When medical care goes wrong, the impact can be devastating. If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence in Barnet, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional provides substandard care that causes injury or harm or worsens an existing condition.
From delays in diagnosis to surgical errors, medical negligence can take many forms. In Barnet, incidents may arise in busy local services such as Barnet Hospital, Finchley Memorial, GP practices, and private clinics across the borough.
At Marley Solicitors, we help patients in Barnet and across North London pursue justice for negligent treatment. Our team offers free consultations and acts on a no win, no fee basis, providing access to expert advice without financial risk.
What is medical negligence?
Medical negligence, also known as clinical negligence, refers to a breach of duty by a medical professional that directly causes harm to a patient. To make a successful claim, it must be shown that:
- The care you received fell below acceptable medical standards
- That failure directly caused your injury or worsened your condition
Common examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors, such as leaving foreign objects in the body
- Incorrect medication or dosage
- Poor infection control in hospitals
- Failure to monitor patients or act on test results
Can I make a medical negligence claim in Barnet?
Yes. If you received poor medical care in Barnet that resulted in avoidable harm, you have the right to pursue a claim. This includes treatment at NHS hospitals such as Barnet Hospital or Chase Farm, as well as care provided by private GPs, dentists, or specialists.
For example:
- A patient experiences a stroke after a missed diagnosis of high blood pressure at their GP surgery in East Barnet
- A mother suffers complications during childbirth due to errors by hospital staff
- A cancer diagnosis is delayed because test results are not followed up, reducing the chance of successful treatment
If you have experienced anything similar, we can help you understand your legal options.
What types of claims can be made?
We handle a wide range of clinical negligence cases in Barnet, including:
- Maternity and birth injury claims (for both mothers and babies)
- Cancer misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis
- Surgical negligence, including nerve damage and retained instruments
- GP negligence
- Hospital-acquired infections
- Dental negligence
- Negligent cosmetic procedures
- Mental health care failures
Whether you were treated in an NHS facility or a private clinic, our team can guide you through the claims process.
What is the time limit to claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligence or the date you became aware of it. This is known as the limitation period. However, exceptions apply:
- For children, the three-year period starts from their 18th birthday
- There is no time limit for adults who lack mental capacity
If you are unsure whether you are still eligible to claim, contact Marley Solicitors for advice.
What evidence do I need?
A successful medical negligence claim relies on clear evidence. This may include:
- Medical records and test results
- Written communication with healthcare providers
- Photographs of injuries or symptoms
- Independent medical assessments arranged by your solicitor
- Witness statements from family or carers
We work with leading medical experts to build a strong case and support your claim.
Can I still work while making a claim?
Yes. Many of our clients continue working during their claim. Bringing a claim is a separate legal process and does not usually interfere with employment, especially if the care was received through the NHS or a private provider. If the negligence has affected your ability to work, this will be factored into the compensation.
Can I claim for emotional distress?
Yes. Compensation can include psychological harm as well as physical injury. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or loss of enjoyment of life can all be considered, especially in cases of trauma, birth injury, or misdiagnosis. Supporting evidence from mental health professionals strengthens these claims.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation varies depending on the severity of your injury and how it has affected your life. You may be entitled to damages for:
- Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
- Cost of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost income or future earnings
- Cost of care and support
- Travel, equipment, and medication expenses
For example:
- A missed fracture resulting in long-term mobility issues may attract £10,000 to £30,000
- A delayed cancer diagnosis that reduces life expectancy could lead to six-figure settlements
- Birth injuries requiring lifelong care can result in multi-million-pound payouts
How long does a claim take?
Medical negligence claims typically take 12 to 36 months to resolve, depending on the complexity and whether the other side accepts liability early. At Marley Solicitors, we focus on efficiency without compromising the quality of evidence or the value of your claim.
Will I need to go to court?
Most claims are settled out of court through negotiation. If court action is required, we will handle the process and represent you every step of the way. Our priority is to secure the best possible outcome with the least amount of stress for you.
Local context: Where negligence can occur in Barnet
Negligent treatment may occur in any of the following local services:
- Barnet Hospital (Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust)
- Chase Farm Hospital
- Finchley Memorial Hospital
- East Barnet and Brunswick Park GP surgeries
- Private dental and cosmetic clinics in Hendon and Whetstone
Regardless of where you were treated, you have the right to pursue justice if your care was substandard.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
We have a strong track record in helping clients throughout Barnet claim compensation for medical negligence. Our experience covers everything from routine errors to complex, life-altering injuries. We offer:
- Free initial consultations
- No win, no fee representation
- A dedicated medical negligence team with local knowledge
- Clear advice and support throughout the process
Additional support and guidance in Barnet
While pursuing a claim, you may also benefit from other forms of support. Useful local services include:
- Mind in Barnet – mental health support following trauma
- Barnet Citizens Advice Bureau – for help with benefits and rights
- North London Hospice – palliative care support if needed
- Barnet Mencap – advocacy for families affected by long-term disability from medical error
We can direct you to specialist services while managing your legal claim.
FAQs
Can I claim on behalf of someone else?
Yes. You can claim on behalf of a child, someone who has died, or an adult who lacks capacity to claim for themselves.
Will claiming affect my future care?
No. Healthcare providers are legally required to provide the same standard of care regardless of whether you have made a claim.
Can I claim if I only suffered financially, not physically?
In some cases, yes. If incorrect treatment or poor care caused significant financial harm, such as loss of earnings or additional private treatment costs, you may still have a valid claim.
Speak to our Barnet medical negligence team today
If you or a loved one has suffered due to negligent care in Barnet, contact Marley Solicitors. We will assess your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the claims process with clarity and compassion.
Call us today to arrange your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
