Suing a GP for
Medical Negligence

If care from an NHS or private GP has caused avoidable harm, you may be entitled to compensation. Our specialist solicitors will explain your options and support you at every stage – no win, no fee.

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When & Why You Might Sue a GP

GPs act as the first point of contact for most health concerns, so accurate assessment, proper follow-up, and timely referrals are crucial. When these responsibilities are not met, conditions can worsen and opportunities for early treatment can be lost. If your health deteriorated because your GP failed to recognise red flags, prescribe appropriately, or arrange further investigation, you may be able to take legal action.

Common reasons for GP negligence claims include:

Delayed or incorrect diagnosis
Failure to refer to specialists when clinically required
Medication errors, such as wrong drugs or doses
Missed infections or untreated symptoms
Failure to act on test results or review ongoing symptoms

Not all complications amount to negligence. You must show the GP’s care fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent doctor and that this lapse caused your injury. Our team can review what happened and advise whether the threshold for negligence is likely to be met.

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Am I Eligible to Make a Claim?

To bring a successful claim, four key elements must usually be proven:

1

Duty of care

The healthcare provider had a legal responsibility to care for you.

2

Breach of duty

The care fell below acceptable medical standards.

3

Causation

The harm you suffered was a direct result of that substandard care.

4

Damage

You experienced physical, emotional, or financial harm as a consequence.

Is there a time limit?

You usually have three years from the date of the incident or when you first realised negligence may have occurred. Exceptions may apply for children or those lacking mental capacity.

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The Claim Process

Suing your GP can be complex, but we handle everything from start to finish. Here’s how it works:

1

Initial assessment

We evaluate whether the care you received likely breached legal standards.

2

Medical records & expert evidence

We collect your records and consult independent medical specialists.

3

Letter of claim

This formal document outlines how the NHS provider failed in their duty of care and what impact that had. The NHS then has four months to investigate and respond.

4

Negotiation and settlement

If the NHS accepts liability, your solicitor will negotiate the amount of compensation you’re entitled to. Most cases settle before going to court.

5

Court proceedings (if needed)

If the NHS disputes the claim, we may issue formal court proceedings.

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Your Questions Answered

Is it common to sue a GP?

Yes. GP claims are among the most frequent types of medical negligence claims because delays or incorrect decisions at this early stage can have serious consequences. You are entitled to take action if poor care caused avoidable harm, whether your GP was NHS-based or working privately.

Will my GP be personally sued?

Most GPs are independent contractors, so claims usually proceed against the GP’s medical defence insurer rather than the practice itself. However, NHS Resolution may be involved depending on when the incident occurred. Either way, the claim is managed through insurers, not through the GP directly.

How do I know whether my GP’s mistake amounts to negligence?

Some health issues progress even with correct treatment, while others worsen because key steps were missed. Independent medical experts examine your symptoms, the actions taken, and what a competent GP should have done. Their opinion helps determine whether your injury was avoidable.

Can I bring a claim if I was treated by more than one doctor?

Yes. If several clinicians were involved, responsibility may lie with one individual or be shared across multiple practitioners. We review the timeline, examine all decision-making, and identify who is legally responsible for the harm caused.