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.
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Specialist claims
GP Negligence Claims
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.
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Could this apply to you?
1
Failure to refer
2
Missed red-flag symptoms
3
Incorrect medication
Last updated 6 August 2026
Understanding the claim
What can amount to gp negligence?
A poor outcome alone does not prove negligence. The investigation considers what a reasonably competent healthcare professional should have done and whether any failure made a material difference to the outcome.
Failure to refer
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Missed red-flag symptoms
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Incorrect medication
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Failure to review test results
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Failure to arrange follow-up
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Repeated treatment without adequate investigation
This can justify investigation depending on the clinical circumstances, available evidence and harm caused.
Evidence
How a gp negligence claim may be investigated
Relevant evidence depends on the circumstances. Common sources include:
01
GP consultation records
The evidence is considered alongside the chronology and appropriate independent expert opinion.
02
Prescription history
The evidence is considered alongside the chronology and appropriate independent expert opinion.
03
Referral records
The evidence is considered alongside the chronology and appropriate independent expert opinion.
04
Independent GP and specialist evidence
The evidence is considered alongside the chronology and appropriate independent expert opinion.
The process
What happens after an initial enquiry
- 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.
Compensation
What can compensation take into account?
There is no reliable generic calculator for medical negligence. Where liability is established, compensation can reflect the individual injury and financial consequences supported by evidence.
- Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Past and future loss of earnings
- Care and assistance
- Rehabilitation and treatment
- Equipment, travel or accommodation needs
- Other reasonable losses caused by the injury
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Tell us what happened.
Questions answered
GP Negligence FAQs
Can I claim against my GP practice?
Potentially. The legal route depends on the circumstances, but negligent primary care can form the basis of a medical negligence claim.
What if different GPs saw me?
The full chronology can be reviewed. The investigation looks at the care provided at each relevant stage rather than only one appointment.
Related guidance
Useful medical negligence guides
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
Talk to us about a potential gp negligence claim.
Tell us what happened and our team can explain the next steps.