What Are GP & Consultant Negligence Claims?
General Practitioners (GPs) and medical consultants play a vital role in diagnosing illness, prescribing medication, arranging investigations, and referring patients for specialist treatment. When a healthcare professional fails to meet the appropriate standard of care and injury occurs as a result, a medical negligence claim may arise under Irish law. Claims may arise in both public and private healthcare settings and can involve failures in diagnosis, treatment, communication, or follow-up care.Examples of GP & Consultant Negligence
Common examples of GP and consultant negligence may include:- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Failure to refer a patient for specialist investigation or treatment
- Missed or delayed cancer diagnosis
- Prescribing errors or incorrect medication
- Failure to act on medical test results
- Inadequate safety-netting advice or follow-up care
Bringing a GP Negligence Claim in Ireland
Bringing a GP negligence claim in Ireland typically requires detailed review of medical records and independent expert medical evidence. To pursue a claim successfully, it must generally be established that the care provided fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent medical practitioner and that this failure caused avoidable injury or loss. Claims may include compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of earnings, future treatment costs, and ongoing care requirements. In fatal cases, claims may also be brought on behalf of dependants under the Civil Liability Act 1961. We have handled GP negligence claims involving detailed examination of medical records, healthcare procedures, and expert medical opinion. You can also read what previous clients have said about their experience of working with us.Time Limits for Medical Negligence Claims
Medical negligence claims in Ireland are subject to strict time limits. It is generally advisable to seek legal advice as early as possible following an incident or diagnosis. Early legal advice can help preserve important medical evidence and allow your case to be assessed fully.Speak With a Medical Negligence Solicitor
If you suffered injury as a result of possible GP or consultant negligence, we can provide clear, practical guidance regarding your situation.
Contact Kerrigan Solicitors to arrange a confidential consultation. We advise clients throughout Galway and Ireland in relation to GP & Consultant negligence claims and related medical negligence matters.
Email us at m.kerrigan@kerrigansolicitors.ie or telephone 091-820630 to arrange a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About GP or Consultant Claims
What are GP or consultant negligence claims?
GP or consultant negligence claims may arise where a healthcare professional fails to provide an appropriate standard of medical care and a patient suffers injury as a result. Examples may include delayed diagnosis, prescribing errors, failure to refer for further investigation, or failure to act on medical test results.
How do I know if I may have a GP or consultant negligence claim?
You may have grounds for a claim if you suffered injury or avoidable complications as a result of possible failures in diagnosis, treatment, referral, or follow-up care by a GP or medical consultant. An experienced medical negligence solicitor can assess your case and advise whether the care provided may have fallen below acceptable medical standards.
Is there a time limit for making a medical negligence claim in Ireland?
In most cases, medical negligence claims in Ireland must be brought within two years less one day from the date of injury, although some exceptions may apply
Do I need my medical records before contacting a solicitor?
No. Your solicitor can arrange to obtain your medical records as part of the process of assessing whether a claim may arise.
How long does a medical negligence claim take?
Medical negligence claims can take longer than other personal injury cases because independent expert medical evidence is required before proceedings can begin.
Do you handle medical negligence claims for clients in Galway?
Yes, we advise clients in Galway city and county, and throughout Ireland in relation to medical negligence claims.
See what our clients have said about their experience working with us.
“Professional, clear advice throughout the process.”
'We understand that taking a medical negligence claim can feel like a big step.'
- Martin Kerrigan
If you would like advice about your situation, contact us for a confidential discussion.
Why Clients Choose Kerrigan Solicitors
Specialist Medical Negligence Experience
We provide focused legal advice in complex medical negligence cases, including treatment in Accident & Emergency departments.
Clear Advice From the Outset
We assess your situation carefully and advise whether your case may give rise to a claim before any decision is made.
Independent Medical Expert Support
We work with independent medical experts to evaluate whether the standard of care you received fell below acceptable levels.
Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation
We offer an initial consultation to discuss your circumstances and outline your options in a clear and practical way.
Arrange a Consultation
Contact us for a confidential, no-obligation discussion about your situation and whether you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Strict time limits apply to medical negligence claims in Ireland.