GP Negligence Claims Solicitors
Your GP is often the first person you turn to when something feels wrong. You trust them to listen, to act, and to refer you to the right specialist when needed. When that care falls short and you’re left with a worsening condition, a missed diagnosis, or preventable harm, the impact can be devastating, both physically and emotionally.
If you believe you or a loved one has suffered harm because of a GP’s substandard care, you may be entitled to make a GP negligence claim. At JNP Legal, our experienced medical negligence solicitors provide clear, compassionate support to patients across South Wales and beyond, helping you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
We know this isn’t just about money. It’s about getting answers, achieving accountability, and finding a way forward after something that should never have happened.
Speak to our GP negligence solicitors today
Our team is here to help. JNP Legal is a regional law firm with offices in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Nelson and Pontyclun.
Please email us at law@jnplegal.org or call us on the number specific to the office closest to you. Alternatively, fill out our enquiry form, and we will respond to you quickly.
What is GP negligence?
GP negligence occurs when a general practitioner fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent GP would have provided in the same circumstances, and that failure causes you harm.
Not every mistake or poor outcome amounts to negligence. Our solicitors can assess your circumstances and advise you in detail on whether you have grounds to proceed.
Common examples of GP negligence
Some of the most common situations we see include:
- Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis: missing a serious condition such as cancer, sepsis, or a heart condition when the symptoms were present
- Failure to refer: not referring you to a specialist when your symptoms warranted further investigation
- Failure to examine: not carrying out an adequate physical examination or assessment
- Delayed treatment: taking too long to act on symptoms, leading to a condition progressing unnecessarily
- Failure to act on test results: not following up on abnormal blood tests, scans, or other investigations in a timely way
- Prescribing errors: issuing incorrect medication, the wrong dosage, or failing to check for dangerous drug interactions
Proving a GP negligence claim
To succeed in a GP negligence claim, you need to show two things on the balance of probabilities:
- Breach of duty: your GP’s care fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent general practitioner in that situation
- Causation: that breach of duty directly caused or materially contributed to the harm you suffered
Independent medical expert evidence is central to most claims. An expert in the relevant field will review your medical records and provide an opinion on whether the care you received met the required standard. Their duty is to the court, not to either party, which helps ensure an objective assessment.
How much compensation could you receive?
Compensation in a GP negligence claim is made up of two elements:
- General damages: for your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by the negligence
- Special damages: for financial losses, including lost earnings, the cost of private treatment, ongoing care needs, and travel expenses
The amount you could receive depends on the nature and severity of the harm caused, your personal circumstances, and the extent of any ongoing impact on your life.
Time limits for GP negligence claims
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligent treatment, or from the date you became aware (or should reasonably have become aware) that the treatment caused you harm, to bring a claim. This is known as the date of knowledge.
There are some important exceptions:
- Children: the three-year period does not begin to run until their 18th birthday
- Lack of mental capacity: time limits may be suspended for as long as the person lacks capacity
- Deceased patients: claims must generally be brought within three years of the date of death, or three years from when the estate became aware the death was linked to negligence
Time limits in medical negligence are strict. If you’re unsure whether yours has passed, please contact us as soon as possible.
The GP negligence claims process step by step
Step 1: Initial consultation
We’ll discuss your experience, explain the legal process, and give you an honest view on the strength of your potential claim.
Step 2: Gathering evidence
We’ll obtain your medical records, review the clinical history, and identify the key issues in your case.
Step 3: Independent expert review
We’ll instruct a suitably qualified medical expert to provide an opinion on breach of duty and causation. We may need to obtain independent evidence from multiple experts to determine liability and advise on the prospects of success.
Step 4: Letter of Claim
If independent evidence is supportive, we’ll send a formal Letter of Claim to the GP’s legal representative setting out your allegations.
Step 5: Investigation and response
The defendant has a set period to investigate and respond to the claim.
Step 6: Negotiation or court
Most claims settle through negotiation without the need for a court hearing. If settlement cannot be reached, we’ll represent your interests through the court process.
Can you claim against an NHS GP or a private GP?
Yes, you can bring a claim against both NHS and private GPs. Claims against NHS GPs are typically handled by the relevant health board in Wales, and NHS Resolution in England.
For private GPs and their practice, the claim is usually directed to their medical defence organisation or professional indemnity insurer. The legal test for negligence is the same in both cases. You can read more about bringing a claim against the NHS here.
Reporting a GP vs making a claim
Making a legal claim for compensation is separate from making a formal complaint or reporting a GP to a regulatory body.
If you want to raise concerns about the care you received, you can:
- Complain to the GP practice through its internal complaints process
- Escalate to the NHS Ombudsman if you’re not satisfied with the response
- Report to the General Medical Council (GMC) if you have serious concerns about a GP’s fitness to practise
These routes do not result in compensation. You can pursue a complaint and a legal claim at the same time, and our solicitors can advise on how to manage both processes effectively.
Why choose JNP Legal for your GP negligence claim
At JNP Legal, we understand how difficult it is to take legal action against a medical professional you once trusted. Our medical negligence team provides clear, honest advice from the outset, without jargon and without pressure.
JNP Legal is also
We offer no win, no fee arrangements (formally known as a conditional fee agreement) for qualifying cases, which means you won’t pay our legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful. We’ll explain your funding options fully before you commit to anything.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sue my GP for negligence?
Yes. If your GP’s care fell below the standard of a reasonably competent general practitioner, and that failure caused you harm, you may have grounds for a claim.
How long do I have to make a GP negligence claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligence or from the date you became aware it caused your harm. Exceptions apply for children, those lacking mental capacity, and claims brought on behalf of a deceased person.
How much compensation can I claim for GP negligence?
Compensation varies depending on the harm caused, its impact on your life, and any financial losses incurred.
How do I prove GP negligence?
You need to show that your GP’s care fell below the accepted standard and that this caused or worsened your condition. Independent medical expert evidence is usually required to support both points.
Will I have to go to court?
Most GP negligence claims settle through negotiation and never reach a courtroom. However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, our experienced team can represent you through the court process.
How much does a GP negligence claim cost?
Many claims are funded through a no win, no fee conditional fee agreement, meaning you pay nothing if the claim is unsuccessful. Other options include legal expenses insurance or private funding.
Can I claim if my GP missed a cancer diagnosis?
Yes. A missed or delayed cancer diagnosis is one of the most serious forms of GP negligence. If an earlier diagnosis would have led to less extensive treatment or a better prognosis, you may have a strong claim.
Should I complain to the GMC or make a claim?
These are different processes. A GMC complaint focuses on a GP’s fitness to practise and does not result in compensation. A legal claim can secure financial redress for the harm you’ve suffered.
Can I claim on behalf of a relative who has died?
Yes. Where a patient has died as a result of GP negligence, a claim can be brought by the estate through the executor or administrator. Separate claims for bereavement and dependency may also be available for qualifying family members.
How long does a GP negligence claim take?
Timescales vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it settles or proceeds to court. Many claims are resolved within one to three years, though some can take longer.
Start your GP negligence claim with JNP Legal
If you believe you or a loved one has suffered harm because of a GP’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our medical negligence solicitors are here to listen, advise, and support you at every stage from our offices in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Nelson and Pontyclun.
Please email us at law@jnplegal.org or call us on the number specific to the office closest to you. Alternatively, fill out our enquiry form and we will respond to you quickly.