Medical Negligence Claims

Medical Negligence Solicitors in Manchester

When you receive medical care, you are entitled to expect a reasonable standard of treatment. Most healthcare in England and Wales is safe and competent, but sometimes things go wrong. If a hospital, GP, dentist, surgeon or other healthcare professional has provided care that fell below an acceptable standard and you have suffered avoidable harm as a result, you may be able to bring a medical negligence claim (also called a clinical negligence claim) for compensation.

At MCR Solicitors, our medical negligence team acts for clients across Manchester, Greater Manchester and throughout England and Wales. We understand that these claims are rarely just about money. Many clients want answers, an acknowledgement of what happened, and reassurance that lessons will be learned so that others are not harmed in the same way. We are here to guide you through the process with clarity and care.

What Medical Negligence Covers

To succeed in a claim, the law of England and Wales generally requires you to show two things: first, that the care you received fell below the standard reasonably expected of a competent professional in that field (a breach of duty); and second, that this failure caused, or materially contributed to, the injury or harm you suffered (causation). Both elements must usually be established with supporting independent medical evidence. The fact that treatment was unsuccessful, or that an outcome was disappointing, does not on its own mean there was negligence.

Medical negligence can arise in a wide range of situations. Common types of claim we handle include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of conditions such as cancer, sepsis, fractures or serious infections.
• Surgical errors, including operations performed incorrectly, on the wrong site, or complications caused by avoidable mistakes.
• Birth injuries affecting mother or baby, including injuries linked to problems during labour and delivery.
• Medication and prescribing errors, including the wrong drug, wrong dose or dangerous drug interactions.
• GP negligence, such as a failure to investigate symptoms or to refer a patient appropriately.
• Dental negligence, including negligent treatment or failure to diagnose oral conditions.
• Negligent hospital care, including poor nursing care, pressure sores, falls and hospital-acquired infections.
• Consent issues, where you were not properly informed of material risks before agreeing to treatment.

If your situation is not listed above, that does not mean you have no claim. Please contact us so we can consider the specific circumstances of your case.

How MCR Solicitors Can Help

Medical negligence is a specialist and evidence-heavy area of law. Our role is to investigate what happened, obtain and review your medical records, instruct appropriate independent medical experts, and advise you honestly on the strengths and weaknesses of your claim. Where a claim has merit, we will pursue it robustly on your behalf; where the evidence does not support a claim, we will tell you clearly so that you can make an informed decision.

We can help you to recover compensation that reflects the impact the negligence has had on your life. This may include damages for the pain, suffering and loss of quality of life caused by the injury, as well as financial losses and expenses such as loss of earnings, the cost of care and support, medical and rehabilitation costs, and adaptations to your home where these are needed. Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends on its individual facts and the medical evidence.

We take a supportive, jargon-free approach. You will have a dedicated point of contact, regular updates, and clear explanations at every stage.

Time Limits for Making a Claim

Strict time limits apply to medical negligence claims. Under the Limitation Act 1980, the general rule is that a claim must usually be started within three years of the date the negligence occurred, or the date you first knew (or reasonably should have known) that your injury was linked to the treatment you received. There are important exceptions, for example for children (where the time limit generally runs from their 18th birthday) and for people who lack the mental capacity to manage their own affairs. Because these rules can be complex and time can run out quickly, we strongly recommend seeking advice as early as possible.

No Win No Fee Funding

Many medical negligence claims can be funded through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), commonly known as a "no win no fee" agreement. Under a CFA, if your claim is unsuccessful you would not normally pay our fees for the work done under the agreement. If your claim succeeds, our fees are usually recovered in part from the other side, and a success fee may be payable from your compensation, subject to a cap set by law. We would also usually recommend suitable insurance (known as After the Event insurance) to protect you against certain costs risks. We will explain all funding options available to you, including any CFA terms, in plain English before you commit to anything, so you understand exactly how your claim will be paid for.

The Claims Process

While every claim is different, most clinical negligence cases in England and Wales follow a broadly similar path, guided by the pre-action protocol for the resolution of clinical disputes:

1. Initial consultation. We listen to what happened, discuss your concerns and give you an honest, initial view on whether you may have a claim and how it could be funded.
2. Investigation and records. We obtain your medical records and other relevant evidence and review them carefully.
3. Independent expert evidence. We instruct suitably qualified medical experts to advise on the standard of care (breach of duty) and on whether the care caused your injury (causation).
4. Letter of claim. If the evidence supports a claim, we set out the allegations to the healthcare provider or their representatives and invite a response.
5. Negotiation and settlement. Many claims are resolved by negotiation without the need for a trial. We will advise you on any offers and keep the decision firmly in your hands.
6. Court proceedings. If a fair settlement cannot be agreed, court proceedings may be issued. The majority of claims still settle before reaching a final hearing, but we will prepare your case thoroughly throughout.

We cannot guarantee the outcome of any claim, as this depends on the evidence and the individual facts, but we will always act in your best interests and keep you fully informed.

Why Choose MCR Solicitors

MCR Solicitors is a Manchester-based law firm offering a broad range of legal services to individuals and businesses. Our approach to medical negligence combines legal expertise with genuine understanding of what our clients are going through. We know that facing the aftermath of poor medical care can be distressing and confusing, and we aim to make the legal process as straightforward and reassuring as possible.

• Client-focused service. We take time to understand your circumstances and keep you updated in clear, plain language.
• Local and accessible. Based in Manchester, we act for clients locally and across England and Wales.
• Honest advice. We give you a realistic assessment of your claim so you can make informed decisions.
• Flexible funding. We will discuss no win no fee (CFA) arrangements and other options where these are available.

As a firm regulated in England and Wales, we are committed to acting professionally, ethically and in your best interests at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a medical negligence claim?

You may have a claim if the care you received fell below a reasonable standard and this caused you avoidable harm. Both points usually need to be supported by independent medical evidence. The best way to find out is to speak to us so we can assess the specific facts of your case.

How long do I have to make a claim?

The general rule is three years from the date of the negligence or from the date you became aware of it, but there are exceptions for children and for people who lack mental capacity. Because time limits are strict, you should seek advice as soon as possible. You can read general guidance about legal time limits and the courts at gov.uk.

How much compensation could I receive?

Compensation depends entirely on the individual facts of your case, including the severity of your injury and the financial impact on your life. It is not possible to give a reliable figure without reviewing the details, and we will never guarantee a particular amount or outcome.

Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Many medical negligence claims are settled through negotiation without a trial. If court proceedings do become necessary, most claims still settle before a final hearing, and we will support and prepare you at every stage.

How much will it cost me to make a claim?

Many claims can be pursued on a no win no fee basis through a Conditional Fee Agreement. We will explain all the funding options that apply to your case, including any success fee or insurance, clearly and in writing before you decide to proceed.