Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional provides care that falls below the expected standard, leading to injury, illness, or worsening of a patient’s condition. In a city like Durham, where residents rely on services from institutions such as University Hospital of North Durham and local GP surgeries like Claypath Medical Practice, it’s essential to recognise when something has gone wrong in your treatment.
Marley Solicitors has supported clients in Durham who have experienced various types of medical negligence, helping them secure the compensation they deserve. Understanding the warning signs early on can be critical to your recovery and your legal options.
What is considered medical negligence?
Medical negligence (also known as clinical negligence) includes a range of failures by healthcare professionals, such as misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, surgical errors, and neglect during aftercare. When these errors cause you harm, you may be entitled to make a claim.
Negligence can occur in almost any healthcare setting, including GP clinics, hospitals, dental surgeries, and even during home visits. What defines it is not just the outcome, but whether the level of care fell below the accepted medical standard.
Can I claim medical negligence compensation in Durham?
Yes, if you’ve suffered physical or emotional harm due to substandard medical care in Durham, you may be eligible to claim compensation. This applies whether your treatment occurred at an NHS facility or a private practice. Marley Solicitors offers free consultations to assess your case.
It’s important to note that even if the healthcare provider did not act with intent to harm, you may still have a valid claim if their actions were negligent. The law focuses on the impact of the care you received, rather than the provider’s intentions.
Common signs of medical negligence
It’s not always easy to tell if your situation qualifies as medical negligence, but there are several signs that something may be wrong:
- Worsening of your condition despite treatment
- Receiving an incorrect or delayed diagnosis
- Being prescribed the wrong medication or dosage
- Unexpected complications after a routine procedure
- Poor follow-up care or lack of aftercare advice
- A healthcare provider dismissing or ignoring your symptoms
- Infections or injuries acquired during a hospital stay
- Long wait times that result in condition deterioration
If any of these apply to your experience, you should seek legal advice promptly.
Examples of negligence in local services
Residents of Durham may encounter different types of medical negligence across various services:
- At University Hospital of North Durham: Cases may include delays in cancer diagnosis, inadequate post-operative care, or mismanaged A&E treatment
- In GP surgeries: Misdiagnosis, missed referrals, delayed test results, or inappropriate prescriptions
- Dental clinics in Durham: Incomplete root canals, nerve injuries, poor hygiene leading to infection, or untreated complications
- Mental health services: Inadequate follow-ups, incorrect medication dosage, insufficient risk assessments, or breaches of confidentiality
- Community midwives and health visitors: Missed symptoms in newborns, failure to escalate care, or poor communication with hospitals
Each case is unique, and even small oversights can lead to significant harm over time. That’s why early recognition and expert legal advice are essential.
What to do if you suspect medical negligence
If you believe you’ve been the victim of medical negligence, taking the right steps early on can make a big difference:
- Seek a second medical opinion to clarify your condition and the quality of prior care
- Request your medical records from the provider involved as early as possible
- Document everything, including dates, symptoms, medications, and communications
- Note any changes in your health or diagnosis timeline
- Speak to a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence claims to discuss your legal options
Marley Solicitors can help you determine whether you have grounds for a claim and guide you through the process with clarity and compassion.
Time limits for making a claim
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligence or from when you became aware of the injury to start a claim. This period is legally known as the limitation period.
There are exceptions:
- Children: The three-year period begins on their 18th birthday
- Individuals with diminished mental capacity: The time limit does not start unless capacity is regained
- Fatal cases: Relatives have three years from the date of death to make a claim
It’s best to act quickly, as gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time.
How much compensation could you receive?
Compensation for medical negligence in Durham can vary depending on the severity and impact of the harm suffered. It may cover:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- Ongoing medical costs, such as private treatments or rehabilitation
- Loss of earnings or future earning potential
- Travel expenses related to your treatment
- Adaptations to your home or lifestyle caused by long-term injury
No two claims are exactly alike. Marley Solicitors will assess your individual circumstances to provide a tailored estimate.
Additional impacts of medical negligence
Beyond the physical consequences, medical negligence can significantly affect your emotional well-being and personal life. Clients often report feelings of:
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of trust in healthcare providers
- Difficulty returning to work or everyday activities
- Strain on family and relationships
We recognise that these aspects are just as important as physical injury. Compensation can help you access psychological support and get your life back on track.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Durham?
Marley Solicitors has extensive experience with medical negligence claims across the North East, including Durham. Our team understands how local healthcare services operate and can gather the necessary evidence quickly and efficiently.
We are familiar with the NHS trusts operating in the area, such as County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, which helps us navigate your claim effectively.
We take a compassionate, client-first approach, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way. Our consultations are free, and we offer no-win, no-fee arrangements to ease the financial burden.
With years of local insight and legal expertise, Marley Solicitors is well positioned to help you seek justice.
FAQs
How do I prove medical negligence?
You’ll need to demonstrate three key elements:
- The medical provider owed you a duty of care
- That duty was breached by substandard treatment
- The breach caused you identifiable harm or injury
Medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements all play a role in proving these elements. Our team can coordinate with medical experts to support your claim.
Can I claim on behalf of someone else in Durham?
Yes, you can claim on behalf of a child, someone with diminished capacity, or a deceased relative. Special legal rules apply in these situations, and Marley Solicitors can guide you through the appropriate procedures with sensitivity and professionalism.
Take action today
If you believe you’ve been affected by medical negligence in Durham, don’t wait. Contact Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to listen, advise, and help you move forward with confidence.
Our dedicated team is proud to serve the Durham community and is ready to stand by your side throughout the legal process.
