Clinical Negligence Solicitors
Types of Clinical Negligence
Clinical negligence occurs when a patient suffers harm because of substandard medical care. This can happen in a variety of settings, including NHS or private hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes, clinics or within the community. Many of our clients approach us unsure whether what happened to them amounts to negligence.
Below is an overview of the most common types of claims we encounter in practice.
Birth Injury
Poor maternity care can lead to life-changing injuries for both mother and baby. These are among the most sensitive and complex cases we handle, often involving serious harm that could have been avoided with timely and appropriate care. We are regularly instructed in claims involving delayed escalation to caesarean section, misinterpretation of CTG traces, inadequate neonatal resuscitation and failure to recognise foetal distress.
We also act in cases involving mismanaged shoulder dystocia, excessive force during instrumental delivery or unaddressed infection such as Group B Strep. Many of these errors arise despite the mother raising concerns during labour that were not taken seriously. The consequences of such failures are often permanent and life-altering.
When a baby suffers brain injury at birth, such as hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, the long-term impact is significant. The claim may include provision for lifelong care, adapted accommodation, educational support, therapy and case management. We work with experienced experts to ensure that every future need is properly addressed and evidenced.
We also act for mothers who have suffered avoidable harm. Common issues include perineal tears that were not properly repaired, retained placenta leading to haemorrhage or sepsis, uterine rupture, and anaesthetic errors. These injuries can result in physical and emotional trauma, long-term complications and an impact on future family planning.
We approach birth injury claims with care, clarity and technical skill. Our aim is to provide clear legal advice, compassionate support and practical planning for the future.
Fatal Cases and Inquests
When medical treatment results in a patient’s death, families are often left with unanswered questions. We help clients understand whether mistakes in care may have contributed to the outcome and support them through the inquest process and any related civil claim. These are often difficult and emotional matters which require sensitive and skilled handling.
An inquest is the official investigation carried out by a Coroner to establish how someone died. We assist families in obtaining disclosure, securing interested person status and ensuring that the right questions are asked. This includes exploring whether signs were missed, treatment was delayed, or care was not escalated when it should have been.
We are regularly instructed in cases involving missed diagnosis of sepsis, stroke, cancer or pulmonary embolism, failures in post-operative care, unsafe discharge from hospital, and mismanagement of elderly or vulnerable patients. We also act in cases involving poor psychiatric care where there was a known risk of suicide.
Following an inquest, we may advise on a civil claim under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 and the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934. These claims can include bereavement damages, loss of dependency, funeral costs and pain and suffering experienced before death. We guide families through the process, particularly where there are multiple dependants or complex relationships.
We act with care and determination to seek answers, accountability and fair redress. Our focus is always on ensuring that families are supported both legally and personally through a very difficult process.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
Conditions such as cancer, stroke and sepsis often require fast identification and intervention. When signs are missed, test results are misinterpreted, or referrals are delayed, the opportunity for early treatment may be lost. These cases arise across hospitals and GP surgeries, and we often act in claims involving long-standing symptoms that were ignored, referrals that never took place, or conditions wrongly diagnosed as something more benign.
Accident and Emergency (A&E)
Emergency departments are high-pressure environments, but that does not excuse poor care. Decisions often need to be made rapidly, and failing to recognise serious illness or injury can lead to devastating consequences. We regularly see cases involving missed fractures, delayed treatment for sepsis, inappropriate discharge, failure to monitor, or delays in escalating care. A&E claims typically arise where triage is inadequate, deteriorating patients are overlooked, or basic observations are missed.
GP and Community Negligence
Negligence does not only occur in hospital settings. Community-based clinicians such as GPs, district nurses and health visitors play a vital role in identifying early warning signs. We handle many claims where a GP failed to act on symptoms, prescribed inappropriate medication, or delayed referring a patient for further investigation. These oversights can result in avoidable injury, worsening health and, in some cases, irreversible damage.
Surgical Negligence
All surgery carries some risk, but errors that result from poor technique, inadequate preparation or poor post-operative care may be negligent. Common cases include wrong-site surgery, foreign objects being left inside the body, damage to nearby nerves or organs, or insufficient consent being taken before the procedure. Patients may face the need for further surgery, extended recovery, pain, and long-term consequences that could have been prevented.
Negligent Aftercare or Follow-Up
Proper care does not end once a procedure is complete. Failing to provide appropriate follow-up or ignoring signs of post-operative complications can result in avoidable harm. We see cases where abnormal test results were missed, wound infections were ignored, or no plan was made for monitoring a patient’s recovery. When patients deteriorate and nothing is done, the consequences can be serious and lasting.
Consent Failures
Informed consent is a legal requirement before any medical procedure. Patients must be told what the procedure involves, what the risks are, and whether there are reasonable alternatives. We frequently act for clients who underwent operations without proper explanation, or where the risks were significantly downplayed. Failure to obtain valid consent can render a treatment negligent, particularly where complications arise that were never discussed.
Nursing Home Negligence
Care home residents are among the most vulnerable members of society. When care falls short, the consequences can be life-changing. We act in cases involving failures in basic care, such as inadequate nutrition, poor hygiene, lack of mobility support, and medication errors. Families often struggle to get clear answers, especially where records are poorly kept or contradictory. We work with relatives to uncover the truth and seek accountability.
Diagnostic Imaging /Test Failures
Accurate interpretation of scans, blood tests and other investigations is essential for safe medical care. When imaging or test results are misread, misfiled or not acted upon, patients may be left without a diagnosis or receive incorrect treatment. We act in cases involving missed fractures on X-rays, undiagnosed tumours on MRI or CT scans, and failures to follow up abnormal blood tests. These failures often lead to delayed treatment, progression of disease and avoidable suffering.
Failure to Escalate Care
Cardiology Mismanagement
Infectious Disease Mismanagement
Orthopaedic Negligence
Negligent Discharge Planning
AND MUCH MORE.
HOW SCOTT HARDING-LISTER & TEAM WILL PROCESS YOUR CASE
Scott takes a thorough, evidence-based approach to every case, ensuring that his clients receive tailored, expert legal representation. His team meticulously examines:
- Medical records, identifying key evidence to support the claim.
- Expert reports, ensuring that every case is backed by credible medical opinions.
- Witness statements, uncovering the full extent of the negligence suffered.
Clients always have a dedicated point of contact, ensuring they receive ongoing support, clear communication, and guidance throughout the legal process. The team understands that pursuing a medical negligence claim can be an emotionally and physically demanding experience, and they are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support from start to finish.
WHY CHOOSE SCOTT HARDING-LISTER & TEAM?
Scott is more than just a solicitor-his medical background, legal expertise, and established connections within the healthcare sector make him uniquely equipped to handle even the most complex clinical negligence claims. Clients trust Scott and his team because:
- Specialist Medical and Legal Knowledge – As both a nurse and a solicitor, Scott has first-hand clinical experience that enables him to identify negligence where others might not.
- A Proven Track Record – Years of success in securing high-value compensation for those affected by medical negligence.
- A Dedicated Support Team – A skilled team of paralegals and legal professionals ensuring a smooth claims process.
- No Win, No Fee Representation – Clients pay nothing unless their claim is successful, providing complete peace of mind.
Scott and his team are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every client, ensuring they receive the compensation and justice they deserve while being supported throughout the entire process.
