Have you or a loved one suffered because of medical negligence by the NHS? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of patients file claims against the NHS for mistakes that cause harm, with payouts reaching £2.8 billion in 2023/24. These claims arise from errors like misdiagnosis, surgical blunders, and maternity care failures.
If you’ve been affected, you may be entitled to compensation. National Claims can connect you with skilled solicitors. They will help you through the process and fight for the justice you deserve.
Let’s explore the most common NHS medical negligence claims, how to claim, and what compensation you could receive.
What is Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence occurs when an NHS healthcare worker does not provide the expected care. This can lead to injury or harm.
For a claim to succeed, you must prove the treatment was below standard and directly caused your injury. Common examples include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and delayed treatment. With National Claims, expert solicitors will assess your case and build a strong claim to secure your compensation.
Common Types of NHS Medical Negligence Claims
The NHS handles millions of patients yearly, but mistakes happen. Here are the most frequent medical negligence claims against the NHS, based on NHS Resolution data:
1. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis tops the list of NHS negligence claims. If a doctor fails to identify your condition or delays diagnosis, your health can worsen. For instance, missing cancer early can lead to severe outcomes. In 2023/24, emergency medicine saw 13.3% of claims, often linked to misdiagnosis.
2. Maternity Care Failures
Maternity errors account for 13% of claims but a staggering 57% of payout costs, totalling £1.1 billion last year. Mistakes during pregnancy or childbirth can lead to serious problems. For example, not checking a baby’s heart rate can cause brain damage or cerebral palsy. Recent scandals, such as Shrewsbury and Telford, highlight systemic issues in NHS maternity care.
3. Surgical Errors
Surgical blunders, like operating on the wrong body part or leaving instruments inside a patient, are shocking but real. Orthopaedic and general surgery claims made up 10.8% and 5.9% of cases in 2023/24. These errors can lead to lifelong pain or disability.
4. Medication Errors
Prescribing the wrong drug or dosage can have serious consequences, from allergic reactions to organ damage. These mistakes are common in busy NHS settings and contribute to numerous claims each year.
5. Failure to Obtain Informed Consent
If an NHS professional doesn’t fully explain a procedure’s risks, and you suffer harm, you may have a claim. This issue often arises in complex treatments where patients aren’t properly informed.
National Claims can put you in touch with solicitors who specialise in these cases. They’ll evaluate your situation and help you claim the compensation you’re entitled to.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
Compensation for NHS medical negligence depends on the severity of your injury and its impact on your life. Here’s a breakdown:
- General Damages: Covers pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life. For example:Minor injuries: £1,000–£5,000
- Moderate injuries (e.g., ongoing pain): £10,000–£50,000
- Severe injuries (e.g., brain damage): £200,000–£400,000+
- Special Damages: Compensates for financial losses, such as:Lost earnings
- Medical expenses
- Care costs
- Travel expenses
For instance, cerebral palsy claims from maternity errors often reach millions because of lifelong care needs. In 2023/24, NHS Resolution paid £2.8 billion in damages, with £536 million going to legal fees. National Claims’ solicitors will calculate your claim’s value to ensure you receive fair compensation.
How to Make an NHS Medical Negligence Claim
- Contact a Solicitor: Reach out to National Claims to connect with experienced medical negligence solicitors.
- Gather Evidence: Collect medical records, witness statements, and proof of harm.
- Prove Negligence: Show the NHS breached its duty of care, causing your injury.
- Submit Your Claim: Your solicitor will file within the three-year time limit.
- Negotiate or Litigate: Most claims (81%) settle without court, but your solicitor will fight for you if needed.
Why Do NHS Negligence Claims Happen?
The NHS is under immense pressure, with stretched resources and overworked staff. Lord Darzi’s 2024 report noted that claims nearly doubled over the past decade, from 14,615 in 2011/12 to 28,780 in 2023/24. Factors like understaffing, inadequate training, and systemic failures contribute.
While the NHS strives to improve, patients bear the cost of these errors. By claiming compensation, you not only seek justice but also push for better care standards.
How National Claims Can Help
Navigating an NHS negligence claim can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. National Claims will connect you with expert solicitors who offer:
- Free Case Reviews: Assess your claim’s strength at no cost.
- No Win, No Fee: Pursue your claim without financial risk.
- Expert Guidance: Build a compelling case with medical evidence and legal expertise.
Contact National Claims today to start your journey towards compensation and hold the NHS accountable.
People Also Ask
Q1. How Long Do I Have to Make an NHS Negligence Claim?
You have three years from the date of the negligence or when you became aware of the harm. For children, the limit starts at age 18. National Claims’ solicitors will ensure your claim is filed on time.
Q2. How Much Does It Cost to Claim Against the NHS?
With a no-win, no-fee agreement, you pay nothing upfront. If you win, your solicitor’s fees (usually 25% of your compensation) are covered. National Claims can explain the costs clearly.
Q3. What Evidence Do I Need for a Claim?
Medical records, photos of injuries, witness statements, and proof of financial losses strengthen your case. Your solicitor will gather independent medical opinions to support your claim.
Q4. Can I Claim for Emotional Distress?
Yes, compensation includes psychological harm, like anxiety or PTSD, caused by negligence. Discuss your symptoms with National Claims’ solicitors for a full assessment.
How to Start Your NHS Negligence Claim
Ready to seek justice? Follow these steps:
- Contact National Claims: Call or visit their website for a free consultation.
- Share Your Story: Explain what happened to help solicitors assess your case.
- Let Experts Handle It: Your solicitor will gather evidence, negotiate with NHS Resolution, and fight for your compensation.
With 81% of claims resolving without court, you could secure compensation faster than you think. Don’t delay—claims must be filed within three years.
Why Choose National Claims?
National Claims stands out by connecting you with solicitors who understand NHS negligence claims inside out. They’ve helped countless clients secure compensation for misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and maternity failures. With a no-win, no-fee promise, you can pursue justice without financial worry. Plus, their friendly team makes the process straightforward and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Medical negligence by the NHS can turn lives upside down, but you have the right to compensation. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or maternity failure, National Claims will put you in touch with experienced solicitors to fight your case.
With £2.8 billion paid out in 2023/24, claims are rising, and so is awareness of patient rights. Don’t let negligence go unchallenged—Contact National Claims today to start your claim and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact National Claims today, and we will put you in touch with an expert solicitor who can guide you through the claims process.📞 Call us now free 0800 029 3849.
We’re proud of our excellent customer reviews
We thrive on delivering exceptional service and ensuring our clients’ satisfaction. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of our independent reviews to see what our clients have to say.
Excellent
This firm is excellent, they sorted out my car pay out and injury claim very fast, they always communicate with you all the time.
My accident case was dealt with confidence and with great result of the outcome, especially James kept me informed all the time.
I was very impressed at the way my inquiry was treated. I was listened to attentively and everything I needed to know was explained to me.
