How long do you have to make a medical negligence claim?
In many cases the standard limitation period is three years, but the point at which those three years begin can vary and important exceptions may apply.
Read guide →
Medical negligence claims
Clear legal support when medical care goes wrong.
If substandard medical treatment caused avoidable harm, we can help you understand whether you may have a medical negligence claim and what happens next.
Quick eligibility check
1
Care fell below an acceptable standard.
There may have been a breach of the duty of care.
2
The failure caused or worsened harm.
The medical evidence needs to establish causation.
3
The claim is within the relevant time limit.
Limitation is fact-specific and exceptions can apply.
Two-minute claim checker
Not sure whether what happened could be medical negligence?
Answer five short questions about the type of treatment, where it happened, when it happened and whether you experienced additional harm. Your answers can then be sent for a human review.
No automated verdict
The checker is an enquiry tool, not a legal decision or compensation calculator.
Simple questions
You do not need medical records or exact dates to begin.
Human review
Submitted answers are structured so they can be reviewed by the team alongside your contact details.
Claim types
Medical negligence claims we can help with
Explore common types of medical negligence. Each page explains the circumstances that may justify investigation, the evidence involved and what happens next.
Hospital & treatment
A&E Negligence
Errors in emergency care can involve assessment, investigation, referral, treatment, medication or discharge. We can help you understand whether what happened should be investigated further.
Explore this claim →DiagnosisMisdiagnosis
A wrong diagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatment, delayed treatment of the real condition or a worse prognosis. Each case turns on what a competent clinician should reasonably have identified at the time.
Explore this claim →DiagnosisDelayed Diagnosis
An avoidable delay in diagnosis can allow a condition to progress, limit treatment options or prolong pain and uncertainty. The timing and medical consequences of the delay are central to the investigation.
Explore this claim →DiagnosisDelayed or Missed Cancer Diagnosis
A delayed or missed cancer diagnosis can affect treatment options, prognosis and the extent of treatment required. Claims can involve failures in referral, investigation, reporting or follow-up, with specialist evidence used to assess what difference an earlier diagnosis would probably have made.
Explore this claim →Specialist claimsGP Negligence
GP negligence can involve missed red flags, inappropriate treatment, prescription errors or an unreasonable delay in referral. The standard is assessed against what a reasonably competent GP should have done.
Explore this claim →Hospital & treatmentHospital Negligence
Hospital negligence can occur across diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, communication and discharge. Claims may relate to NHS or private treatment depending on the circumstances.
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Specialist investigation
Medical negligence cases depend on the evidence.
These cases can involve complex medical questions. The purpose of the investigation is to establish what care should reasonably have been provided and what difference appropriate care would probably have made.
How evidence is usedMedical records
Records can help establish the clinical chronology, investigations, decisions and treatment provided.
Independent experts
Appropriate experts may address breach of duty, causation, condition and prognosis.
Causation
The evidence must connect the negligent care with the avoidable injury or deterioration.
Financial losses
Evidence can also be required for earnings, care, rehabilitation, treatment and future needs.
The process
What happens after you contact us
A clear overview of the stages a potential medical negligence matter may move through.
- 01
Initial enquiry
Tell us what happened, when the treatment took place and how you were affected.
- 02
Early assessment
The key facts, limitation position and whether further investigation may be appropriate are considered.
- 03
Records & evidence
Relevant medical records, chronology and evidence of any financial losses may be obtained.
- 04
Expert review
Appropriate independent experts may address breach of duty, causation, condition and prognosis.
- 05
Claim & negotiation
Where the evidence supports a claim, the relevant defendant can be notified and liability or settlement discussed.
- 06
Resolution
The matter may conclude by agreement or, where necessary, through the court process.
Why Healthcare Standards Group
Straightforward advice in difficult circumstances.
The first step should feel manageable: explain what happened, understand the legal and medical issues, and receive a clear view of the next steps.
About usClear communication
Complex legal and medical issues explained in accessible language.
Evidence-led assessment
The strength of the claim is assessed around the records and independent expert evidence.
Regulated legal practice
Legal services provided by a firm authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Questions answered
Common medical negligence questions
Start with the most common questions about eligibility, NHS claims, records, court and compensation.
What is medical negligence?
Medical negligence generally involves healthcare falling below a reasonable professional standard and causing avoidable injury, deterioration or additional loss.
Can I claim against the NHS?
Potentially. NHS treatment can give rise to a medical negligence claim where breach of duty and causation can be established.
How long do I have to make a claim?
The usual limitation period in many adult cases is three years, but the starting point and exceptions can be complex. Prompt legal advice is recommended.
Do I need my medical records before contacting you?
No. You can make an initial enquiry without having a complete set of records. Relevant records can be requested if the matter proceeds to investigation.
Will I have to go to court?
Many claims settle without a trial. Court proceedings may still be required where liability or the value of the claim cannot be agreed.
Start an enquiry
Tell us what happened.
Use the short form for an initial enquiry. More detailed information can be collected securely once the matter has been reviewed.
Free guide
Medical negligence claims: a practical guide.
Download a concise guide covering eligibility, time limits, evidence, the claims process and the types of losses that may be considered.
Advice & insights
Latest medical negligence guides
Practical information about claims, time limits, evidence and common types of medical negligence.
How medical negligence claims work
A plain-English overview of breach of duty, causation, medical records, expert evidence and the main stages of a claim.
Read guide →
Can you claim for an A&E misdiagnosis?
Key considerations where emergency care failed to recognise, investigate or appropriately respond to a serious condition.
Read guide →Free initial enquiry
Think you may have a medical negligence claim?
Tell us what happened and our team can explain the next steps.