GP Negligence Claims

GP Medical Negligence Claims* Solicitors 

Medical negligence describes medical treatment that falls below the standard you might reasonably expect. While beginning the journey to find out whether you have experienced it can seem daunting, establishing whether negligence has occurred is quite simple.

When we’re unwell, we often turn to general practitioners (GPs) and other healthcare professionals as our first point of contact. A GP assesses a wide variety of issues, and patients rely on their knowledge, skill, and experience to decide whether a referral for specialist help is necessary

We expect our doctors to diagnose and act on the symptoms of illness, but sometimes they miss these signs, leading to serious consequences.

Our medical negligence solicitors can help with a range of GP negligence claims.

Understanding GP Medical Negligence

GP medical negligence occurs when a general practitioner fails to provide a reasonable standard of care, resulting in injury, illness, or the worsening of an existing condition. This can manifest in various ways, including:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: A GP’s failure to correctly identify a condition or a significant delay in doing so can lead to a patient not receiving timely and appropriate treatment, potentially causing irreversible harm or reducing the effectiveness of treatment. For instance, a delayed diagnosis of cancer can significantly impact prognosis.
• Prescription Errors: Incorrect medication, dosage errors, or failure to consider a patient’s medical history and allergies when prescribing can lead to adverse reactions or ineffective treatment.
• Failure to Refer: A GP’s failure to refer a patient to a specialist when necessary, or a delay in doing so, can prevent the patient from receiving the specialized care they require.
• Surgical or Procedural Errors (Minor Procedures): While GPs typically perform minor procedures, errors during these can still lead to complications, infection, or further injury.
• Inadequate Examination or History Taking: A thorough examination and detailed patient history are crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Negligence in these areas can lead to critical information being missed.
• Failure to Act on Test Results: Not following up on or misinterpreting test results can have severe consequences for a patient’s health.

Our Approach to GP Medical Negligence Claims

Our firm has a strong track record in personal injury litigation and medical negligence cases. We understand that each situation is unique, and we pride ourselves on our client-focused approach, ensuring that we truly understand your needs and goals.

When you engage Sherwin O’Riordan LLP for a GP medical negligence claim, you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation: We offer a consultation to discuss the specifics of your case, assess its viability, and explain the legal process involved.
2. Thorough Investigation: Our team will meticulously gather all necessary medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence to build a robust case. This often involves liaising with medical professionals, barristers, and other relevant parties.
3. Expert Medical Opinion: A crucial step in medical negligence claims is obtaining an independent medical expert’s opinion to confirm that negligence occurred and that it directly caused your injury or loss.
4. Negotiation and Mediation: We are skilled in negotiation and mediation, often seeking to resolve cases efficiently and effectively outside of court where possible. Our firm recognizes the benefits of mediation as an alternative to litigation.
5. Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are fully prepared to represent your interests in court, leveraging our extensive experience in litigation. Our litigation department includes experienced partners like Elaine McNally.
6. Compensation: We strive to secure comprehensive compensation for our clients, which may include damages for pain and suffering, loss of earnings, medical expenses, future care costs, and other related losses.

Any of these errors can have a long-term impact on your wellbeing. GPs play a crucial role in our health, so we must recognize and learn from their mistakes.

If you’ve suffered due to negligence, we have the expertise to prove that your GP failed to meet care standards.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider acts or omits to act in a way that deviates from accepted standards of practice in the medical community, causing injury to the patient. Healthcare providers can commit medical negligence in various ways, such as through misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, or surgical mistakes.

What is the First Step to Take When Pursuing a Medical Negligence Action?

Contact a Solicitor

The first step in making a medical negligence claim involves seeking the assistance of a solicitor who specializes in this area of law. This solicitor will provide support and guidance and help determine whether you have suffered due to a healthcare provider’s negligence.

Medical Reports

You will need to obtain copies of all medical records from your GP and any hospitals you have attended. Based on the medical expert’s opinion, your solicitor will prepare a medical report detailing the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. This report will serve as evidence in your case.

Access Your Damages & Claims Letter

Expert consultants will help you assess your damages, and your solicitor will draft a letter of claim addressed to the involved parties. Special damages may include losses such as past and future earnings, lost pension, costs for necessary care if you are severely injured, adaptations to your property due to any loss of mobility, medical treatment, therapies, and other financial losses attributable to the negligence.

Settlement Negotiations

Your solicitor will initiate the settlement negotiations. Depending on the response from the involved medical practitioners, you can settle the claim either in court or out of court.

Will I Need to Go to Court?

You cannot say for certain that any particular case will resolve without a court hearing. You will prepare every case with the understanding that it may proceed to a full trial, but there may be opportunities for mediation or settlement out of court.

Is There a Time Limit for Medical Negligence Claims?

The statute of limitations sets the legal time limits on how long you have to make a claim. Generally, you must issue proceedings within two years of the date of the negligent act or within two years from the date you became aware that your illness or injuries were caused by a third party. It is vital to issue proceedings before your statute date expires.