How to pursue a GP negligence claim in Ireland

5 minute read

GPs are often the first point of contact for patients and are expected to provide accurate diagnoses, appropriate treatment and timely referrals to specialists. However, like all medical professionals, GPs can make mistakes. When those mistakes result in avoidable harm, you may be entitled to pursue a GP negligence claim.

We are experienced medical negligence solicitors in Ireland, dedicated to helping individuals and families to seek justice when they’ve been let down.

What is GP Negligence?

GP negligence occurs when a general practitioner fails to provide a reasonable standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient.

This could involve:

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
Failure to refer to a specialist
Incorrect or inappropriate prescription of medication
Failure to follow up on test results
Poor record-keeping
Ignoring or dismissing patient symptoms

Not every mistake made by a GP qualifies as negligence. To be successful in a claim, it must be proven that the care provided fell below an acceptable standard and directly caused you harm.

Can I make a GP negligence claim in Ireland?

To bring a successful claim for GP negligence, three things must be established:

Duty of Care, it must be shown that the GP owed you a duty of care. This is usually straightforward, as GPs have a duty to all their patients.
Breach of Duty, the GP must have breached that duty by failing to act in accordance with accepted medical practice.
Causation, there must be a direct link between the breach of duty and the harm you suffered. In other words, had the GP acted appropriately the harm would likely have been avoided.

What can I claim for in Ireland?

If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Pain and suffering, physical and emotional impact of the negligence
Loss of earnings, including future earnings if your ability to work has been affected
Medical expenses, including treatment, rehabilitation and medications
Care and assistance, if you now require help with daily activities
Out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel costs or home modifications

Steps to pursue a GP negligence claim

1. Independent legal advice

The first step is to speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor. We offer an initial consultation to assess whether you may have a viable claim. It’s important to act promptly as medical negligence claims are subject to strict time limits There is usually two years from the date you became aware of the negligence.

You can learn more about the limitation period at: How long do I have to claim for medical negligence?

2. Gather medical records

We will then request your full medical records from your GP and any other relevant healthcare providers. These records form the foundation of your claim and will be reviewed to identify evidence of negligence.

3. Get an expert medical opinion

An important step in proving GP negligence is obtaining an independent medical expert’s opinion. This expert will assess whether the care provided fell below an acceptable standard and whether it caused or contributed to your injuries. Without supportive expert evidence, a claim cannot proceed.

4. Letter of Claim

If there is a strong case, we will prepare and send a Letter of Claim to the GP or their legal representatives. This document sets out the allegations of negligence, the injuries suffered and the compensation being sought. The GP’s defence team will then have a period to respond, either admitting or denying liability.

5. Court proceedings (if necessary)

If liability is not admitted, we may initiate court proceedings. In many cases a settlement may be reached before the case proceeds to court. We will negotiate on your behalf to ensure that any offer of compensation is fair and reflects the full extent of your physical, emotional and financial losses.

If it is a case in which a negotiated settlement is not possible, we will prepare the case for trial. We will guide and support you throughout the entire process.

Choose a solicitor with experience in GP negligence claims in Ireland

We are experienced in handling complex GP negligence cases across Ireland. We understand the emotional toll these situations take and provide a compassionate, professional service tailored to your individual needs.

Our dedicated medical negligence solicitors work to ensure our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. We deal with each case sensitively and discretely, maintaining your confidentiality throughout.

Our team is known for helping a great many patients across all Counties of Ireland. This is why Augustus Cullen Law is one of the most reviewed Irish law firms on Trustpilot.

Contact our Dublin, Wexford & Wicklow-based medical negligence team

If you or a loved one has been affected by GP negligence, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. Mistakes in primary care can have long-lasting consequences, but with the right legal support, you can take steps toward recovery and accountability.

In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.