Legal insights

How Can a GP Be Classed as Negligent?

Here’s the full picture behind this week’s 60-second explainer, including common examples of GP negligence and the range of damages you may be able to recover.

The Short Answer

A GP can be classed as negligent in a number of ways, including misdiagnosing your condition, failing to make or delaying a referral for diagnostic testing, or not treating your symptoms correctly. Alongside damages for the physical or emotional harm caused, you may also be able to recover compensation for lost earnings, future losses, and additional care costs incurred during further treatment.

Common Examples of GP Negligence

GP negligence claims can arise from several different failings, often relating to diagnosis or the pace of onward care.

  • Misdiagnosis of your condition
  • Failing to refer, or delaying a referral, for diagnostic testing
  • Not treating your symptoms in the correct manner

“Well, sadly, there are a number of ways a GP can be negligent. These can include the misdiagnosis of your condition, failing to or delaying your referral for diagnostic testing, or simply not treating you and your symptoms in the correct manner.” From the video, 0:09

You can read more about gp negligence on our gp negligence claims service page.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Compensation for a GP negligence claim isn’t limited to the harm caused by the negligence itself. A number of other losses may also be recoverable.

  • Damages for physical or emotional harm
  • Lost earnings
  • Future losses
  • Additional care costs incurred during further treatment

“In addition to damages for the physical or emotional harm that’s caused, there are several other elements you may be able to receive compensation for, such as lost earnings, future losses, or any additional care costs you incurred during the further treatment.” From the video, 0:19

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For a broader look at the claims process, see our How Medical Negligence Claims Work guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

This can include misdiagnosis, failing to make or delaying a referral for diagnostic testing, or not treating your symptoms correctly.

Alongside damages for the physical or emotional harm caused, you may also be able to claim for lost earnings, future losses, and additional care costs.

It can, where failing to refer you, or delaying a referral, for diagnostic testing falls below the standard of care expected.

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Conclusion

GP negligence can show up in a number of ways, from a missed diagnosis to a delayed referral, and the impact often extends beyond the initial harm itself. If your care didn’t meet the standard you’d expect, it’s worth finding out where you stand.

Thinking about a claim? Read about Medical Negligence Claims and how No Win No Fee works, or send us your enquiry.

No Win No Fee: The law limits our success fee to 25% of the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for past financial losses, after any state benefits are repaid. Compensation for future losses is not counted. If you win, our success fee is deducted from your compensation. It is a percentage of our basic charges, and the law limits it as set out above. Any After the Event insurance premium is payable only if you win, and is never charged upfront. Your letter of engagement sets out exactly what you will pay for your type of claim, and we explain it before you sign. If you lose, you pay us nothing. This applies as long as you keep to your responsibilities under the agreement. You may have to pay costs if you end your claim early, fail to beat an offer the other side made, or a court finds your claim dishonest or exaggerated; where we have arranged After the Event insurance, it covers some of these costs if you keep to the policy's terms. See exactly what you pay.

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