When you visit a hospital, GP, or clinic, you expect to come away feeling better, or at least reassured. But when something goes wrong during your treatment and it could have been avoided, the consequences can be serious. If you’ve experienced harm because of poor medical care in Chorley, you may be entitled to claim compensation for medical negligence.
Medical mistakes are more common than many realise. Whether it’s a missed diagnosis, a surgical error, or a delay in treatment, the effects can disrupt every part of your life. At Marley Solicitors, we support Chorley residents who have been let down by the healthcare system. We offer straightforward legal advice and help you understand whether you can claim.
What is medical negligence?
Medical negligence, sometimes called clinical negligence, happens when a healthcare professional provides substandard care, and that failure causes harm. This isn’t just about bad outcomes but about avoidable mistakes that should never have happened.
Common examples include:
- Being misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all
- Surgical complications that were preventable
- GP failures to refer or follow up
- Infections caused by poor hygiene or aftercare
- Medication errors, such as being given the wrong drug or dosage
- Consent issues, where treatment is given without full explanation
If you’ve been affected by any of these, and it’s had a negative impact on your health or well-being, you may have a strong case for compensation.
Can I make a medical negligence claim in Chorley?
Yes. If your care was below standard and it caused you harm, you may be able to make a claim. This applies whether you were treated through the NHS or a private clinic.
In Chorley, cases often involve care received at:
- Chorley and South Ribble Hospital
- GP surgeries like Eaves Lane Surgery, The Chorley Surgery, or Euxton Medical Centre
- Dental clinics where treatment caused pain, infection, or injury
- Private health and cosmetic clinics
- Local care homes or mental health services
The law doesn’t judge the setting; it judges whether the care met professional standards. If it didn’t, and you’ve suffered because of that, you have a right to take action.
How do I know if I have a case?
You may not be sure whether what happened to you qualifies as negligence, and that’s completely normal. But ask yourself:
- Did something go wrong that should not have?
- Did it cause harm that could have been avoided?
- Have you needed more treatment or suffered financial loss because of it?
- Has another medical professional since confirmed that something went wrong?
If the answer is yes to one or more of these, it’s worth speaking to a solicitor. At Marley Solicitors, we offer free consultations to help you understand your options.
What types of claims do we handle?
We work with people in Chorley who’ve experienced all kinds of negligent treatment. Some of the most common cases include:
- Cancer misdiagnosis that led to late treatment or worsening symptoms
- Mistakes during surgery, including retained surgical items or nerve damage
- Birth injuries, affecting either mother or baby during labour or delivery
- Medication errors, such as allergic reactions or overdoses
- Delayed diagnosis of serious conditions, including stroke, sepsis, or fractures
- Mental health care failures, where key signs were missed or ignored
- Negligence in care homes, including falls, pressure sores, and lack of supervision
Each case is different, and we take time to understand the details of what went wrong and how it affected you.
What can I claim for?
Compensation can help you recover financially, emotionally, and physically from the consequences of poor treatment. You may be able to claim for:
- Physical pain and long-term suffering
- Cost of corrective medical care or rehabilitation
- Counselling and therapy
- Loss of income or future earnings
- Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
- Help with daily tasks or professional care
- Modifications to your home or lifestyle
- Psychological trauma or loss of confidence
Our aim is to ensure your compensation reflects the full impact the negligence has had on your life, both now and in the future.
What’s involved in starting a claim?
We know legal action can feel overwhelming, so we make the process as simple and supportive as possible:
- Initial conversation – We ask about what happened and assess whether your case is likely to succeed
- Gathering evidence – With your consent, we request your medical records and build a timeline
- Medical expert review – An independent expert looks at your treatment and offers a professional opinion
- Letter of claim – We notify the responsible provider and outline the case against them
- Negotiation – We work to reach a fair settlement
- Court proceedings, only if necessary – Most cases settle out of court, but if not, we’ll handle everything
Throughout this process, we keep you informed and in control. Nothing goes ahead without your approval.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. In most cases, you must begin a medical negligence claim within three years of the incident or of realising something went wrong.
There are exceptions:
- For children, the time limit starts from their 18th birthday
- If the person affected lacks mental capacity, the time limit is paused until capacity is regained (if ever)
Because building a case takes time, we recommend speaking to a solicitor as soon as possible.
Will I need to go to court?
Most cases are resolved through negotiation. Only a small number ever reach court, and when they do, we make sure you’re fully prepared. If your case goes to trial, we represent you every step of the way and handle all the legal paperwork on your behalf.
How do legal fees work?
We offer most medical negligence claims on a no win, no fee basis. That means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- You only pay if your claim is successful
- Our fees are taken from your compensation, with no unexpected costs
We’ll explain everything clearly before you sign anything, so you can make a fully informed decision.
Local support while you recover
If you’re still dealing with the effects of what happened, these services in Chorley may offer support:
- Chorley and South Ribble Hospital – for follow-up treatment or medical records
- NHS Talking Therapies Chorley – for mental health and emotional recovery
- Mind Chorley, Age UK Lancashire, and local carers’ networks – for community and emotional support
- Your GP surgery – for ongoing health issues, referrals, or adjustments to care
We can help you access these services and use their reports as evidence if needed.
Contact Marley Solicitors today
Medical negligence is not just a legal matter; it’s a personal one. You trusted a professional to take care of your health, and when that trust was broken, the impact was real. You deserve answers, support, and a chance to move forward.
Marley Solicitors helps people across Chorley recover compensation and confidence after avoidable medical mistakes. We understand how difficult this can be, and we’re here to guide you through it.
Contact us now for a free consultation and expert advice on your medical negligence claim in Chorley.
