Surgical Negligence Claims

Claim compensation with expert surgical negligence solicitors

If you believe you have experienced harm due to surgical negligence our expert solicitors can help you claim compensation

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  • “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.”

  • “Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.”

Every year, millions of operations are carried out safely by the NHS and private hospitals across the UK. Most procedures go smoothly. However, when mistakes happen, the consequences can be serious, sometimes life-changing or even fatal. In such cases, patients may have grounds to bring a medical negligence claim.

What is surgical negligence?

Surgical negligence happens when a surgeon or medical team causes harm to a patient during surgery by failing to meet the required standard of care. This can mean making an avoidable mistake or worsening an existing condition.

Surgeons are legally and professionally expected to carry out procedures with a reasonable degree of skill and care. If they fall short of this standard, and the patient suffers as a result, a claim for surgical negligence may be justified.

To succeed in a claim, two key things must be proven:

  • Breach of duty: That the treatment fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent surgeon in that field.
  • Causation: That the harm would not have occurred ‘but for’ the negligent act or omission.

For example, an orthopaedic surgeon’s actions will be judged against a responsible body of other orthopaedic surgeons. If no competent body would have acted the same way, negligence is likely established.

Common types of surgical negligence

There are many different types of surgical negligence. However, some of those most commonly experienced in practice include the performance of the wrong procedure or operating on the wrong body part.

  • Wrong procedure or body part: Operating on the wrong body part or performing the incorrect procedure entirely.
  • Foreign objects left inside the body: Leaving surgical tools, sponges, or clips inside the patient after surgery, often causing infection or pain.
  • Nerve or organ damage: Unintended damage to nerves or internal organs, particularly when not recognised and treated promptly.
  • Infections due to poor hygiene: Post-surgical infections (Sepsis, for example) caused by inadequate sterilisation or aftercare.
  • Failure to obtain informed consent: If a patient is not properly informed and would have made a different decision had they known the risks, this may amount to negligence, even if a consent form was signed. Before surgery, patients must be fully informed about the risks, possible alternatives, and likely outcomes of the procedure.

Real case examples: How Osbornes Law has helped

Retained surgical staple after shoulder surgery

We represented a man who underwent an arthroscopy on his shoulder. A surgical staple fell into the wound and was left behind. This led to a serious infection, months of pain, and the need for further surgery. We secured a five-figure compensation sum, covering:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Private medical treatment costs
  • Care provided by his partner
  • Loss of earnings during recovery

Nerve injury following ankle surgery

Another client suffered permanent nerve damage during surgery to repair a fractured ankle. She had not been warned about the risk beforehand. The injury left her unable to return to work. We obtained expert evidence and successfully secured a settlement.

Undiagnosed organ damage

We have also supported women injured during routine surgeries where damage to the bladder or bowel was not identified in time. In some cases, these delays caused lifelong complications. Our legal team achieved admissions of fault and meaningful compensation.

Starting a surgical negligence claim

If you or a loved one has experienced an injury following a surgical procedure, you may have grounds for a claim based on surgical negligence. Understanding the process is essential to seeking justice and compensation for your injuries.

  1. Get expert legal advice: Our team of medical negligence solicitors have acted for many patients who have suffered injury as a result of surgical negligence. Get in touch if you wish for them to investigate your claim.
  2. Gather medical records: It will be necessary for our team to obtain all of your medical records to determine what went wrong and whether this could have been avoided. This documentation is crucial for establishing the facts of your case.
  3. Consult a medical expert: Often, we will need to instruct an independent medical expert to comment on the treatment you received and whether in their opinion the level of care fell below that which could be supported by a responsible body of surgeons. This expert will evaluate whether, in their opinion, the level of care fell below that which could be supported by a responsible body of surgeons. Their insights can significantly strengthen your claim.

Why choose Osbornes Law?

  • Specialist clinical negligence solicitors with a proven track record in surgical negligence claims
  • Accredited by the Law Society and members of the Action Against Medical Accidents panel
  • No-win, no-fee available in most cases
  • Compassionate, practical advice throughout your claim

Start your surgical negligence claim today

We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a surgical error. Our team is here to listen, support you, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

To speak with one of our solicitors, contact us by:

  • Filling in our online enquiry form; or
  • Calling us on 020 7485 8811

Contact us about a surgical negligence claim

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    • 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.

      Legal 500 2025

    • 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.

      Legal 500 2025

    • Osbornes is a very respected firm in the marketplace.

      Chambers UK 2024

    • They handle really complex cases very well

      Chambers UK 2024

    • The clinical negligence team are knowledgeable and professional in their approach and demonstrate a high level of skill in litigation work.

      Chambers UK 2024

    • Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.

      Chambers UK 2024

    • Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.

      Chambers UK 2024

    • Osbornes has a skilled team of solicitors advising clients on a wide range of clinical negligence matters.

      Legal 500 2024

    • Hard working, approachable, good knowledge of clinical negligence and clients’ specific conditions

      Legal 500 2024

    • A joy to work with and always 100% client focused at all times.

      Legal 500 2024

    • The clinical negligence team at Osbornes is much lauded for its ability to ‘represent the diverse range of London-based clients

      Legal 500 2024

    • “The team is very quick and efficient in responding."

      CHAMBERS UK 2023

    • "Obsbornes Law is always client-focused and works tirelessly to obtain the best outcomes for clients."

      CHAMBERS UK 2023

    • Stephanie Prior is head of the clinical negligence department at Osbornes Law. She acts on a wide range of issues, including claims for brain injuries sustained at birth and delays in diagnosis. She frequently represents clients in fatal claims involving surgical error.

      Chambers UK 2023

    • ‘They are ambitious for their clients and expect high standards from all who work with them.’

      Legal 500 2023

    • "Osbornes somehow combine the accessibility of a local firm, with the professional standards of a national or city outfit."

      Legal 500 2023

    • "Osbornes, is described as having ‘superb judgement and a medical knowledge that is second to none."

      Legal 500 2023

    • Stephanie has developed a particularly strong reputation for her handling of birth injury claims, as well as cases concerning surgical negligence and delays in surgery.

      Chambers UK

    • "An excellent firm which achieves fantastic outcomes for clients."

      Legal 500 2021

    • "Stephanie Prior takes on complex cases and gets excellent results. She has a background in medicine which serves her clients well and is a realistic but tough litigator."

      Legal 500 2021

    • "Stephanie Prior is hugely dedicated, adored by her clients, tenacious, efficient and extremely knowledgeable."

      Legal 500 2021

    • "Stephanie Prior is very good with troubled clients and is easily able to make them feel at ease."

      Legal 500 2021

    • "Stephanie shows sensitivity and deals with things in an understanding way."

      Chambers UK 2021

    • Osbornes provides a very intimate and personal client service which is increasingly rare in this sector.

      Legal 500 2020 - Clinical Negligence

    • The lawyers in the team are highly experienced and will drive cases very hard on behalf of their clients.

      Legal 500 2020 - Clinical Negligence

    • "Stephanie Prior has a realistic attitude to the complexities of the cases. She wins the trust of her clients and goes the extra mile to ensure they get the best outcomes."

      Legal 500 2020 - Stephanie Prior

    • "Stephanie Prior... manages a varied caseload, including obstetric claims, child and adult brain injury cases and fatal and non-fatal spinal cord injury cases."

      Chambers UK

    • "Stephanie is experienced, knowledgeable of all aspects of clinical negligence work, and strategic in running cases."

      Chambers UK

    • "An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."

      Chambers UK

    • "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."

      Chambers UK

    • Stephanie Prior is always very professional and kind. Highly recommended.

      Medical Negligence Client

    • 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.

      Medical Negligence Client

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