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When we visit our GP with a health concern, we place our trust in their care. We rely on their expertise to guide us toward the right diagnosis and treatment. We expect to be listened to, taken seriously, and provided with safe, competent care. Most of the time, that’s exactly what happens. But when something goes wrong, when symptoms are missed, test results overlooked, or a referral delayed, the consequences can be devastating.
If you or a loved one have been let down by a negligent GP, you have the right to seek answers and pursue compensation. At Thorneycroft Solicitors, our specialist Clinical Negligence team is here to support you with clear, professional guidance and compassionate care every step of the way.
GP negligence is a form of medical negligence; it means the care you received was substandard compared to what a competent GP should have provided.
Your local GP is usually the first port of call for any illness or health issue. While they aren’t expected to have the expertise of a specialist in every field, they are expected to listen to your symptoms, make an appropriate initial assessment, and refer you for further tests or to a specialist when necessary. If a GP falls short of these duties and you suffer as a result, it may be considered GP negligence.
If this has happened to you, it’s important to know that it’s not your fault, and you may be entitled to take action.
It’s natural to feel reluctant or even out of your depth when thinking about making a claim against your GP. Many people worry it might feel like “pointing the finger”, but this isn’t about blame; it’s about seeking justice, answers, and the support you need to recover after an avoidable mistake has caused harm. A claim can also bring a sense of closure to help you move forward, access the right care, and ensure lessons are learned so others don’t experience the same.
You might be uncertain if your situation “counts” as GP negligence, and this is quite normal. Our experienced clinical negligence team can evaluate your case in a free initial consultation and advise if you have grounds to claim. There are time limits for these types of claims – typically three years from when the negligence happened or when you first realised it, so it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as you feel something was not right. Remember, even if you’re hesitant, talking to a solicitor does not commit you to anything. We’re here to help you understand your options without pressure.
GP negligence can occur in many different ways. Some common examples of GP negligence include:
Your GP completely misses a condition or gives the wrong diagnosis, resulting in the wrong treatment or a harmful delay in getting the right care.
Your GP doesn’t refer you for specialist evaluation or further tests when your symptoms clearly require it, causing your condition to go untreated or worsen.
Prescribing incorrect medication or the wrong dosage, or failing to review your allergies and medical history, potentially causing adverse reactions or unsuitable treatment.
Dismissing significant symptoms, meaning a serious health issue is overlooked.
Not recognising the urgency of your condition, leading to delays in diagnosis or starting treatment, which can result in avoidable complications.
When treatment involves medical equipment such as implants, pacemakers, or monitoring devices, negligence can occur if a GP ignores symptoms suggesting device failure, overlooks faulty readings, or delays referral to a specialist.
Each of these situations can leave a patient in a worse position than they should have been. If you recognise any of these scenarios in your own experience with a GP, you may be wondering what your rights are and whether you can make a claim.
A GP negligence claim can cover both the physical and emotional impact of the mistake, as well as any financial losses you’ve incurred. Compensation typically includes damages for pain and suffering, reflecting the injury and its effect on your quality of life. You can also claim for loss of earnings if your ability to work has been affected, and for ongoing care or rehabilitation costs where additional medical support is needed. In some cases, claims may also include future losses or the cost of adapting your home or lifestyle to cope with long-term effects.
To succeed in a GP negligence claim, you’ll need to show what went wrong and how it caused you harm but don’t worry, your solicitor will handle this for you. They’ll gather key evidence, including your medical records from your GP and any hospitals, which detail consultations, test results, diagnoses, and treatments. These help identify what care was provided and where things went wrong.
We may also instruct independent medical experts to review your case. Their opinion on whether your GP’s actions met accepted medical standards can provide powerful evidence of negligence.
Any information you can share will also help, such as letters, test results, personal notes, or records from further treatment or second opinions. Even witness statements from family members who attended appointments can strengthen your claim.
Choosing the right solicitor can make all the difference in a complex GP negligence claim. Here’s why so many clients in situations like yours turn to Thorneycroft Solicitors for help:
When you choose Thorneycroft Solicitors, you’re choosing a team that truly cares about achieving justice for you. We combine legal skill with empathy, completely focused on getting the answers and compensation you deserve.
If you suspect that poor GP care has caused you or your family member harm, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our specialist GP negligence solicitors at Thorneycroft are here to listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.
Contact us today for a free, confidential chat about your case. There’s no charge and no obligation – just honest, expert advice. Call us on 01625 503 444 to speak with our clinical negligence team, or reach out through our online contact form and we will get back to you at a convenient time.
