Medical negligence in women's health:a complete guide to claiming
How women's health negligence claims work in England and Wales — who can claim, common claims, time limits, what compensation covers and the steps involved.
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Written by Leanne Henton, Head of Personal Injury and Medical Negligence.Reviewed by Leanne Henton on .
A women's health claim is a medical negligence claim. You need to show your care was substandard and caused avoidable harm. Most claims have a three-year time limit, with exceptions. Compensation covers the injury and your financial losses, and we act on a No Win No Fee basis across England and Wales.
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Figures verified with NJS Law on 9 November 2026.
1What is a women's health negligence claim?
Medical negligence in areas such as gynaecology, maternity, breast and gynaecological cancer diagnosis, and endometriosis. Your care is judged against the Bolam and Bolitho standard, and a claim needs a duty of care, a breach and harm caused by that breach.
2Could you be entitled to compensation?
You may have a claim if your care was substandard, it caused avoidable harm, and you are within the time limit. Common scenarios include:
- Delayed cancer diagnosis
- Birth injuries to mother or baby
- Surgical errors
- Vaginal mesh complications
- Sodium valproate exposure in pregnancy
- Long delays in diagnosing endometriosis
You can also claim on behalf of a child or a relative who has died.
3How long do I have to make a claim?
| Situation | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Adult | 3 years from treatment or date of knowledge |
| Child or birth injury | Until age 21 |
| Lack of mental capacity from the date of injury | Does not start until capacity returns; if capacity is lost later, the time limit keeps running |
| Fatal claim | 3 years from death or knowledge |
4How much compensation can I claim?
| Type of harm | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Delayed treatable cancer | Depends on severity: ask us for an estimate |
| Severe maternal birth injury | Depends on severity: ask us for an estimate |
| Cerebral palsy / severe brain injury | £289,420 to £533,720 |
| Vaginal mesh complications | Depends on severity: ask us for an estimate |
| Loss of fertility | Depends on severity: ask us for an estimate |
| Psychological injury | £2,040 to £152,900 |
Indicative ranges based on the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026). General guidance only, not a quote — financial losses (special damages) are added on top.
5How do I make a claim?
6Why choose NJS Law?
7Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to make a claim?
| Claim type | Usual time limit |
|---|---|
| Personal injury | 3 years from the accident or date of knowledge |
| Medical / dental negligence | 3 years from the negligence or when you became aware of the harm |
| Children | Until their 21st birthday |
Will I have to go to court?
What counts as women's health negligence?
Can I claim for a delayed cancer diagnosis?
Can I claim for a birth injury to me or my baby?
What does No Win No Fee mean?
8More on women's health claims
- Birth injury claims
- C-section injuries
- Cerebral palsy claims
- Retained placenta claims
- Breast cancer misdiagnosis
- Ovarian cancer misdiagnosis
- Bowel cancer misdiagnosis
- Endometriosis negligence
- Endometriosis misdiagnosis
- Vaginal mesh claims
- Sodium valproate claims
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