Claims & Compensation2 min check

Medical Negligence Claim Checker

Clinical negligence claims hinge on two things: a breach of the standard of care, and harm caused as a result. Answer a few questions for an indicative view.

Short answer

Clinical negligence claims need two things: (1) Breach of Duty — the care fell below 'reasonable body of medical opinion' (Bolam/Bolitho test), AND (2) Causation — that breach caused additional injury or loss. Both must be proved by independent medical expert evidence.

Step 1 of 30%

Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used: Where did the treatment take place?, What kind of issue occurred?, Did the issue cause you injury, worsened condition or financial loss?, Do you have medical records or written communications about the issue?, When did the negligence occur (or when did you become aware)?.
Calculation approach: The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage: Claims & Compensation. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version: No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.

Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

Primary sources and official verification

Use these official sources to verify current rules before acting. Coverage and dates can differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

See the sitewide source policy.

How it works

We screen for the typical clinical negligence claim ingredients: a treatment provider you trusted, a clear breach (delayed diagnosis, surgical error, failed monitoring, medication error), and a worse outcome you wouldn't have suffered with proper care.

Worked example

Symptoms of bowel cancer ignored for 8 months → diagnosis delayed from Stage 2 to Stage 4. If experts confirm earlier referral was reasonable AND would have changed prognosis, breach + causation are established.

Who should use this

•Patients harmed by NHS or private treatment
•Family members of someone seriously injured or deceased
•Anyone whose informed consent was missing or inadequate

Common mistakes

×Confusing 'bad outcome' with negligence — bad outcomes happen without fault
×Missing the 3-year limitation (from date of knowledge)
×Not requesting full medical records early via the Subject Access Request route
×Trying to claim without a specialist clinical negligence solicitor

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?▾

2–5 years for substantial cases — expert reports, NHS Resolution review and possible court proceedings all take time.

Will I sue an individual doctor?▾

Almost never — claims go against the NHS Trust or the private hospital's insurer.

Is there a cap on damages?▾

No. Severe cases (cerebral palsy, paraplegia) can exceed £20m for lifetime care needs.

Related calculators

Personal Injury →Limitation Periods →No Win No Fee →Loss of Earnings →