GP Negligence Claims: A Complete Guide to Medical Negligence by General Practitioners
When we visit a GP, we expect professional, careful, and timely medical advice. Unfortunately, mistakes do happen — and when a GP’s error leads to a patient being harmed, it can result in serious consequences. From missed diagnoses and prescribing errors to failure to refer patients for specialist care, GP negligence can cause lasting physical, emotional, and financial damage.
If you’ve been let down by a GP’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the harm caused to your health and wellbeing. In this guide, we’ll explain how GP negligence claims work, what you can claim for, and how we can support you through the process.
What is a GP Negligence Claim?
A GP negligence claim arises when a patient suffers harm because a general practitioner (family doctor) provided care that fell below an acceptable medical standard. If that negligence leads to a worsened condition, delayed diagnosis, incorrect treatment, or other avoidable harm, you have the right to seek compensation.
Common examples of GP negligence include:
- Failing to diagnose or misdiagnosing a serious illness such as cancer or meningitis
- Prescribing the wrong medication or incorrect dosage
- Not referring a patient for hospital treatment or specialist care when needed
- Failing to act on test results or medical warning signs
- Not performing a proper examination or taking an accurate medical history
- Delays in treatment that lead to avoidable complications
How to Make a GP Negligence Claim
We understand how difficult it can be to deal with medical mistakes, especially when they affect your health and confidence in the healthcare system. That’s why we’ve broken the process down into clear, manageable steps:
Step 1: Arrange a Free Consultation
Contact our friendly, specialist team for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen carefully to your experience, assess the strength of your claim, and explain what happens next.
Step 2: Gather Key Information
To support your case, we’ll need:
- Details of your GP appointments and what happened
- Copies of your medical records
- Evidence of any test results or referrals (or lack of them)
- Notes of how your condition worsened or what harm was caused
- Details of any hospital visits, treatments, or further diagnoses
- Documentation of financial losses (like lost income or private healthcare costs)
We’ll obtain your medical records and arrange expert medical opinions to confirm whether your GP’s care fell below the expected standard and caused harm.
What If the GP or NHS Denies Negligence?
If the GP practice, NHS, or medical insurers deny responsibility, it doesn’t mean your case has to stop. Your solicitor will:
- Review all medical records and clinical guidelines
- Obtain independent medical expert reports
- Investigate whether national standards and protocols were followed
- Gather evidence of how your condition has worsened and its impact on your life
- If necessary, issue legal proceedings to fight for fair compensation
Thorough documentation and expert analysis are crucial in proving negligence and the harm it caused.
Who Can Make a GP Negligence Claim?
You may be able to make a claim if you were harmed because of negligent care provided by a GP, including:
- Failure to diagnose or treat a medical condition
- Delayed or incorrect referrals to hospitals or specialists
- Medication errors
- Failure to act on test results
- Mismanagement of long-term or chronic conditions
Claims can be made by:
- Adults who suffered harm due to a GP’s negligence
- Parents or guardians claiming on behalf of a child
- Family members claiming on behalf of a loved one who is unable to do so themselves
- Next of kin in cases where the negligence resulted in a fatal outcome
What Can You Claim for in a GP Negligence Case?
The value of your claim depends on how seriously the negligence affected you and your future prospects. A successful claim could cover:
- Medical costs: Private treatment, corrective procedures, therapy, or rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering: For physical, emotional, and psychological distress
- Loss of earnings: If time off work was needed or you’re unable to work in the future
- Care and support costs: If you now require help with daily tasks
- Travel expenses: For medical appointments, treatments, and therapy sessions
- Loss of future earnings: If your career or earning potential is affected
- Adaptations: Costs for adjusting your home or lifestyle if you’ve suffered permanent disability
Your solicitor will ensure that every aspect of your losses — financial, physical, and emotional — is carefully considered.
Can You Claim on Behalf of a Family Member?
Yes — in certain situations, you can claim for someone else if they are:
- Under 18 years old
- Mentally or physically incapacitated
- Have sadly passed away due to medical negligence
Family members may also be able to claim for dependency losses or bereavement damages if the outcome was fatal.
How Long Does a GP Negligence Claim Take?
The length of a medical negligence case depends on:
- Whether liability is admitted or denied
- The complexity and severity of your condition
- The need for expert medical evidence and reports
- Whether long-term care and prognosis assessments are required
Straightforward cases may settle in 6–12 months, while complex or serious cases could take 1–2 years or longer — especially if future treatment outcomes need to be confirmed.
We’ll keep you fully informed and manage everything on your behalf.
Are GP Negligence Claims More Complex Than Other Medical Negligence Cases?
GP negligence cases can sometimes be more challenging to prove because:
- The harm may not be immediately obvious or connected to GP treatment
- GPs are often the first point of contact, and missed opportunities for referral or diagnosis can have a knock-on effect later
- Establishing that earlier action would have made a difference requires detailed expert evidence
- Cases often involve reviewing multiple medical professionals and healthcare services
That’s why working with experienced medical negligence solicitors is so important. We know how to investigate, gather evidence, and build strong, successful cases against GPs, NHS services, and private practices.
We’re Here to Support You
Being let down by your GP can leave you feeling hurt, anxious, and uncertain about your health. But you don’t have to face it alone.
Our expert solicitors are here to:
- Support you with care and understanding throughout your claim
- Help you access medical treatment, financial relief, and justice
- Fight for the compensation you deserve to rebuild your life
Contact us today for your free, confidential consultation — and take the first step towards recovery, accountability, and peace of mind.