Can I Sue a GP for Medical Negligence?
If you think you have been the victim of negligent medical care, you may be wondering whether you can get compensation and how to go about this?
The right to compensation
If a patient suffers an adverse outcome following negligent medical care, they are entitled to make a claim for compensation. This applies whether the medical professional in question is a GP or a surgeon or an Accident and Emergency practitioner or other medical practitioner.
A successful compensation claim would take account of the pain, suffering and financial impact of the negligent care. For example, if an individual is unable to work, or is restricted in the hours they can work, subsequently suffering a loss of income, this financial impact would be included in a successful claim.
However, in the first place it would be necessary for a specialist solicitor to investigate the patient's quality of care in order to identify whether or not a breach of duty has, in fact, occurred. It is also necessary to demonstrate that the negligence, if it occurred, has altered the patient's outcome, causing or contributing to the symptoms which they are now suffering.
Making a claim
If you are considering whether to make a claim, the first step would be to get the advice of a legal specialist.
Compensation claims for medical negligence are extremely complex, requiring experience in the negotiation process and access to the best medical experts who can assess the quality of care.
A specialist solicitor would be able to advise you whether or not you may have a claim and support you every step of the way. They would have the expertise to negotiate the best settlement with the Defendant.
When to make a claim
It is important to be aware that there are strict time limitations associated with making a compensation claim for medical negligence.
A new claim needs to be issued with the court within three years of the date of the alleged negligence. This is not the date by which you should contact a solicitor as they will need plenty of time before this date in which to assess the validity of your claim.
If you think you may have a claim, therefore, it is best to seek legal advice at the earliest possible moment.
Of course, the sooner the process is started, the sooner it will be completed, too.
Legal specialists
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers. If you are considering whether or not to make a claim, contact us today to speak with a specialist solicitor, free of charge, about your situation and possibility of making a claim.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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