NHS Negligence Claims: A Complete Guide to Medical Negligence Compensation
When we put our trust in the NHS, we expect to receive safe, professional care. Most of the time, healthcare professionals deliver excellent treatment — but occasionally, mistakes happen. If those mistakes lead to injury, illness, or avoidable suffering, it’s known as medical negligence. When this occurs within NHS services, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
This guide will explain what NHS negligence claims are, how the process works, what you can claim for, and how our specialist solicitors can support you throughout.
What is an NHS Negligence Claim?
An NHS negligence claim arises when a patient is harmed because of substandard care provided by an NHS doctor, nurse, surgeon, midwife, or other healthcare professional. This could involve mistakes in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, or aftercare.
Rather than minor errors or unavoidable outcomes, these claims are based on serious mistakes that no competent professional should have made — especially when they lead to avoidable harm.
Examples of NHS negligence include:
- A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a serious illness
- Surgical errors causing further complications
- Incorrect medication being prescribed or administered
- Birth injuries affecting mother or baby
- Failure to refer a patient for further tests or specialist care
- Poor infection control leading to hospital-acquired infections
How to Make an NHS Negligence Claim
Making a claim against the NHS might feel daunting — but we’re here to guide you through it step by step.
Step 1: Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Contact our team for a confidential, no-pressure conversation. We’ll listen carefully to what happened, assess if you have a valid claim, and explain your options.
Step 2: Collecting Evidence
To build a strong case, we’ll gather:
- Your medical records and treatment notes
- Expert medical reports assessing the standard of care
- A timeline of events from your perspective
- Details of how your health and life have been affected
- Evidence of financial losses (such as time off work or private treatment)
We handle this process for you — working with experienced, independent medical experts to support your claim.
What If the NHS Denies Responsibility?
If the NHS Trust disputes liability or claims their care met acceptable standards, your solicitor will:
- Examine your medical records for errors, delays, or poor decisions
- Consult independent specialists in the relevant field
- Demonstrate how the care you received fell below acceptable levels
- Pursue legal action if needed
Strong evidence — from both your records and independent medical experts — is crucial to proving negligence and securing fair compensation.
Who Can Make an NHS Negligence Claim?
You may be able to claim compensation if you or a loved one have been harmed due to negligent NHS care, such as:
- Worsening of an illness because of delayed or incorrect treatment
- Physical injury caused by medical errors or poor aftercare
- Avoidable mental trauma or psychological harm
- Loss of a loved one due to clinical failings
Claims can be made by:
- The injured patient
- A parent or guardian (for a child under 18)
- A family member, if the patient has passed away or lacks mental capacity
What Can You Claim for in an NHS Negligence Case?
The amount of compensation you can claim depends on how the negligence has impacted your health, life, and finances. A successful claim may cover:
- Medical costs: Private treatment, corrective surgery, physiotherapy, counselling
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional harm
- Loss of earnings: Wages lost due to illness or time off work
- Future income loss: If your ability to work has been permanently affected
- Care and assistance: Costs of personal care, support, or home adjustments
- Travel expenses: For appointments, treatment, or rehabilitation
- Funeral costs or dependency losses: If negligence caused a loved one’s death
Your solicitor will carefully assess every aspect of your losses — financial, physical, and emotional — ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Can You Claim on Behalf of a Family Member?
Yes — you can claim on behalf of a loved one if they:
- Are under 18
- Lack the mental capacity to claim for themselves
- Have sadly passed away due to NHS negligence
Family members may also be entitled to claim for bereavement damages and financial dependency if negligence led to a death.
How Long Does an NHS Negligence Claim Take?
The timescale for resolving an NHS negligence claim varies based on:
- The complexity of the case
- Whether the NHS admits or denies responsibility
- The severity of the injuries or health issues
- How long medical experts need to assess long-term effects
Straightforward cases with clear liability might settle in 12–18 months, while more complex or serious cases can take two years or longer. We’ll keep you updated and handle all the legal work on your behalf.
Are NHS Negligence Claims More Complicated Than Other Personal Injury Cases?
Yes — NHS negligence claims often involve greater medical and legal complexity. Proving negligence requires:
- Showing that care fell below acceptable standards
- Demonstrating that harm was directly caused by this poor care
- Independent medical expert reports supporting your claim
- Handling legal procedures against a large public healthcare organisation
That’s why it’s essential to work with experienced medical negligence solicitors who understand how to manage these sensitive and challenging cases.
We’re Here to Support You
Experiencing negligence within the NHS can feel isolating, frustrating, and life-changing — but you don’t have to face it alone.
Our specialist solicitors are here to:
- Guide you through every stage of your claim
- Support you in accessing medical care, rehabilitation, and financial help
- Secure the maximum compensation you deserve
- Fight to hold the NHS accountable and achieve justice
Contact us today for your free, confidential consultation — and take the first step towards clarity, recovery, and peace of mind.