Medical negligence, also known as clinical negligence, occurs when a healthcare professional breaches their duty of care and causes avoidable harm to a patient. If you’ve suffered due to poor medical treatment in Preston, you may be entitled to claim compensation. At Marley Solicitors, we help clients pursue justice and financial recovery after GP errors, surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, and more.
Whether you received treatment at Royal Preston Hospital, a private clinic, or a local GP surgery, you have the right to safe and competent care. When that care falls short, our experienced solicitors can help you take action.
Can I make a medical negligence claim in Preston?
Yes. If your injury or illness was caused by substandard medical care in the last three years, and it can be shown that negligence occurred, you may be eligible to claim. This includes errors made by doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, and other medical professionals.
To succeed, a claim must prove:
- A breach of duty occurred (the care you received fell below acceptable standards)
- That breach directly caused harm or worsened your condition
Common types of medical negligence claims
At Marley Solicitors, we’ve helped clients across Preston and Lancashire bring successful medical negligence cases, including:
- Delayed or incorrect diagnosis, including cancer and infections
- Surgical errors, such as retained instruments or wrong-site surgery
- Birth injuries, affecting mother or baby
- Dental negligence, including nerve damage or failed procedures
- GP and A&E mistakes, such as misreading test results
- Negligent cosmetic procedures
- Failure to obtain informed consent
- Hospital-acquired infections like MRSA due to poor hygiene practices
- Errors in prescribing or administering medication
Negligence can occur in both NHS and private settings. We will investigate the specific facts of your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
What should I do if I believe I’ve experienced negligence?
If you suspect you’ve received negligent medical care:
- Seek a second opinion or follow-up care immediately to protect your health.
- Request your medical records to review your treatment history
- Keep a diary of symptoms, appointments, and how your life has been affected
- Contact a specialist solicitor for legal advice as early as possible
Acting early improves the chances of gathering strong evidence and expert opinions.
We can also help you file a formal complaint through the NHS complaints procedure or a private provider’s resolution system. While this isn’t required for a claim, it can strengthen your case and highlight systemic failings.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
Marley Solicitors has extensive experience with medical negligence claims in Preston. We understand how overwhelming it can be to take legal action against the NHS or a private clinic. Our team offers:
- Free, no-obligation consultations
- “No win, no fee” agreements to reduce your financial risk
- Sensitive handling of complex, emotional cases
- Access to trusted medical experts
- Clear communication throughout the process
We recently helped a client in Preston recover £42,000 after a delayed diagnosis of appendicitis led to emergency surgery and long-term complications. Our local knowledge and commitment to client care set us apart.
What can I claim compensation for?
Compensation is designed to help you recover and manage the impact of medical harm. You may be able to make a claim for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Cost of further medical treatment or care
- Psychological trauma
- Travel costs and home adaptations
- Loss of amenities or reduced quality of life
We will assess all areas of potential loss, including future needs. In serious cases, we may also pursue interim payments to help cover urgent costs while the claim is ongoing.
How long do I have to make a medical negligence claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligent treatment or the date you became aware of it. There are exceptions:
- For children, the three-year limit starts on their 18th birthday
- If the injured person lacks mental capacity, time limits may not apply
- In cases involving death, the limit is usually three years from the date of death or knowledge of the cause
We recommend seeking legal advice as early as possible to avoid missing these deadlines.
Local healthcare providers in Preston
Medical negligence claims may involve treatment received at facilities including:
- Royal Preston Hospital
- Preston Health Centre
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- BMI Beardwood Hospital (private)
- Local GP practices and dental surgeries
We are familiar with local medical systems and can help you gather supporting evidence from these institutions.
How does the claims process work?
The process typically involves the following steps:
- Initial consultation – We assess whether you have grounds for a claim
- Medical record review – We obtain and analyse your records
- Independent expert opinion – Medical specialists confirm if negligence occurred
- Letter of claim – Sent to the responsible party outlining your case
- Negotiation – We seek a fair settlement without going to court
- Court proceedings (if necessary) – Only pursued if no settlement is reached
Throughout the process, we will keep you fully informed and provide guidance tailored to your case.
FAQs
How much compensation could I receive?
It depends on the severity of the harm and the long-term effects. Minor cases may result in £3,000–£10,000, while more serious negligence can lead to six-figure settlements. For example:
- Missed fractures or infections: £4,000–£15,000
- Surgical errors: £15,000–£50,000
- Birth injury claims: £100,000–£1,000,000+
We will provide a personalised estimate based on your medical history and losses.
Do I have to go to court?
Not always. Most medical negligence claims are settled out of court. However, if court proceedings are necessary, we will represent you every step of the way and ensure you are fully prepared.
Can I claim on behalf of someone else?
Yes. If a loved one has died due to negligence or cannot bring a claim themselves (e.g. due to age or capacity), you may be able to act as a “litigation friend” on their behalf.
Contact Marley Solicitors
If you’ve been affected by medical negligence in Preston, speak to Marley Solicitors today. We offer free, confidential consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis. Let us help you get answers, accountability, and compensation.
Your health is your priority. Holding negligent professionals accountable is ours.
