If you have received substandard care from a healthcare professional in Cirencester and suffered harm as a result, you may be entitled to pursue a medical negligence claim. Medical negligence (also called clinical negligence) occurs when a doctor, nurse, GP, dentist, or other medical professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care, leading to injury, illness, or the worsening of an existing condition.
In a market town like Cirencester, which is served by facilities such as Cirencester Hospital and local GP surgeries including Avenue Surgery and Phoenix Surgery, patients trust healthcare providers to offer safe and effective treatment. When this trust is broken, the consequences can be severe, both physically and emotionally.
What is a medical negligence claim?
A medical negligence claim is a legal process where you seek compensation for harm caused by a healthcare provider’s failure to meet the expected standard of care. This includes misdiagnosis, surgical errors, incorrect medication, or lack of informed consent.
Can I claim medical negligence compensation in Cirencester?
Yes. If you can demonstrate that a medical professional’s negligence caused you harm, you may have grounds for a claim. Marley Solicitors has supported many clients across Gloucestershire, including Cirencester, in successfully pursuing compensation for a wide range of medical errors.
Common types of medical negligence
Some of the most common examples of medical negligence include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical mistakes
- Incorrect or inappropriate medication
- Failure to refer for further tests or treatment
- Birth injuries to mother or child
- Infections acquired in hospital
These can occur in both NHS and private settings, and the impact can range from minor inconvenience to life-changing injury or even loss of life.
How to start a medical negligence claim in Cirencester
To begin a claim, it is essential to gather evidence that supports your case. This usually includes:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Expert opinions from independent medical professionals
- Evidence of financial losses, such as time off work or travel expenses
The process typically involves a detailed investigation into the care you received. If Marley Solicitors believes your case has merit, we will help you file a claim against the relevant healthcare provider, which may be Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust or a private clinic.
Time limits for bringing a claim
You generally have three years from the date of the negligent treatment, or from when you first became aware that the negligence caused you harm, to make a claim. There are exceptions for children and individuals lacking mental capacity, where time limits may differ.
How much compensation could I receive?
The amount you may be entitled to depends on several factors, including:
- The severity and type of injury
- The impact on your daily life and employment
- Costs for future treatment or rehabilitation
- Emotional and psychological trauma
Each case is unique. Marley Solicitors will assess your circumstances to estimate a fair compensation amount. While there is no fixed payout, similar cases in Cirencester and Gloucestershire have ranged from a few thousand to several hundred thousand pounds.
How long does a medical negligence claim take?
Depending on the intricacy of the case and the healthcare provider’s willingness to acknowledge blame, the length of a medical negligence claim might vary significantly. On average:
- Straightforward claims may take 12–18 months
- Complex claims involving disputed liability or severe injuries can take 2–3 years or more
At Marley Solicitors, we strive to resolve claims efficiently while ensuring that clients receive the compensation they are entitled to.
How Marley Solicitors supports your claim
From the moment you contact us, our dedicated medical negligence team will provide clear, practical advice. We will:
- Offer a free, no-obligation consultation
- Gather and review all necessary medical records
- Instruct independent medical experts to support your claim
- Manage all communications with the healthcare provider or their legal team
- Represent your interests throughout negotiations or in court if necessary
We understand how stressful it can be to deal with the aftermath of medical errors. Our team works with compassion and commitment to help you move forward.
Local healthcare services in Cirencester
Many medical negligence claims in Cirencester involve services from:
- Cirencester Hospital
- Avenue Surgery
- Phoenix Surgery
- Local dental clinics and private health providers
Having familiarity with these local services helps Marley Solicitors understand the context of your treatment and build a strong case based on regional healthcare standards.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for your claim in Cirencester?
We understand the emotional stress that medical negligence can cause. Marley Solicitors has years of experience helping clients in Cirencester and its surrounding areas claim compensation with compassion, professionalism, and discretion. We offer:
- Free initial consultations
- No win, no fee arrangements
- A local approach with national expertise
- Clear communication at every stage
Our solicitors work closely with independent medical experts and legal professionals to ensure your case receives the attention it deserves.
Can I claim compensation for poor dental treatment in Cirencester?
Yes. Dental negligence is a recognised form of medical negligence and can include wrong tooth extractions, failed procedures, or infections due to a lack of hygiene. If your dentist in Cirencester failed in their duty of care, you may have grounds for a claim.
Is there legal aid available for medical negligence claims?
Legal aid is rarely available for clinical negligence cases, except in very limited circumstances. However, Marley Solicitors offers conditional fee agreements (no win, no fee) to help you pursue justice without upfront legal costs.
What evidence do I need for a medical negligence claim?
To make a successful claim, you will typically need:
- Copies of your full medical records
- Statements from any witnesses or family members
- A written timeline of events
- Expert opinions from an independent medical professional
- Proof of financial losses or costs associated with your care
Can I claim on behalf of someone else?
Yes. You can act as a litigation friend to bring a claim on behalf of:
- A child under the age of 18
- Someone who lacks the mental capacity to claim for themselves
This ensures that vulnerable individuals still receive access to justice and fair compensation.
Speak to Marley Solicitors in Cirencester today
If you believe you have suffered from medical negligence in Cirencester, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. Marley Solicitors offers a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your experience and guide you through the next steps.
Our team is here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
