Clinical Negligence

For most patients, General Practitioners are their first point of contact with the NHS and provide an invaluable service. However, their errors can sometimes lead to catastrophic results. GP negligence can result from a failure to refer a patient for appropriate investigations, such as an X-ray, or specialist treatment; failure to promptly diagnose illness, such as cancer and meningitis; and failure to identify the seriousness of an illness.

Here are some examples of GP error claims we have settled:

GP breach of duty

Hay & Kilner has successfully settled a claim for £6.5m following a failure by the Defendant GP to adequately assess our client’s symptoms, take a detailed history and refer urgently to hospital for immediate investigation. As a result, our client developed severe complications arising from an infectious process, which would otherwise have been avoided. Our client suffered a severe neurological brain injury. It was successfully argued that he would have made a complete recovery in the absence of the GP’s breach of duty.

Failure to refer a patient for further investigation at hospital

Hay & Kilner obtained compensation of £5,000 following a failure by a GP to refer our client to hospital for further investigations.

Our client presented to his GP with shortness of breath, swollen legs and fluid retention. The GP failed to consider a diagnosis of pulmonary congestion. The symptoms progressed and our client was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with congestive failure, cardiogenic shock and infected fluid on the lung. Although no long-term damage was caused as a consequence of the GPs breach of duty, it was successfully argued that our client could have avoided a three month period of pain and suffering.

For further information, please contact Clare Thompson on 0192 232 8345 or email clare.thompson@hay-kilner.co.uk