GP Negligence & Errors

GP Negligence or Misdiagnosis?

Has your GP misdiagnosed your illness or injury, or failed to refer you to a hospital quick enough? You may be able to claim compensation.

How can a GP be negligent?

For the majority of people, the first port of call when we fall ill is our General Practitioner. We rely on our GP to diagnose our illnesses and treat us appropriately. We also rely on them to refer us to a specialist doctor or hospital when required.

If a GP fails to do these things this may mean that you have been in pain for much longer than necessary. Sadly, it may even mean that your illness can no longer be treated.

GPs can also prescribe the wrong medication or the wrong dosage. If you suffer an adverse reaction to the prescribed medication, then your GP may fail to spot the link and therefore fail to prevent you from taking the medication anymore.

GP negligence or errors can have catastrophic consequences and can even cause a patient’s death.

If you have suffered any injury as a result of an error by your GP, then you may have a claim for doctor negligence and our specialist team of Solicitors will be able to assist you with a claim. You can contact us by filling in our contact form. Alternatively, you can ring us on 01244 354688. It is important to contact us as soon as possible, as there is a limited period of time in which you can claim compensation.

GP Negligence Case Studies

We help lots of clients every year claim the compensation they deserve. Below are three case studies. These demonstrate how we have helped clients claim compensation for injuries or suffering caused by GP negligence in the past. Please be aware that the compensation amounts depend on the client’s individual situation and experiences. To see how much your claim could be worth please contact us directly.

Case Study 1: £17,500 in Compensation

• Our client brought a claim against his GP for failing to correctly diagnose an injury to his bicep, causing avoidable pain and suffering.
• Our client presented to his GP with considerable pain and bruising to his right arm after hearing something ‘snap’ when lifting a heavy object.
• The GP failed to carry out a full examination of our client’s right arm and subsequently diagnosed him with a partial tear of his right bicep.
• Approximately 5 weeks later, our client returned to his GP practice. He saw a different GP and was diagnosed with a full bicep tendon rupture.
• He was promptly referred to see a specialist orthopaedic surgeon but was told it was too late to repair the tendon with surgery.
• Our client was understandably upset to find out that his tendon could not be repaired and he sought a second opinion which confirmed that surgical repair of the tendon could not be done.
• As a result of the misdiagnosis by his GP, our client has permanently reduced power in his elbow. He also suffers from reduced functionality and strength in his right arm.
• Our client was successful in his clinical negligence claim against the GP. He was awarded £17,500 in compensation.

Case Study 2: £10,000 in Compensation

• Our client visited his GP many times since 1999 onwards with problems in his right ear. He was repeatedly diagnosed as having an ear infection and prescribed anti-biotics.
• In July 2006, our client was finally referred to an ENT specialist at a hospital and had his first appointment with the ENT Consultant on the 9th November 2006. The Consultant correctly diagnosed that our client was suffering from a right ear tumour.
• Our client subsequently underwent surgery to remove the tumour but has been left with permanent hearing and balance problems.
• The defendant admitted that our client should have been referred to an ENT specialist 17 months before he was referred.
• Our client recovered £10,000 by way of compensation.

Case Study 3: £1,800 in Compensation

• Our clients brought a claim on behalf of their late mother. Mrs X had a past medical history of heart problems but otherwise was a well lady who was able to care for herself independently.
• Mrs X felt unwell with vomiting, dizziness and a heavy sensation in her chest. She was unable to sleep and had a lack of appetite. Advice was sought from an out of hours GP and Mrs X was visited at home later that evening. The Doctor diagnosed acid reflux and prescribed relevant medication.
• The next day, Mrs X had deteriorated further and felt very weak. It was arranged for her GP to visit her at home, which he did. The GP diagnosed acid reflux and told her to continue the medication.
• Mrs X sadly passed away at home during the night from a heart attack. It was alleged that both doctors whom visited Mrs X had failed to heed Mrs X’s past medical history and current symptoms and failed to undertake an adequate examination of her.
• Unfortunately, our expert evidence suggested that even if Mrs X had been provided with appropriate care, she sadly would not have survived. However, she would have been made much more comfortable and her family would have been able to be with her. Our clients received £1,800 for the pain and suffering that their mother experienced.

Do you have a potential GP negligence claim?

Please contact us for advice if you feel you have suffered any form of negligent medical/dental treatment. We have a specialist team of medical negligence solicitors who are always happy to help.

If you would like advice on whether you have a potential clinical negligence claim or assistance with drafting a letter of complaint, please contact us on the number below. Please note that there are legal time limits in place for starting a claim for compensation, and our specialist clinical negligence solicitors will be able to advise you specifically on the facts of your own case.