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%

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.

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