Can I Sue My GP for Negligent Medical Care?
If a patient suffers on-going symptoms and difficulties due to negligent medical care, they are legally entitled to make a claim for compensation from the relevant party whether that is the GP or the hospital or an Accident and Emergency facility.
Medical negligence and the GP
A GP is often the first point of call when a patient is concerned about their symptoms and, consequently, it is essential that the GP provides the appropriate, timely and knowledgeable care.
If they fail the patient in the quality of care they provide, the patient may be entitled to claim compensation for the consequences.
Examples of failures in care which might compromise the health and well-being of the patient:
- A failure to carry out an examination meaning that key signs or symptoms are missed and an accurate diagnosis is delayed
- A failure to recognise the implications of the patient's symptoms meaning that the patient may suffer a misdiagnosis and a deterioration in their condition before appropriate treatment is given
- A failure to take an adequate history or make a thorough assessment, meaning that an incorrect diagnosis is made
- A failure to make an appropriate referral for specialist investigation or intervention
- A delay in making a referral, allowing the patient's condition to deteriorate
- Providing inappropriate treatment or medication, putting the patient's health at risk
- A failure to provide red flag warnings when that would normally be regarded as necessary, causing a delay in the patient attending hospital
Claiming compensation
A successful compensation claim will take account of the consequences which the patient has suffered insofar as they have been caused by the negligent healthcare.
For example, if a misdiagnosis by a GP means that a patient suffers on-going symptoms of such severity that they are unable to work, their loss of earnings, both past and future, would be included in a claim.
Alternatively, if a patient suffers mobility losses due to delays in a referral, the costs associated with this life-changing problem could be incorporated into a claim.
Speak to a legal specialist
As can be imagined, compensation claims for medical negligence are extremely complex, requiring an analysis of the patient's medical records and an assessment by the best medical experts of how they have been affected.
If you are thinking of making a claim, contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law.
One of our solicitors will be very pleased to speak to you, free of charge.
Contact us to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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