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NHS Negligence Claims

Cancer Claims — missed diagnosis, delayed treatment and follow-up

Can I claim? You may be able to claim if NHS care in England or Wales fell below a reasonable standard and caused avoidable harm. This includes hospitals, GPs, ambulance services, mental health services and community care. A poor outcome alone is not negligence.

Medical Negligence Consultants is an FCA-regulated claims management company (FRN 836324). We offer a free initial assessment and refer suitable enquiries to the specialist solicitor on our panel best suited to your circumstances. We are not a law firm.

Request a free call-back or call 0800 612 4970 (9am to 9pm, seven days a week).

Types of NHS claim we can assess

Who is responsible?

An NHS negligence claim is usually brought against the NHS trust, health board or GP practice responsible for the care. In England, many NHS trust claims are handled by NHS Resolution; Wales has separate arrangements. Your solicitor identifies the defendant.

Complaint or claim?

A complaint seeks answers, apologies or changes to care. A negligence claim seeks compensation for harm. You can do both; a complaint does not stop the legal time limit running.

What a negligence claim must prove

  1. Breach of duty: care fell below the standard of a reasonably competent professional, normally assessed by an independent expert.
  2. Causation: the failing caused avoidable harm. A poor outcome or recognised complication alone is not proof of negligence.

What compensation can cover

Successful claims may cover pain, suffering, loss of amenity, lost earnings, further treatment, therapy, care and adaptations. We cannot guarantee a result or figure.

How long do I have to claim?

Most claims in England and Wales must start within three years of negligent care or the relevant date of knowledge. Different rules apply to children and people lacking mental capacity. Seek advice early.

How our free assessment works

  1. Tell us what happened. Describe the care, location, dates and harm.
  2. We assess your enquiry free of charge.
  3. Referral to the right solicitor. If suitable, we refer you to a panel solicitor who explains funding and next steps.

What to gather

The hospital or practice name, treatment dates, discharge letters, complaint correspondence, timeline and costs. A solicitor can request your records.

NHS negligence FAQs

Will claiming affect my NHS treatment?

No. Making a claim should not affect the care you receive from the NHS.

Does the NHS pay compensation out of the money for patient care?

Compensation is paid through NHS indemnity schemes. That is not a reason to avoid a valid claim, and it does not change the legal test.

Do I need to complain first?

No. You can claim without making a complaint. A complaint can help you get answers, but it does not replace a claim.

Can I claim if the NHS was under pressure or short of staff?

Pressure on the service does not excuse care that falls below a reasonable standard, but it is part of the circumstances an expert will consider.

How long do I have to claim?

Usually 3 years from the negligent care or from when you first knew about the harm. Children and people lacking capacity have different rules.

Are you a law firm?

No. We are a claims management company, FCA regulated (FRN 836324). We refer suitable enquiries to a solicitor on our panel.

How do you choose which solicitor handles my claim?

We match your enquiry to the panel solicitor best suited to your type of claim.

Is the assessment free?

Yes. If we refer you to a solicitor, they explain funding options, including any No Win No Fee arrangement, before you decide.

Related pages: Health providers · Hospital negligence · Medical negligence claims

Medical Negligence Consultants is FCA regulated, FRN 836324, and is not a law firm. General information, not legal or medical advice.

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