Medical Negligence Solicitors

What Is Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence, or clinical negligence, happens when a healthcare provider fails to provide the expected level of care. This can lead to harm for a patient. This failure can lead to injuries, illness, the aggravation of existing conditions, or even death.

Medical negligence claims are usually complex. They need an understanding of both law and medicine. A medical negligence solicitor can help achieve this.

Are you concerned about making a claim against the NHS? Claims are typically managed by NHS solicitors. Your local hospital or doctor does not handle them.

Types Of Medical Negligence Claims

All doctors, nurses, and other medical workers must take care when diagnosing and treating their patients.

Medical negligence can take many different forms, and this includes:

– Hospital negligence, including claims against NHS hospitals and private institutes

– Poorly managed pregnancy and labour that result in birth injuries or injuries to the mother

– Delayed diagnosis that can cause ailments to get worse, or even cause death

– Infections caused whilst staying at a hospital, such as sepsis

– Mis diagnosis of medical conditions that lead to incorrect medical treatment

– Medication errors and prescription error claims

– Care home claims because of neglect or abuse

– Claims against negligent GP’s

– Inquests investigating deaths caused by medical negligence

– Cancer claims due to delayed or mis diagnosis

Medical malpractice is severe and extremely rare. However, when it does happen it can be life changing, devastating and stressful. Our team of medical negligence solicitors want to hear your story and offer you the correct support possible.

Fill out an assessment form or call us on 0114 2496 611 to book your free assessment today.

Free Medical Negligence Initial Appointment

Do you think you have a claim? Our Medical Negligence team offer a free initial appointment on all types of potential compensation claims, big or small. Our compassionate and friendly Medical Negligence team will discuss your concerns with you and will let you know as soon as we can whether we can help. Your initial appointment will be made by telephone, offering you complete flexibility. The appointment can be arranged to fit around lunch breaks or work commitments.

Call us today on 0114 2496 611 or fill out an assessment form to start your claim.

Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitors You Can Trust

Pursuing a medical negligence claim can be complex, so it’s vital to choose an experienced medical negligence solicitor. Our specialist team deals only with medical negligence cases, offering expert advice, clear guidance, and compassionate support.

Unlike firms that focus only on high-value claims, we fight for justice for all clients, whatever their circumstances. Our national team is recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as one of the top medical negligence law firms in the UK.

From your free consultation through to settlement, we’ll explain everything in plain English, help with funding options, and guide you every step of the way. Our priority is your recovery, rehabilitation, and the compensation you deserve.

We are approachable, highly rated by our clients, and committed to helping you move forward. Call us today on 0114 2496 611 or fill out an assessment form to start your claim.

Free Medical Negligence Initial Appointment – Step by Step

Step 1 – Book Your Free Consultation
Contact our medical negligence team by completing our online form or by calling 0114 2496 611. We’ll arrange a free appointment at a time that suits you, including during lunch breaks or after work.

Step 2 – Share Your Story
During your initial telephone appointment, our friendly solicitors will listen to your concerns with care and compassion. We’ll ask for some basic details about what happened and how you’ve been affected.

Step 3 – Get an Initial Assessment
We’ll let you know quickly whether we can help with your medical negligence claim. Our team handles all types of cases, whether large or small.

Step 4 – Understand the Process
Your solicitor will explain the medical negligence claims process in simple terms, guiding you step by step at your own pace.

Step 5 – Case Investigation
If we believe your claim requires further investigation, we’ll open a case and discuss your next steps, including funding options and legal costs.

Step 6 – Ongoing Support
From your first appointment onwards, our medical negligence solicitors will provide expert advice, compassionate support, and clear guidance to help you secure the compensation and rehabilitation you deserve.

How to Make a Medical Negligence Claim – Step by Step

Step 1 – Free Consultation
Contact Howells Solicitors on 0114 2496 611 or complete our online form. During your free consultation, we’ll ask for some basic details about what happened and how you were affected.

Step 2 – Initial Assessment
Our specialist medical negligence solicitors will review your case and let you know if further investigation is needed. We’ll explain your funding options, including No Win, No Fee agreements.

Step 3 – Case Investigation
If your claim proceeds, we’ll collect and review your medical records. Our expert solicitors will work with independent medical professionals to identify errors in your treatment and the impact on your health.

Step 4 – Letter of Claim
Once evidence is gathered, we will formally start legal proceedings by sending a Letter of Claim to the Defendant (hospital, GP, or healthcare provider).

Step 5 – Interim Payments
Where possible, we will secure interim compensation payments to help cover immediate care, rehabilitation, or financial needs while your case continues.

Step 6 – Settlement or Court
We aim to resolve claims through negotiation or mediation, helping you achieve a faster and less stressful outcome. If necessary, we’ll represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve.

No Win No Fee Medical Negligence Claims

We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial circumstances. Our no win no fee agreement, also known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA), helps you take legal action. You don’t have to worry about upfront costs.*

In most cases, if accepted on a no win, no fee basis, you won’t pay a penny upfront for our legal services*. The basis of a CFA is that you will not be required to pay our legal fees if the compensation claim is unsuccessful. Meaning, you will not pay any fees to us unless we win your case for you*.

You can find more information on our no win no fee medical negligence page. It includes a full list of terms and conditions.

*There are circumstances where you would be asked to pay any outstanding costs even if you don’t win your case.

You may need to pay for services from Howells Solicitors in certain situations. These include being dishonest, not giving your solicitor instructions, or rejecting an offer against their advice. Other examples are the death of the claimant, cancelling your claim, and moving without telling your solicitor.

In these cases, you might also have to cover the defendant’s costs. Client’s may be asked to pay disbursements up front or must stand to the cost of a medical report if a second opinion is obtained. In some instances, you may need to pay for medical reports or other third-party payments upfront. We would discuss this with you before making any decision.

Legal Aid For Medical Negligence

Howells Solicitors are one of the few firms holding a Legal Aid franchise for medical negligence. In certain circumstances may be able to apply for Legal Aid Funding.

As soon as you contact us, we’ll be able to discuss your funding options. We will answer any questions you have to alleviate any worries or stress you might be feeling.

Flexible Appointments

We understand that dealing with medical negligence matters can be stressful, and finding time to attend in-person appointments isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer our full range of medical negligence services remotely, offering a more efficient and convenient service. We can offer our medical negligence legal support via telephone or secure remote online meetings.

This approach allows you to access expert legal advice from the comfort of your home, without the need to travel or rearrange your schedule. If your case requires a court hearing, many procedural matters are now handled remotely too, ensuring your legal journey is as smooth and accessible as possible.

Our remote services are designed to be just as personal and confidential as in-person consultations, with clear communication and full transparency every step of the way. Remote appointments are offered throughout the case, and most correspondence can be handled by email and Howells secure Client Portal.

Whether you’re dealing with sensitive medical negligence/personal injury matters or simply seeking guidance, we ensure a smooth, stress-free experience that puts your needs first. Whilst we appreciate that remote services offer convenience, they may not be suitable for everyone. If you do wish to meet us face to face, you can book an appointment at one of our offices in Sheffield, Barnsley or Rotherham.

Our Medical Negligence Solicitors

Our medical negligence team cover the entirety of England and South Yorkshire, and have physical offices in:

– Sheffield

– Barnsley

– Rotherham

You can arrange appointments face to face, or we offer telephone or video call options available. If you can’t reach our office, we could arrange for a member of the team to visit you at home.

Medical Negligence Frequently Asked Questions

How long do medical negligence claims take?

The length of medical negligence claims varies considerably. They are often affected by outside factors. This includes waiting for medical records and for medical experts to finish their reports.

It can also depend on how complex the case is. Issues will need to be investigated, and there may be lots of evidence to gather. In all appropriate cases, we will apply for interim payments.

The duration of a medical negligence claim is largely influenced by the defendant’s actions. Claims can be resolved before reaching court; however, if the defendant disputes liability, the process could be significantly prolonged.

Even when liability is acknowledged, rushing a settlement is not advisable. The full impact of injuries might only become clear after several years. It is important for your medical negligence solicitor to keep you updated on your case. They should also advise you if more time is needed to value and settle your claim accurately.

How much do no win no fee lawyers take?

Your case will determine this, and we will discuss your fee agreement at the start of your case. The success fee is a percentage of the money you get for your physical or mental injury. It also includes past losses. This fee caps at 25% of the total compensation from these areas.

No one takes a success fee from any damages received for future losses. If the amount of costs recovered from the defendant falls short, the compensation will also cover the difference.

How long do I have to make a claim?

There are strict time limits for medical negligence claims in the UK. All claims involving medical negligence are subject to a three-year time limit. The time limit starts from the date of negligence or when you first knew your injury was caused by the poor care. Three years isn’t a long time, so if you’ve experienced medical negligence, contact a solicitor right away.

Will I have to go to court for a medical negligence claim?

Many medical negligence cases either settle before court or are discontinued. Your medical negligence lawyer will usually try to settle the case before going to court. This way, you won’t have to testify.

Our medical negligence solicitors are known for using dispute resolution options. They work hard to resolve claims without going to court.

This helps keep costs low and can speed up the claims process. It also reduces stress on the family involved. If your case does go to court, our solicitors will be with you every step of the way.

Solicitors for Medical Negligence

At Howells, our specialist medical negligence solicitors are recognised as one of the leading teams in the UK. Ranked highly by The Legal 500, Chambers UK and Review Solicitors, we are trusted for our expertise, compassion, and commitment to justice.

Our team, led by Michelle Gyte (20+ years’ experience) and Jenna Kisala (14+ years’ experience), has successfully handled complex claims including birth injuries, surgical negligence, delayed diagnoses, cancer treatment delays, fatal accidents, and inquests. We also have a dedicated inquest team, praised for supporting families with dignity during the most difficult times.

Clients consistently highlight our empathetic approach, clear communication, and professionalism, with many five-star reviews praising our guidance and support through traumatic experiences.

Whether your case involves a GP, hospital, dentist, pharmacy, or mental health service, our solicitors will fight to secure the compensation, care, and rehabilitation you deserve.

Call 0114 2496 611 or complete our online form for a free consultation today.

*There are circumstances where you would be asked to pay any outstanding costs even if you don’t win your case.

You may need to pay for services from Howells Solicitors in certain situations. These include being dishonest, not giving your solicitor instructions, or rejecting an offer against their advice. Other examples are the death of the claimant, cancelling your claim, and moving without telling your solicitor.

In these cases, you might also have to cover the defendant’s costs. Client’s may be asked to pay disbursements up front or must stand to the cost of a medical report if a second opinion is obtained. In some instances, you may need to pay for medical reports or other third-party payments upfront. We would discuss this with you before making any decision.