GP Negligence

GP negligence claims arise when a general practitioner fails to provide the standard of care expected of a reasonably competent GP, causing harm to the patient. GPs are often the first point of contact for patients and play a critical gatekeeping role in referrals to specialists.

Common GP negligence claims include failure to refer a patient for specialist investigation (e.g., dismissing symptoms that warrant urgent cancer referral), prescribing errors (wrong medication, wrong dose, dangerous drug interactions), failure to act on abnormal test results, inadequate examination or history-taking, and failure to follow up on patient concerns.

The "two-week wait" urgent cancer referral pathway is particularly relevant — GPs must refer patients with red flag symptoms under NICE guidelines. Failure to do so when symptoms clearly warrant referral is strong evidence of negligence.

GP practices carry medical defence organisation cover or NHS indemnity. Compensation depends on the harm caused by the delay or error. Failure to refer leading to advanced cancer typically settles for £100,000 to £500,000. Prescribing errors causing harm range from £10,000 to £200,000. The limitation period is 3 years from the date of injury or knowledge.