When medical treatment goes wrong, the effects can be devastating. If you’ve experienced poor care under the NHS in Chipping Norton, you may be able to claim compensation for your suffering. At Marley Solicitors, we help local residents take action against NHS services when standards fall below what is acceptable.
In this guide, we explain when you can claim against the NHS, what the process involves, and how our legal team can support you throughout your case. Whether you’ve been affected by a misdiagnosis, surgical mistake, or another serious error, our goal is to help you secure fair compensation.
What is considered NHS negligence?
Not all medical mistakes amount to legal negligence. To make a successful claim, your case must meet three specific conditions:
- The NHS provider owed you a duty of care (which is always the case when they treat you)
- That duty of care was breached by the medical professional or institution
- The breach caused you harm that would not otherwise have occurred
Examples of negligence can include a misdiagnosed condition, errors during surgery, being prescribed the wrong medication, or poor aftercare that leads to complications.
The harm you’ve suffered must be clearly linked to the substandard care you received. This can include physical injury, delayed recovery, worsening of a condition, emotional trauma, or financial losses due to time off work.
NHS services in Chipping Norton
Understanding where the care was provided is essential to building a strong case. In Chipping Norton, NHS treatment is offered through a variety of local services, including:
- Chipping Norton Health Centre (Russell Way) – A busy GP practice providing general medical consultations and long-term condition management
- Chipping Norton War Memorial Community Hospital (London Road) – A community hospital with maternity and outpatient services
- NHS dental clinics in the area – Including surgeries that offer NHS appointments alongside private options
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – Responsible for larger NHS facilities in the region such as the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury
If your care was received at any of these facilities and it resulted in avoidable harm, you may be eligible to pursue a claim.
Common types of NHS negligence
NHS claims can arise from various forms of clinical failings. Below are some of the more common scenarios in which claims may be possible:
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
A delay in identifying serious illnesses like cancer or heart disease can reduce your treatment options or worsen the prognosis. Early detection is often critical.
Surgical errors
This can include wrong-site surgery, avoidable internal damage, or foreign objects being left inside the patient after an operation.
Medication errors
Prescribing or dispensing the wrong medication, incorrect dosages, or failure to monitor side effects can all lead to serious consequences.
Birth injuries
Negligence during childbirth may result in life-changing injuries for either the mother or baby, such as cerebral palsy or fractures caused by poor delivery techniques.
Infection control failures
If you acquired a hospital-acquired infection due to poor hygiene practices, this may also support a claim.
Poor mental health treatment
Mismanagement of mental health conditions, including failure to carry out risk assessments or provide adequate support, can also lead to claims.
How much compensation could I receive?
The amount of compensation you might be entitled to will depend on the nature and severity of the harm caused. It typically falls into two categories:
- General damages: For pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
- Special damages: To cover financial losses, such as loss of earnings, travel expenses, and the cost of private treatment or care
Compensation can range from a few thousand pounds for minor injuries to six- or even seven-figure sums in the case of severe or life-altering negligence. Every case is different, and Marley Solicitors will work with medical experts to assess the full impact on your life.
How long do I have to claim?
In most NHS negligence cases, you have three years to start legal proceedings. This is either:
- Three years from the date the negligence occurred, or
- Three years from the date you became aware that your injury was caused by negligent treatment
If the person affected is under 18, the three-year period doesn’t begin until their 18th birthday. If the individual lacks mental capacity, the time limit may not apply.
It is always advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible so that evidence can be gathered while the incident is still recent.
Our approach at Marley Solicitors
Making a claim against the NHS can seem daunting. Many people are unsure whether they have a case, or they feel reluctant to take action against a public institution. But if you’ve been harmed through no fault of your own, you have a legal right to seek justice.
Marley Solicitors supports clients across Chipping Norton and the wider Oxfordshire area with:
- Free initial consultations
- A no win, no fee service – so you won’t pay unless your claim is successful
- Access to leading medical experts to help support your case
- Clear, compassionate communication throughout the claims process
We’ll manage the legal side so you can focus on recovery and peace of mind.
The process of making an NHS negligence claim
Here is an overview of how a typical NHS negligence claim works:
- Initial advice – We discuss your case, explain your rights, and advise on the next steps
- Collecting records – We obtain your medical records and other supporting evidence
- Expert opinions – Medical professionals provide reports on whether the care was negligent
- Letter of claim – This is submitted to the NHS Trust outlining your case and the evidence
- NHS response – The Trust investigates and replies, either accepting or denying liability
- Settlement or court action – If the NHS accepts fault, negotiations for compensation begin. If not, the case may proceed to court (though most are settled beforehand)
Throughout, we will keep you informed and act in your best interest at every stage.
Do I need to go to court?
Most NHS claims are settled before they ever reach a courtroom. In fact, the NHS Resolution body, which handles claims on behalf of the NHS, prefers to resolve cases without formal litigation whenever possible.
If your case goes to court, Marley Solicitors will represent you robustly, working with expert barristers and clinicians to present it.
FAQs
Can I claim for a misdiagnosis at Chipping Norton Health Centre?
Yes. If the misdiagnosis led to harm that could have been avoided with appropriate care, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Our team can assess your specific case during a free consultation.
How long does an NHS claim take to settle?
The process varies, but most claims are resolved within 12 to 24 months. Complex cases or those involving severe injury may take longer. Early advice can help speed up the process.
Speak to Marley Solicitors today
If you’ve suffered due to poor NHS treatment in Chipping Norton, don’t wait. Legal time limits apply, and the sooner we begin working on your case, the better your chances of a successful outcome.
Contact Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll assess your situation and explain your options clearly and confidentially. With our no win, no fee service, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
