a medical negligence claim, as declared in the Limitation Act 1980. This time limit starts from the date medical negligence occurred, or from the date it was known that medical negligence occurred. 

Are There Exceptions To The Time Limit?

Yes, there are a couple of exceptions to this time limit. The exceptions are if the claimant is:

  • Younger than 18 years old. 
  • Lacking their full mental capacity. 

In these cases, the time limit is put on halt, meaning the claimant can’t begin a claim for medical negligence. During this time, a litigation friend may be able to make a medical negligence claim on the claimant’s behalf. 

However, the 3-year time limit will start again (if a litigation friend hasn’t started a claim already) once the claimant either:

  • Turns 18 (the time limit will thus run from their 18th birthday).
  • Recovers their full mental capacity (the time limit will thus run from their recovery date).

To learn more about medical negligence laws and how to claim medical negligence compensation on behalf of a loved one, please contact us today.

Medical negligence within the NHS occurs more frequently than many patients realise.

While most NHS treatment is delivered safely and effectively, errors and negligence still affect a significant minority.

For example, recent figures indicate the NHS pays out huge sums annually in clinical negligence compensation. The total for 2023/24 was £2.8 billion. In the same year, clinical negligence claims and reported incidents reached 13,784, marking a rise of 273 compared to the previous year’s figure of 13,511.

Common cases involve misdiagnosis of cancer, childbirth injuries, surgical errors, or mistakes during treatment.

If NHS negligence caused your injury or worsened your condition, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Our specialists provide free consultations to explore your options clearly.

To successfully claim medical negligence compensation, you’ll need clear evidence demonstrating that negligence occurred. This evidence typically includes:

  • Medical records, which document the care you received and can highlight errors or oversights.

  • Expert witness reports, which evaluate if the healthcare provider’s actions fell below the required medical standards.

  • Correspondence between you and healthcare providers regarding your treatment.

  • Photographic evidence of injuries or physical harm, if applicable.

  • Statements from witnesses or family members, offering additional support for your claim.

Our solicitors will guide you through gathering and organising all essential documentation and medical evidence, ensuring your case is strong and well-supported.

It’s not necessary to choose medical negligence solicitors based solely on their geographical location. Experienced solicitors can effectively handle your case remotely, regardless of where you live in the country. Thanks to modern communication methods—such as telephone, email, and video conferencing—solicitors can manage your claim efficiently and conveniently.

Instead, you should prioritise selecting a solicitor who:

  • Specialises specifically in medical negligence claims.

  • Has a proven track record of success in securing compensation.

  • Offers personalised representation tailored to your case.

Our solicitors provide nationwide services and dedicated legal representation, without needing frequent face-to-face meetings unless you prefer otherwise. With our experience and expertise, we can help you get the compensation you deserve

Yes, you can claim compensation if medical negligence resulted in the death of a loved one. These claims, known as fatal medical negligence claims, typically allow close family members and dependents to seek compensation. Eligible claimants usually include:

  • Spouses or civil partners

  • Children or dependents

  • Parents or immediate family members

Compensation can cover various losses, including:

  • Funeral and related expenses

  • Loss of financial dependency and support

  • Emotional distress and suffering

To succeed with your claim, you must demonstrate clearly that:

  • The healthcare provider owed the deceased a duty of care.

  • They breached this duty through negligence.

  • Their negligence directly led to your loved one’s death.

Our compassionate legal team will guide you sensitively through each stage, clarifying your eligibility and helping you pursue fair compensation during this difficult time.

Generally, the time limit for making a medical negligence claim in England and Wales is three years from the date of the negligent incident or from the date you first became aware of it. However, there are limited exceptions:

  • If the patient was under 18 at the time, the three-year limit only begins on their 18th birthday, meaning claims can typically be made until the age of 21.

  • If the claimant lacked mental capacity at the time, there is usually no strict time limit until they regain capacity.

Claiming compensation after 10 years can be challenging but might be possible under extraordinary circumstances, such as cases where negligence became evident many years later.

It’s vital to seek expert legal advice promptly if your situation may qualify for such an exception. Our experienced solicitors can assess your specific circumstances and advise you clearly on your options.

Medical negligence claims typically take anywhere from a few months to three years to resolve, although timelines vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Complexity of the case: More complex cases usually require additional expert assessments, extending the claim’s duration.

  • Severity of injuries: Serious injuries often require detailed medical evaluations, potentially lengthening the claims process.

  • Whether liability is accepted or contested: Cases where liability is admitted tend to settle faster, whereas disputed claims can significantly increase timelines.

Most claims settle through negotiation without needing court proceedings. However, if court action becomes necessary, the process can extend further.

Our solicitors prioritise obtaining fair compensation as efficiently as possible, clearly communicating progress and expectations at every stage of your claim.

Contact Us

With our expertise and knowledge of the legal system, we can guide your case to a successful conclusion, debunking any legal jargon along the way.

Our solicitors work on a No Win No Fee basis too. This means that you don’t have to pay any fees upfront or while the case progresses, and if the case doesn’t succeed, you won’t have any fees to pay to your solicitor either.

We have a terrific track record of achieving results that satisfy our clients. Check out our reviews to see what other people think of our services.

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