What is a GP Negligence Claim?
GP negligence claims cover errors in general practice that cause patient harm. Typical cases include failure to diagnose conditions that should have been recognised, failure to refer for specialist investigation, incorrect medication dosing, failure to manage chronic conditions appropriately, and failure to follow up on abnormal test results.
Am I Entitled to Claim?
You may have a claim if your GP fell below the standard of a reasonably competent general practitioner and you suffered harm as a result. The standard is high because GPs are trained to recognise "red flag" symptoms and refer appropriately. Missing textbook presentations of serious conditions is typically actionable.
Step-by-Step Process
Request Records
Submit a Subject Access Request to the practice for your full records.
Contact Keans
Free consultation. We assess whether a viable claim exists on the facts.
Expert Review
We instruct an independent GP expert to review against the standard of care.
Letter of Claim
Formal letter to the practice and their insurer outlining the allegations.
Proceedings if Needed
If liability is not admitted, we issue High Court proceedings.
Settlement
Most GP negligence cases settle after medical evidence is exchanged.
Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim
The stronger the evidence, the more straightforward the claim. Where possible, gather the following:
- Full medical records from the GP, hospital, or clinic in question
- Copies of any consent forms you signed
- Prescription and medication records
- Correspondence between doctors, consultants, and your GP
- A detailed personal account of symptoms, treatment, and conversations
- Records of any complaint submitted to the HSE or the Medical Council
- Reports from any independent medical experts consulted since
- Your full GP practice file from the relevant period
- Any specialist correspondence in your records
- Prescription and pharmacy records
Compensation Ranges
GP negligence claims involve complex causation: we must show the outcome would have been materially better with correct treatment. Expert evidence quantifies this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Partially. GPs are not expected to be specialists, but they must recognise red flag symptoms and refer appropriately. The standard is what a reasonably competent GP would do with the same presenting symptoms. Records usually resolve disputes about what was presented.
Yes, it is often important evidence. A prompt diagnosis by a second GP working on the same information helps establish the original failure was below standard. We include both sets of records in expert review.
They must provide them under the Data Protection Act within 30 days of a valid request. We handle the SAR and follow up with the Data Protection Commissioner if necessary. Non-compliance is rare and usually resolved quickly.
Two years from the date you became aware (or should have become aware) of the harm. In cases where symptoms are slow to reveal themselves, this can be later than the date of the negligent consultation. We assess limitation carefully at the first meeting.
No. The initial consultation at Keans is free. For personal injury cases we discuss all fees in writing before work begins. In contentious business, Irish law prevents solicitors from calculating fees as a percentage of your award or settlement.
Most personal injury claims settle without a court hearing, either through the Injuries Resolution Board or through direct negotiation. If court is required, we prepare you carefully and represent you throughout.