When NHS care goes wrong, we’re here to help you move forward.
The NHS is the cornerstone of healthcare in the UK, and most of the time, it provides exceptional care. But when mistakes happen, and those mistakes cause harm, you have the legal right to claim compensation. At Patient Claim Line, we’re here to guide you through that process with clarity, compassion, and expert legal support.
What Does It Mean to Claim Against the NHS?
A claim against the NHS is a legal process that holds healthcare providers accountable when the care you received fell below an acceptable standard and caused harm. This is known as medical negligence.
It’s not about blaming hardworking staff, it’s about ensuring accountability, getting the support you need to recover, and helping to improve patient safety.
What Can NHS Negligence Look Like?
NHS negligence comes in many forms. Common examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis – when a condition is missed or treated too late
- Surgical errors– such as wrong-site surgery or instruments left inside the body
- Medication errors – incorrect prescriptions or dosages
- Poor aftercare – leading to complications or delayed recovery
- Negligent maternity care – causing harm to mother or baby
- Mental health failings – where lack of care leads to crisis or loss of life
To succeed with your claim, we must prove two things:
- The care you received was below the standard expected (known as a breach of duty)
- That breach caused you harm, or made your condition worse (causation)
Steps to Take Before Starting Your NHS Claim
1. Gather Your Evidence
Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful claim. This includes:
- Medical records from your GP or hospital
- Emails or letters between you and NHS providers
- Photos of visible injuries
- Personal diary notes detailing pain, stress, or financial loss
2. Speak to a Specialist
Our medical negligence solicitors will:
- Assess your case for free
- Help you understand whether you have a claim
- Obtain expert medical opinions to support your case
3. Check Your Time Limits
In most cases, you have **3 years** from the date of the incident — or when you first became aware of the negligence — to bring a claim. There are exceptions for:
- Children (3 years from their 18th birthday)
- People lacking mental capacity** (time limits may not apply)
The NHS Negligence Claims Process
Step 1: Free Legal Consultation
We start with a no-obligation chat to understand what happened and whether a claim is likely to succeed.
Step 2: Investigation
If your case proceeds, we’ll:
- Gather medical records
- Instruct independent medical experts
- Build your case with a detailed understanding of how the negligence affected your life
Step 3: Letter of Claim
We’ll send a formal claim to the relevant NHS Trust, explaining what went wrong and how it caused harm. The NHS then has up to 4 months to respond.
They may:
- Admit liability (meaning we move to negotiate compensation), or
- Dispute the claim (in which case we’ll gather further evidence)
Step 4: Negotiation and Settlement
Most NHS claims are resolved out of court through negotiation. We’ll work to secure the maximum compensation to cover:
- Physical injuries
- Emotional or psychological trauma
- Loss of earnings
- Rehabilitation, treatment, or ongoing care
Step 5: Court (if required)
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’ll support you through the court process, but this is rare. Most cases are settled before trial.
How Long Does It Take?
- Simple claims: 12–18 months
- Complex or disputed claims: 2–3+ years
We’ll keep you updated throughout, and where possible, help you access **interim payments to cover urgent care or living costs.
Common Questions About Claiming Against the NHS
Will my claim affect NHS services?
No. NHS claims are handled by NHS Resolution, which uses a separate budget for compensation. Your claim won’t impact frontline care or NHS staffing.
Will it affect the care I receive?
Absolutely not. NHS staff are trained to treat all patients equally, regardless of whether a claim has been made. If you feel uncomfortable, you can request a different provider, and we can support you with that.
Will a doctor lose their job if I claim?
Not usually. Claims target the organisation, not individual staff. Disciplinary action only happens in serious cases of misconduct and is handled separately by professional regulators.
Does making a claim help improve care?
Yes. Your claim can lead to service reviews, safer practices, and improved patient protections, helping others avoid similar harm in future.
Why Choose Patient Claim Line?
- No win, no fee – No financial risk to you
- Free initial assessment
- Specialist solicitors with years of NHS claim experience
- Support from day one to resolution
We’re proud to have helped thousands of people take legal action after NHS negligence, securing the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Ready to Take the First Step?
You can speak to one of our expert solicitors today for free. We’ll explain your options clearly, and you won’t pay a penny unless your case succeeds.
Call us now or request a free callback.
You can also explore our NHS Compensation Guide for more details on potential payout amounts.