Nursing Negligence Claims: A Complete Guide to Medical Negligence by Nurses
When we place our trust in healthcare professionals, we expect safe, competent care. Sadly, mistakes can happen — and when those mistakes involve nursing staff, the consequences can be serious. From medication errors to poor wound care, nursing negligence can lead to avoidable injuries, illness, and emotional trauma.
If you’ve been harmed because of substandard nursing care, or a loved one has suffered due to negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. This guide explains how nursing negligence claims work, what you can claim for, and how our expert solicitors can support you through the process.
What is a Nursing Negligence Claim?
A nursing negligence claim arises when a nurse, healthcare assistant, or nursing team provides care that falls below acceptable standards, leading to harm. This could happen in a hospital, care home, GP surgery, or even in the patient’s own home.
Unlike general medical negligence claims, these specifically focus on the actions or inactions of nursing professionals.
For example:
- A nurse administers the wrong medication or incorrect dosage, causing serious side effects.
- A patient’s wound is not cleaned or monitored properly, resulting in infection.
- Basic observations (like blood pressure or temperature) are missed, leading to delayed diagnosis of a serious condition.
- A vulnerable elderly patient suffers a fall because they were left unsupervised.
- Pressure sores develop due to poor repositioning and skin care.
How to Make a Nursing Negligence Claim
We understand that making a claim while you or a loved one is recovering can feel overwhelming. That’s why we break it down into simple, manageable steps:
Step 1: Arrange a Free Consultation
Get in touch with our friendly, expert team for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, review whether you have a valid claim, and explain your legal options clearly.
Step 2: Collect Essential Information
To build a strong case, we’ll help gather:
- The date, time, and location of the incident
- Details of the hospital, care home, or healthcare provider
- Medical records and care logs
- Photographs of any visible injuries (if relevant)
- Witness statements (from family members or staff)
- Complaints made to the healthcare provider or regulatory bodies
- Evidence of financial losses or care costs you’ve incurred
Your claim will then be handled by a solicitor with specialist experience in nursing negligence and medical law.
What If the Hospital or Care Provider Denies Responsibility?
If the nurse, hospital, or care provider refuses to admit fault, don’t worry — it doesn’t mean your claim ends there. Your solicitor will:
- Review your medical records and any internal investigations
- Consult independent medical experts for impartial opinions
- Gather witness statements and documentation
- Investigate breaches of NHS, care home, or private healthcare guidelines
- Take legal action if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Clear records, photographs, expert medical opinions, and formal complaints can be crucial in proving your case.
Who Can Make a Nursing Negligence Claim?
You may be eligible to claim compensation if you or a loved one suffered harm due to:
- Incorrect or delayed medication administration
- Failure to monitor a patient’s vital signs
- Poor wound or pressure sore management
- Inadequate safeguarding or fall prevention
- Delays in escalating concerns to a doctor
- Neglect of basic care needs (such as food, fluids, hygiene)
This applies whether the negligence took place in:
- NHS or private hospitals
- Care homes or nursing homes
- GP surgeries
- Community nursing services
- Home care arrangements
You can claim on behalf of:
- Yourself as a patient
- A child under 18
- A loved one who lacks mental capacity
- A relative who has sadly passed away due to negligent care
What Can You Claim for in a Nursing Negligence Case?
A successful claim can provide compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Costs for private treatment, rehabilitation, or corrective procedures
- Pain and suffering: For the physical and emotional effects of the negligent care
- Loss of earnings: If you were unable to work as a result of the harm
- Care and support costs: If you needed help with daily activities or ongoing care
- Travel costs: For hospital appointments, treatments, and visits
- Adaptations: Home adjustments or equipment if your injuries have long-term effects
- Funeral expenses and dependency claims: If a loved one tragically died due to poor nursing care
Your solicitor will ensure every aspect of your physical, emotional, and financial losses is fully considered.
How Long Does a Nursing Negligence Claim Take?
The time needed to settle a nursing negligence claim depends on:
- Whether the healthcare provider admits responsibility
- The severity of the harm suffered
- How long it takes for medical experts to assess the long-term impact
- The complexity of evidence, especially if the case involves vulnerable patients
Some cases settle within months, while others — particularly involving life-changing injuries — can take a year or more. We’ll keep you updated throughout and handle the legal side so you can focus on recovery.
Are Nursing Negligence Claims Complex?
Yes — these cases can involve complex medical and legal issues. It’s not always straightforward to prove that a nurse’s actions directly caused avoidable harm, especially where multiple healthcare professionals were involved.
Factors we carefully consider include:
- Breaches of duty in nursing care
- Delayed diagnoses or missed symptoms
- Medication errors and their impact
- Documentation gaps in medical records
- The patient’s pre-existing health conditions
That’s why it’s crucial to work with solicitors experienced in nursing negligence and medical claims.
We’re Here to Support You
We know how distressing it can be when healthcare professionals let you down. But you don’t have to face it alone.
Our specialist medical negligence solicitors are here to:
- Support you at every step, from consultation to settlement
- Help you access medical care, counselling, or financial assistance while your claim progresses
- Fight for the justice and compensation you deserve
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation — and start your journey towards peace of mind, recovery, and justice.