When we visit a hospital, we expect to be looked after, yet sadly, sometimes medical experts can let us down with a poor standard of care.
NHS Resolution, the NHS dispute-handling body, settled some 16,484 cases in 2021/2022, paying out £2.5 billion.
Yet, with the NHS under considerable stress due to a range of factors including chronic underfunding, understaffing, and winter pressures, it’s likely that incidences of poor care – also known as medical negligence – may become even more common.
In this article we look at whether you can sue a hospital for medical negligence, including the information you need to be able to sue, other factors that can benefit your chances of success, and how long you have to make a claim.
Can I sue for medical negligence?
The short answer is yes, you can sue a healthcare provider for medical negligence. If you received care from a healthcare provider that was substandard and resulted in you being injured, then you may be able to make a claim.
What factors influence the success of a medical negligence claim?
If you make a medical negligence claim against a healthcare provider, you will be asked by your solicitors to provide evidence to support your claim. There are several different types that can be used:
- Photographs – Of your injury when it occurred, or shortly after.
- Medical records – Your medical records should have logged the injury and include things like x-rays, MRI scans and so forth. Medical records are important, so be sure to visit your GP and get the injuries logged in the unlikely event the hospital you received poor care at fails to log your claim.
- Statement – You will be asked to provide a personal statement about what happened. This statement must be as detailed as possible. Your solicitor may ask family and friends to provide evidence too.
Your lawyer will then enlist the help of medical experts who will report on how you were treated and the effects on you, and whether the healthcare provider was to blame.
How long do I have to claim against the hospital?
You will typically have three years from the date that the medical negligence occurred to make a claim.
If you were under 18 when the malpractice occurred, you will have three years after you turn 18, up until your 21st birthday.
If you have been affected by medical negligence, it can be a good idea to enlist the help of a solicitor to help you get the compensation and justice you deserve. Do you know anyone who has been affected by medical negligence? What was their experience? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Read Also
- The Future of Men’s Health: Why Telehealth Is Here to Stay
Telehealth isn’t just a pandemic trend that faded into the background. For Australian men, it has become one of the most practical, time-saving, and stress-free ways to manage everyday health — and it’s shaping the future of how we access care. Platforms like DOCTO, an Australian online doctor and specialist telehealth service, are leading the… Read more: The Future of Men’s Health: Why Telehealth Is Here to Stay - How to Build a Simple, Clean Skincare Routine ?You don’t need a complicated skincare routine. It doesn’t have to be something that requires twenty different products and confusing steps. Your routine works well with just a few high-quality clean ingredients. The beauty industry keeps pushing more products, but your skin actually needs less. You only need a simple approach to get better results… Read more: How to Build a Simple, Clean Skincare Routine ?
- How Preventive Dental Care Supports Overall HealthHave you ever wondered how a simple dental checkup could impact your entire body? Oral health is more than just a bright smile. Studies show that poor dental habits can contribute to serious health problems. Gum disease and tooth decay are linked to heart disease, diabetes, and infections. Yet, many people overlook preventive dental care.… Read more: How Preventive Dental Care Supports Overall Health
- Seeing Clearly in a High-Tech World: A Deep Dive into Advanced Vision Care ServicesProtecting your eyesight isn’t optional—it’s essential. Modern eye care has evolved far beyond basic exams, offering advanced diagnostics, personalized treatments, and surgical innovations that keep vision sharp for life. A leading example is Intermountain Eye Center, home to specialists like Dr Fishburn Boise, where patients receive comprehensive, high-level vision care designed to preserve long-term eye… Read more: Seeing Clearly in a High-Tech World: A Deep Dive into Advanced Vision Care Services
- Why the Keto Diet Works for Some People—and Fails Dramatically for Others: An Ayurvedic Breakdown for Modern HealthcareThe keto diet has dominated weight-loss culture for years. For some people, it produces rapid fat loss, stable energy, and improved mental clarity. For others—especially those who gain weight easily—it leads to burnout, digestive distress, rebound weight gain, high cholesterol, and a metabolism that feels slower than before. Healthcare often frames this as a discipline… Read more: Why the Keto Diet Works for Some People—and Fails Dramatically for Others: An Ayurvedic Breakdown for Modern Healthcare
- How to Choose the Best Assisted Living Facility for SeniorsAre you looking for the right assisted living facility for a senior loved one? Choosing a place can feel overwhelming. There are many factors to consider, from care services to the environment. Safety, comfort, and social opportunities play important roles in daily life. Each senior has unique needs and preferences that must be met. Understanding… Read more: How to Choose the Best Assisted Living Facility for Seniors
