GP Negligence Claims
Can I Sue My GP for Negligence?
If you suspect a negligent GP or doctor has harmed you, it's important to understand your rights and options for claiming compensation.
Call 020 7485 8811 today.
“Osbornes handles a wide range of high-value and complex clinical negligence cases, with particular expertise in birth injury, delayed cancer diagnosis, spinal injury, and fatal claims.”
“Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.”
Suing a doctor for negligence: Your rights explained
All UK residents are entitled to access care from a General Practitioner (GP) through the NHS. GPs are trained medical professionals who serve as the first point of contact in the healthcare system, diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions and referring patients for specialist or emergency care when needed.
If you believe that you’ve suffered harm because of a GP’s mistake or substandard care, you may be entitled to pursue a GP negligence claim. This is a type of clinical negligence claim, where compensation may be available for the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by a doctor’s failure to meet expected standards.
What is GP negligence?
GP negligence refers to situations where a GP fails to provide medical care that meets the accepted professional standard, resulting in harm or injury to a patient that could have been avoided. This can include a range of actions or omissions, including misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, medication errors, or failure to refer to specialists when necessary.
Can I sue my GP for negligence?
Yes, you can sue your GP if their care falls below the standard expected of a reasonably competent doctor and this directly causes you harm or worsens your condition. If you believe your GP’s actions have caused you unnecessary suffering, you may be able to claim compensation.
Standards of care
The Royal College of General Practitioners operates two schemes to assess the care standards of GP practices. A practice may be awarded the Quality Practice Award if it provides ‘exceptional care.’ At the same time, it may receive ‘Practice Accreditation’ if it provides a wide range of ‘safe, high-quality, and responsive care.
Every patient has a right to good quality health care based on best practice guidelines. You should receive drugs and treatment appropriate to your condition and recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
However, despite guidelines, quality awards, and extensive training, GPs can and do make mistakes. Sometimes, these mistakes rise to the level of medical negligence. These mistakes can sometimes lead to surgical negligence claims, especially when errors occur during surgical procedures.
How do I prove a negligent GP claim?
To establish that a GP has been negligent, it must be shown that:
- There was a duty of care
- That duty of care was not met
- Due to this breach of care, harm was caused
Successfully proving these elements can lead to compensation claims for the harm caused by the GP’s negligence. Medical negligence cases cover all aspects of GP care, some of which make the national headlines.
Common types of GP negligence
According to the Medical Defence Union, which provides insurance for around half of GPs, claims for misconduct and poor practice are rising.
Among the most frequent claims are:
- Cancer misdiagnosis
- Failure to diagnose infections
- Missed ectopic pregnancy
- Undiagnosed fractures
These errors can lead to serious harm, long-term complications, or even death. At Osbornes Law, our specialist medical negligence solicitors have represented hundreds of clients affected by GP and doctor negligence. If you’ve suffered due to substandard medical care, you may be entitled to compensation.
Real-world examples of GP Negligence
Gosport War Memorial Hospital
One of the most serious examples of GP negligence involved the Gosport War Memorial Hospital, where over 450 elderly patients died after being prescribed unnecessary and dangerous levels of painkillers.
Dr Jane Barton, a GP who supported the hospital’s wards, prescribed high doses of diamorphine through syringe drivers—despite the medication not being clinically justified for the patients’ conditions. This practice continued for 12 years.
Although hospital consultants were aware of these prescribing practices, they failed to intervene. Nurses raised concerns but were reportedly warned not to escalate them. An official inquiry later found an “institutionalised regime” of unsafe prescribing, contributing directly to avoidable deaths.
As of early 2025, Kent Police have identified 29 suspects in connection with the deaths at the hospital. The High Court has ordered new inquest solicitors into the deaths of several patients, including Gladys Richards, Arthur Cunningham, and Robert Wilson. These inquests aim to provide a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
GP negligence case studies: How Osbornes Law help patients
While the Gosport case is extreme, it underscores how dangerous poor GP care can be. At Osbornes Law, we support patients affected by GP negligence every day—often in less high-profile but equally life-altering situations.
Our experienced medical negligence solicitors have acted in a wide range of successful claims involving GP errors such as delayed diagnosis, failure to refer, and inappropriate prescribing.
Here are some real case studies we’ve recently settled:
- Inappropriate prescribing: A woman received a six-figure settlement after being prescribed an antibiotic for eight times longer than recommended, resulting in irreversible lung damage.
- Failure to diagnose: A man settled a medical negligence claim against two former GPs after they allegedly failed to identify classic symptoms of Giant Cell Arthritis and refer him for investigation and treatment.
- Missed urgent symptoms: A woman secured compensation after her GP failed to spot her detached retina, leading to significant vision loss.
These cases demonstrate our commitment to holding medical professionals accountable and helping patients secure the compensation they deserve.
GP negligence compensation: What you need to know
If you’ve suffered harm because of poor care from your GP, you may be entitled to compensation. GP negligence compensation is designed to help patients recover the financial and personal losses caused by substandard treatment.
This can include:
- Medical expenses for corrective treatment
- Loss of earnings or future income
- Pain and suffering—both physical and emotional
- Care and rehabilitation costs
- Impact on your quality of life
At Osbornes Law, our specialist medical negligence solicitors are here to help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
How much compensation could I receive?
The amount of compensation you could receive for doctor negligence depends on several key factors, including:
- The severity of your injury
- The impact on your daily life and future health
- The financial losses you’ve experienced
- The level of negligence involved
For example, a minor delay in treatment might result in a lower award than a serious misdiagnosis with long-term effects. Every case is unique, which is why we offer tailored advice to help you understand the potential value of your claim.
How to make a GP or doctor negligence compensation claim
Making a claim for GP negligence follows the same process as other medical negligence claims. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial consultation: We’ll listen to your experience and assess whether you may have grounds for a claim.
- Gathering evidence: This includes your medical records, expert opinions, and other relevant documentation.
- Making a formal complaint: You can raise your concerns directly with the GP practice or escalate the matter to the NHS, your local health board, or the General Medical Council (GMC).
- Building your case: If a duty of care was breached and you were harmed as a result, we’ll work with you to pursue compensation.
- Negotiation or court proceedings: Most claims settle out of court, but we are fully prepared to represent you if necessary.
We handle most cases on a no win, no fee basis, so you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim is successful.
Time limits for GP negligence claims
In most cases, you have three years to start a claim—either from the date the negligent treatment occurred or the date you first became aware of the harm caused.
There are exceptions:
- Children: The three-year time limit doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday.
- Lack of mental capacity: There is no time limit unless the person regains capacity.
Because time limits can vary, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our solicitors can confirm the deadline that applies to your case and ensure action is taken within the legal timeframe.
Why choose our Osbornes Law?
We are recognised specialists in medical negligence claims, with decades of experience helping patients recover compensation after suffering due to GP errors.
- Award-winning law firm
- Recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers UK
- Proven success in GP negligence cases
Contact Osbornes Law today for expert advice on making a GP negligence claim. To speak with one of our solicitors, contact us by:
- Filling in our online enquiry form; or
- Calling us on 020 7485 8811
What our clients say
Nicholas Leahy helped me through a very emotionally challenging medical negligence case over the course of 3+ years on a no win no fee basis. Throughout this time he remained approachable, reliable, quick and communicated very clearly with me. When things got too much for me he would patiently explain things and offer options. He seems to know the law and process inside out and is able to explain things simply and with so much patience. He also made the process as easy as possible for me by drafting as much of the documentation as possible for me based on our conversations and making himself available for calls whenever I needed. Throughout this time the defendant denied any liability but Nicholas kept his cool and determination even when I had no hope. We have now closed the case with a substantial settlement, which is will help my family and I get back on our feet financially. I whole heartedly recommend Nicholas to anyone who’s been harmed by medical negligence. Read the client review on TrustPilot.
FAQs
Why is accessing GP appointments increasingly difficult?
Access to GP appointments has become challenging due to a shift towards online-only booking systems, coupled with a shortage of qualified GPs. This has led to reduced availability and significant delays for many patients.
What problems arise from online-only booking systems for GP appointments?
Online-only booking creates barriers, particularly for elderly or vulnerable patients who may lack technological skills or internet access. It can also cause delays even for technologically proficient users due to system inefficiencies and demand.
Are alternative healthcare provisions like Pharmacy First sufficient substitutes for GP appointments?
While initiatives like Pharmacy First help manage minor conditions without GP involvement, many patients prefer direct access to GPs, particularly for more complex issues. Pharmacy services cannot entirely replace the expertise and care provided by GPs.
Speak to us about a GP Negligence Claim
Call us 020 7485 8811
For all new enquiries, please submit your details via the contact forms on our website. This will ensure your query reaches the right team and is handled promptly.
He also has a niche specialism in claims involving cauda equina syndrome.
Elline Demetriou is building a strong practice as a clinical negligence solicitor, handling a wide variety of cases including delayed diagnosis, surgical negligence and birth injuries.
Elline is always a pleasure to work with and always on top of complex cases.
Elline is a gifted lawyer and possesses a powerful combination of legal and medical skills, being tactically astute and having strong client care skills.
Elline is a delightful to work with and super reliable; you know she'll do a perfect job.
She advises on spinal injury claims.
Jodi Newton acts for clients on claims arising from negligent obstetric care, sepsis and delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Jodi is passionate and balances that with the ability to see the right way to run a case from her first involvement.
Jodi is very knowledgeable, gets outstanding results for her clients, and is always available when assistance is required.
Jodi is an absolute star.
Hugh has particular strength handling issues of causation and informed consent.
Hugh Johnson advises on claims regarding failures to diagnose and manage spinal injuries, as well as failings in psychiatric care.
He thinks outside the box and is always thinking a step ahead of his opponent.
Hugh is utterly charming, highly empathetic and a first rate lawyer. He always comes in with good observations.
Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.
The team has particular expertise in cases stemming from delays in diagnosis as well as surgical injury and wrongful birth claims.
Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.
They are a very tight team. They're very friendly, helpful and obtain excellent results for clients.
A quality firm of solicitors with excellence at all levels of the team.
They know the law inside out and proactively work with counsel to drive cases forward. They are a go-to for complex claims.
Ben Posford, head of catastrophic injury, is well-known for spinal cord and cauda equina claims, including high-profile fatality work.
Josie Robinson brings 20 years of experience to the team, with specialist insight into pelvic mesh claims and maternal death cases.
Elline Demetriou supports the team on catastrophic injury cases and has a growing caseload in maternity and care home negligence.
Elline Demetriou is an up and coming associate. She is thorough and empathetic, with great client care skills.
Nicholas Leahy leads the firm’s inquests work and has developed a specialism in stillbirth and surgical fatality claims.
Nicholas Leahy is a very impressive associate. He is sharp and gets to the crux of the case quickly.
Jodi Newton is a fierce advocate for her clients and a very genuine person. She cares about each case.
Jodi Newton is fantastic. She's detail orientated and a really capable head of birth and paediatric negligence. She's a joy to work with.
Jodi Newton is particularly noted for her work on cerebral palsy and maternal injury claims.
Osbornes handles a wide range of high-value and complex clinical negligence cases, with particular expertise in birth injury, delayed cancer diagnosis, spinal injury, and fatal claims.
I am always happy to get instructions from Osbornes. They have excellent quality work, the team knows exactly what they are doing and are a real pleasure to work with. Excellent legal knowledge.
The team has excellent leadership and provide an above and beyond service for their clients.
A close knit team with excellent knowledge and technical acumen across the board.
You get a real sense that they care about clients and each other, working together to get the best results.
The team works very well together as they are genuinely kind and friendly people.
Hugh's technical knowledge is superb.
He is excellent with very complex cases and their nuances.
I am very confident with Hugh representing me and always value his expertise and advice. He's always many steps ahead.
He is a master tactician and so on the ball; not a single thing goes under his radar. He really understands the medical side and is always thinking about how to achieve the best outcome for clients.
Hugh Johnson is fiendishly intelligent, with a laser sharp focus on the issues that matter.
Josie Robinson- very experienced, caring and professional. Excellent.
Elline Demetriou is one to watch for the future. She is determined and thoughtful, with a real dedication to her clients.
She is very tough, a real fighter, and drives a hard bargain for her clients. She has good judgment, and a good sense of the strengths and weaknesses of a case.
Jodi Newton is a passionate, hard-working and committed partner. She is excellent with clients, and gives absolutely 100% to all of her cases.
Nicholas Leahy - understands client needs very well, very responsive and proactive.
Jodi is very experienced and knowledgeable
It is a pleasure to work with Jodi. She has an excellent understanding of the issues and provides a good service.
Osbornes are always professional and diligent in respect of their clients.
Osbornes has an excellent depth of experience across the team.
Across the board, they are all a pleasure to work with. They always keep a pragmatic head and all have an eye on the best outcome for the client.
Jodi Newton - very hands on, gives every case her heart and soul
Jodi Newton is rapidly becoming the go-to partner for cerebral palsy cases. She has the determination to fight for her clients and is involved in some of the biggest cases at the moment.
Nicholas Leahy is a very safe pair of hands and really compassionate with clients. I expect great things from him in future.
Small but very effective and experienced team so every client benefits from the personal touch but also highly skilled litigation know-how. Capability of the team means they can handle all aspects of very complex cases as well as straightforward matters.
Ben Posford typically operates in the team’s spinal cord and cauda equina syndrome litigation.
Jodi Newton holds over 20 years of experience in birth and surgical injury cases, including those pertaining to cerebral palsy, negligent treatment of sepsis, and negligent A&E treatment.
The team frequently represents claimants in complex cognitive and spinal injury disputes, involving hypertensions, spinal fractures, as well as inadequate treatment of heart and blood diseases.
The team handles a host of complex maternal claims, including cognitive injuries as a result of delayed birth treatments, cerebral palsy, and vaginal mesh litigation.
Josie Robinson is fantastic with clients, very commercial and hugely experienced. Opponents respect her and she gets great results.
Osbornes is a very respected firm in the marketplace.
They handle really complex cases very well
The clinical negligence team are knowledgeable and professional in their approach and demonstrate a high level of skill in litigation work.
Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.
Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.
Jodi is really tenacious; she demands the best results and manages to secure them. She's got real drive and energy.
Jodi is passionate about what she does and is a good lawyer.
Jodi is very astute and compassionate.
Jodi Newton is passionate about her work and is a really creative lawyer, always trying to find practical and innovative solutions to problems encountered.
Jodi Newton is knowledgeable and well regarded.
Jodi Newton has specific expertise regarding birth negligence cases, including those which involve cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy injuries.
Osbornes has a skilled team of solicitors advising clients on a wide range of clinical negligence matters.
Hard working, approachable, good knowledge of clinical negligence and clients’ specific conditions
A joy to work with and always 100% client focused at all times.
The clinical negligence team at Osbornes is much lauded for its ability to ‘represent the diverse range of London-based clients
“The team is very quick and efficient in responding."
"Obsbornes Law is always client-focused and works tirelessly to obtain the best outcomes for clients."
Ben Posford leads the catastrophic injury team and regularly represents claimants in neurological injury and fatal accident claims. He also has a niche specialism in claims involving cauda equina syndrome.
Jodi Newton acts for clients on claims arising from negligent obstetric care, sepsis and delays in diagnosis and treatment. She also advises on spinal injury claims.
"She is really wonderful in sensitively handling clients in extreme situations and is a real fighter."
"Jodi Newton is approachable and always has the client's best interest at heart."
‘They are ambitious for their clients and expect high standards from all who work with them.’
"Osbornes somehow combine the accessibility of a local firm, with the professional standards of a national or city outfit."
"I’ve been hugely impressed by Jodi Newton – she’s truly passionate about her cases and her clients, a real fighter and a star in the making."
"Jodi Newton has carved out a niche specialism in cerebral palsy and serious claims arising out of childbirth. She is so committed to her clients and their claims that she always gains and deserves their respect. A true specialist."
"Osbornes, is described as having ‘superb judgement and a medical knowledge that is second to none."
"Ben Posford’s particular expertise in this area focuses upon cauda equina claims, of which he is an undisputed powerhouse."
"Jodi Newton is a tenacious and intelligent fee earner. She fights tooth and nail for her clients and gains their trust and respect from the outset."
"Nicholas Leahy works extremely hard and understands the commercial sensitivities of clinical negligence litigation."
"Her persistence, perspicacity, determination and efficiency are simply outstanding, as are her legal, analytical and negotiating skills."
They are an excellent firm who achieve fantastic outcomes for their clients. They are also very prominent in injuries to those travelling to or from Europe. Multiple languages are spoken by the team.
This firm is responsive and efficient. Their rapidity in dealing with complications or hiccups is excellent.
Jodi Newton is brilliant – a very capable, experienced and empathetic solicitor who has experience of handling high value and complicated cases. I am working with her on a cerebral palsy case at the moment, in which she has obtained an admission of liability and a substantial interim payment. A first class addition to the team.
Really great clinical negligence practice, staffed by experienced practitioners who know how NHS Trusts work. They also build great rapport with clients.’
The team at Osbornes was recently strengthened by the arrival of 'experienced and empathetic' associate Jodi Newton. She joins a department noted for its expertise in delayed diagnosis and wrongful birth claims.
A stand-out solicitor with a huge track record of successful clinical negligence work. She is forensic in her attention to detail, but also sees the broad sweep of strategic considerations”.
Excellent service from Osbornes throughout on a difficult clinical negligence claim. Nicholas Leahy who handled the claim was responsive and professional throughout, while also providing pragmatic advice and clear drafting.
Working with Osbornes Law was the best decision I could have made. Nick was really attentive to my issue and did a very thorough job. He truly made the process headache free! Highly recommend them.
Nick Leahy has been my Solicitor throughout this journey and has been absolutely amazing; kind, approachable and extremely supportive... Through some dogged determination by Nick we achieved our goal without having to go to trial. I cannot thank Nick, Stephanie and all of the team at Osbornes highly enough for achieving a very favourable settlement, the outcome of which will make a huge difference to myself and my family.
“The stand-out solicitor is Jodi Newton, who has a huge track record of successful clinical negligence work. She is forensic in her attention to detail, but also sees the broad sweep of strategic considerations”.
"An excellent firm which achieves fantastic outcomes for clients."
Osbornes provides a very intimate and personal client service which is increasingly rare in this sector.
The lawyers in the team are highly experienced and will drive cases very hard on behalf of their clients.
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"Offers specialist expertise in cauda equina syndrome cases."
"Osbornes often handles claims valued at over £1m, particularly relating to severe brain and spinal cord injuries and niche areas such as cauda equina syndrome and cycling accidents."
"The team were extremely professional in putting my needs first. There was a joined-up approach to catering for the client, and all lawyers involved were briefed and constructive."
Quite simply excellent, with a highly competent and well-rounded team. They understand complex medical litigation and have been our lifesavers, and we will always owe them our immense gratitude.
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