Medical Negligence Solicitors

Under the Statute of Limitations, you have two years less a day from the date of the injury or the date you became aware that negligence occurred to make a claim.

• For children, the two-year time limit begins on their 18th birthday.
• In cases involving mental incapacity, exceptions may apply.

Because medical negligence claims can be complex and require expert reports, it’s vital to seek legal advice as early as possible.

To succeed in a medical negligence case, three key elements must be proven:

• Duty of Care: A doctor-patient relationship existed, meaning the healthcare provider owed you a duty of care.
• Breach of Duty: The care you received fell below an acceptable standard.
• Causation: The breach directly caused your injury or worsened your condition.

Your solicitor will obtain medical records and work with independent medical experts to assess your case and establish negligence.

Yes, you can take legal action against a doctor, hospital, or other healthcare professional if their negligence caused you harm. This includes:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of an illness.
• Errors during surgery.
• Substandard care leading to worsening of your condition.
• Prescribing incorrect medication.

Suing a healthcare provider holds them accountable and ensures you receive the compensation you deserve.

Once a settlement is agreed upon, payments are typically processed within 4 to 8 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional court approval (e.g., for a minor) is required. Your solicitor will ensure the process is completed as quickly and smoothly as possible.

You can request your medical records yourself or through your solicitor. We make this process straightforward by:

• Obtaining your written authorisation.
• Contacting hospitals, GPs, or specialists on your behalf.
• Reviewing the records with independent medical experts to assess your case.

Access to your records is a key step in proving medical negligence.

At Good & Murray Smith LLP:

• We generally do not charge for initial consultations.
• If further investigation requires independent medical expert reports, we’ll outline the estimated costs upfront. These reports are critical to proving negligence.
• Should your case succeed, we aim to recover all costs and expenses from the defendant.

We operate transparently, ensuring you know the financial implications at each stage.

We understand that people who have suffered from medical negligence want their claims dealt with quickly so that they can receive the compensation owing to them and move on with their lives. We move cases forward as quickly as we can. On average, medical negligence cases take 24 to 36 months to conclude. This timeline can vary based on:

• The complexity of the case.
• Whether liability is disputed.
• The willingness of the other party to settle out of court.
• Delays in the Court system. 

We prepare each case as though it will go to trial, ensuring a strong position for negotiation or litigation.

Many medical negligence claims are settled out of court through negotiation or mediation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be agreed upon, we will proceed to trial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Our solicitors are experienced in both approaches and will guide you every step of the way.