Medical Negligence Solicitors in Plymouth
When something goes wrong with medical care, the impact can reach far beyond the immediate harm. You may be left coping with pain, uncertainty, or a sense that your concerns were not properly heard. It can be difficult to know where to turn or whether you have a claim. Our Medical Negligence team in Plymouth supports individuals and families across the city and surrounding areas at these challenging times, offering clear and compassionate advice when you need it most.
Whether you are dealing with a misdiagnosis, delays in treatment, injuries and complications, or concerns about the care you or a loved one received, we take the time to understand what has happened. Our role is to help you make sense of your experience, explain your options in a straightforward way, and guide you through the process with care and clarity.
When you contact Nash & Co, you will speak directly with an experienced member of our Medical Negligence team. From that first conversation, our focus is on listening carefully and understanding your situation. We are here to help you feel heard and to ensure you understand what you may be entitled to, so you can decide what feels right for you and your family moving forward.
Our Medical Negligence Services
Accident & Emergency Negligence
Birth Injury & Maternity Negligence
Cancer Misdiagnosis
Delayed Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment
Fatal Medical Negligence
Medical Misdiagnosis
Sodium Valproate
Surgical Negligence
Where you are right now
You may be at a point where something simply does not feel right about the care you received. Perhaps a condition was missed or diagnosed too late, treatment did not go as expected, or you or a loved one has been left with an injury that feels like it should have been avoidable. In some cases, people come to us after a difficult birth experience, or following complications that were not properly explained at the time.
Often, people in this position are left with more questions than answers. You might be trying to piece together what happened, or wondering whether anyone will acknowledge that something went wrong. It is also common to feel uncertain about whether your experience amounts to medical negligence at all.
At the same time, you may still be dealing with the physical and emotional impact of what has happened. That can make it even harder to know what steps to take next, or whether it is worth raising concerns.
We understand that this stage can feel isolating. You are not expected to have everything figured out before speaking to someone. Many people who contact us are simply looking for clarity and a sense of whether they are entitled to anything further. Our role is to help you make sense of where you are now, and to give you a clearer understanding of what options may be available to you.
Why clients trust Nash & Co Solicitors for Medical Negligence
Clients come to us at some of the most difficult points in their lives. They may be dealing with ongoing health problems, caring for a loved one affected by poor medical care, or trying to understand why their treatment did not go as expected. We know how personal and sensitive these situations are.
We take the time to listen properly from the very beginning. That means understanding not just the medical details, but also the impact on your day to day life. Many people tell us they simply want to feel heard and understood, and that forms the central part of how we work.
We offer a free, no obligation initial consultation so you can speak to us without any pressure. This gives you the space to explain what has happened and to ask questions before deciding whether you want to take things further.
We act on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there are no upfront legal costs, and you will only pay if your claim is successful. We will always explain how this works clearly so you can make an informed decision. In some cases, we may also be able to secure interim payments during the course of a claim. This can help ease financial pressure and provide access to treatment, care, or support while the case is ongoing.
Clients trust us because we keep things straightforward, honest, and focused on what is important. We work with you to ensure you receive what you are entitled to, and we do not expect you to have all the answers when you first get in touch.
Understanding what went wrong
What a medical negligence claim involves
When something goes wrong with medical care, it is not always immediately clear why it happened. You may have been given explanations at the time, but still feel that something does not add up or was not properly addressed.
Part of our role is to help you understand whether the care you received fell below an acceptable standard. This often involves looking at medical records in detail and, where needed, working with independent medical experts who can provide a professional opinion.
We will guide you through this process carefully and explain each stage. You do not need to have any answers or understand technical language. We will translate what is relevant into clear, straightforward terms. For many clients, this stage is about finding clarity.
This is not just clinical details. This is about a negative experience that has had a significant impact on your life or the life of someone you care about.
How compensation can help
A medical negligence claim follows a structured legal process, but that does not mean it should feel overwhelming or difficult to understand. We aim to keep things as clear and manageable as possible from the outset.
The first step is usually gathering information and medical records. This helps us build a picture of what happened and identify whether there may be a case to answer. We would likely then obtain independent expert evidence to assess the standard of care provided.
If there is a potential claim, we will set this out clearly and explain what happens next, such as raising the issues with the relevant provider involved, and setting out why we believe care was not appropriate and what impact this has had.
In some cases, liability is admitted early on, but there may be a period of discussion and review while both sides consider the evidence in detail. Many cases are resolved through negotiation once the full picture is understood.
Where agreement cannot be reached, there are further steps available to continue the claim. If that becomes necessary, we will guide you through it carefully, making sure you are fully supported and understand what is happening at every stage.
Compensation in medical negligence cases is about recognising the impact that avoidable harm has had on your life. This can include the physical effects of an injury, ongoing pain, or the need for further treatment or care. In some cases, it may include funding for long term care or specialist equipment where needed.
It can also reflect financial losses, such as time off work, reduced earning capacity, or the cost of rehabilitation and support. While compensation cannot undo what has happened, it can help provide stability and support for the future.
We take care to ensure that compensation properly reflects your circumstances and what you and your loved ones have been through. This is not about putting a value on your experience, but about making sure the full impact is properly recognised.
We will explain what you may be entitled to in a clearly so you can make informed decisions about how you want to proceed.
Email us at medneg@nash.co.uk or call us on 01752 827067
Understanding no win, no fee arrangements
We understand that the idea of legal costs can feel like a barrier, particularly when you are already dealing with the impact of medical negligence. That is why we handle medical negligence claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you do not need to pay anything upfront to start a claim and, if your case is not successful, you will not be responsible for our legal fees.
We also offer a free, no obligation consultation, so you can talk to us about your situation without any commitment. This gives you the chance to understand whether you may have a claim before making any decisions, and allows us to provide a realistic explanation of whether or not you have a viable claim. Our aim is to make the process feel as accessible as possible, so cost does not prevent you from finding out where you stand or whether you are entitled to compensation.
Meet Our Medical Negligence team
Our Medical Negligence services
Medical negligence cases can arise in many different ways. For some people, it is a sudden and unexpected event that raises immediate concerns about the care they or a loved one received. For others, it is something that becomes clearer over time as complications develop or recovery does not go as expected. In many cases, people simply want to understand whether what happened should have been avoided and what options may be available to them.
Our medical negligence solicitors in Plymouth support individuals and families across a wide range of situations, from misdiagnosis and delayed treatment to surgical errors, birth injuries and ongoing complications. Regardless of the circumstance that has brought you here, our role is to provide clear, practical advice and help you understand the next steps.
Below you will find an overview of the areas we regularly assist with. Each section provides more detail about the type of claim and how we can support you.
Surgical Negligence
Surgical negligence can arise where something goes wrong during an operation that should have been avoidable. This might include operating on the wrong area, leaving surgical instruments inside the body, or complications caused by poor surgical technique. It can also include situations where proper consent was not obtained or risks were not fully explained. We support clients who have suffered unexpected complications or worsening symptoms following surgery. Our focus is on understanding what happened and whether the standard of care was appropriate.
Cancer Misdiagnosis
A cancer misdiagnosis can have a serious impact on both treatment options and long term outcomes. It may involve a cancer being wrongly diagnosed as a less serious condition, or another condition being diagnosed when cancer was already present. In some cases, this can delay access to appropriate treatment or lead to unnecessary treatment being given. We support individuals and families who have concerns that a cancer diagnosis was incorrect or missed altogether. Our role is to help you understand what happened and whether earlier diagnosis could have made a difference.
Delayed Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment
A delay in diagnosing or treating cancer can have significant consequences for both health and prognosis. You may have repeatedly sought medical advice only for symptoms to be overlooked or not investigated promptly. In some cases, earlier diagnosis or treatment could have changed the course of the illness. We understand how distressing it can be to look back and feel that concerns were not acted upon. We can help you explore whether there was a delay in care and whether this affected your outcome.
Birth Injuries & Maternity Negligence
Birth injuries can have life changing consequences for both babies and parents. They may result from mistakes made during pregnancy, labour, or delivery, including failure to monitor distress or delays in performing necessary intervention. These situations are often deeply emotional and can leave families with long term concerns about care and support. We help families understand whether injuries could have been avoided with appropriate medical care. Our role is to provide clear guidance during what is an incredibly difficult time.
Medical Misdiagnosis
A misdiagnosis can have a serious impact on both your health and your recovery. It may mean a condition was not identified when it should have been, or that you were treated for something you did not have. In some cases, this can lead to delays in receiving the right treatment or a condition becoming more advanced. We support people who have concerns that their diagnosis was incorrect or delayed. Our role is to help you understand whether the care you received was appropriate and whether harm could have been avoided.
Accident & Emergency Negligence in Devon & Cornwall hospitals
Accident and Emergency departments are often fast paced and highly pressured environments, but patients are still entitled to safe and appropriate care. A&E negligence can include missed diagnoses, delays in treatment, failure to investigate symptoms properly, or premature discharge. These situations can sometimes lead to serious deterioration in a patient’s condition. We support individuals who believe their concerns were not properly assessed or acted upon in A&E. Our focus is on understanding whether the care provided met an acceptable standard.
Fatal Medical Negligence
Losing a loved one is always devastating, and it can be even harder when there are unanswered questions about their medical care. Fatal medical negligence cases arise where concerns exist that a death may have been avoidable due to substandard treatment or delays in care. These cases often involve complex medical evidence and can feel overwhelming for families. We support families in understanding what happened and whether there are grounds to pursue a claim. Our role is to handle the process with care, sensitivity and clear communication throughout.
Sodium Valproate Compensation
Sodium valproate is a medication used to treat epilepsy and other conditions, but it is known to carry significant risks if taken during pregnancy. In some cases, children exposed in the womb may be born with developmental disorders or congenital conditions that could have been avoided with proper guidance or monitoring. These cases often involve questions about whether appropriate warnings were given or whether safer alternatives should have been considered. We support families affected by sodium valproate exposure in pregnancy with a focus on understanding what advice was given and whether appropriate care was provided.
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Supporting clients across Plymouth and the surrounding areas
Our medical negligence team advises and supports individuals and families throughout Plymouth and the wider South West, including areas such as Plymstock, Plympton, Saltash, Ivybridge and Tavistock.
Many of the people who contact us live in Plymouth, while others come to us because their treatment or care took place at local hospitals or healthcare providers across the region. Whatever your connection to the area, we are here to help you understand what has happened and what options may be available.
If you would like to speak with a member of our medical negligence team, we will be happy to arrange a convenient time to talk.
Speaking to our Medical Negligence team
Speaking to an experienced medical negligence solicitor can often help bring some clarity at a time when things feel uncertain. Many people tell us that the hardest part is making that first call, especially when they are still trying to make sense of what has happened.
You may not yet know whether you have a claim. You might simply want to understand if the care you received was appropriate, or what your options could be. That is completely understandable. Our role is to listen carefully, take time to understand your situation, and help you see things more clearly.
When you contact Nash & Co, you will speak with a member of our medical negligence team who understands the sensitive nature of these cases. We will talk through what has happened in simpler terms and answer any questions you may have, so you can start to understand where you stand.
We offer a free, no obligation initial consultation, giving you the chance to discuss your concerns without any pressure to proceed. If you would like to speak with one of our medical negligence solicitors, you can contact our team by phone or email and we will arrange a convenient time to talk.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Medical negligence happens when the care provided by a healthcare professional falls below an acceptable standard and causes avoidable harm. This can occur in hospitals, GP surgeries, or private healthcare settings. It is not simply about a poor outcome, but whether the care you received should reasonably have been better and whether that made a difference to your condition or recovery.
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It is not always easy to know whether something amounts to medical negligence, especially when you are still dealing with the impact of what has happened. A claim usually depends on showing that the care you received fell below a reasonable standard and that this directly caused you harm.
We can review your circumstances and help you understand whether there may be a potential claim, even if you are unsure at the outset.
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We advise on a wide range of medical negligence cases involving both NHS and private care. This includes misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, birth injuries, medication mistakes, and complications following treatment or procedures. We also support families in cases involving fatal medical negligence where concerns have been raised about the care provided.
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In most cases, you have three years to bring a medical negligence claim. This is usually from the date the negligence occurred or from the date you first became aware that something may have gone wrong. There are important exceptions, particularly for children or individuals who lack mental capacity, so it is always best to seek advice as early as possible.
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The process usually begins with a detailed review of your medical records to understand what happened and whether the care provided was appropriate. We often instruct independent medical experts to help assess whether there has been negligence. If there is a case to answer, we will raise the issues with the healthcare provider and set out the basis of the claim. Many cases are resolved through negotiation once all the evidence has been considered, but we will guide you through each stage clearly if further steps are needed.
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No, you do not need to obtain your medical records before contacting us. We can request these on your behalf once we begin looking into your case. This allows us to carry out a proper assessment without you needing to take on any of the administrative burden yourself.
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The amount of compensation depends on the specific circumstances of your case and the impact the negligence has had on your life. This may include pain and suffering, loss of earnings, the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, or ongoing care needs. Every case is different, so we will always assess your situation individually and explain what may be possible based on the evidence.
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Many medical negligence claims are resolved without the need for court proceedings. An agreement may be reached through negotiation once the evidence has been fully reviewed by both sides. If court action becomes necessary, we will support you throughout the process and make sure you understand what is happening at every stage so you never feel left in the dark.
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We offer a free, no obligation initial consultation so you can discuss your situation without any financial commitment.
Medical negligence claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees upfront and only pay if your claim is successful. We will always explain the funding options clearly so you can make an informed decision about how you would like to proceed.
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The first conversation is simply about understanding what has happened and giving you space to talk it through. Many people are unsure where to start, and that is completely normal. We will listen carefully, explain things clearly, answer your questions and help you understand whether there may be a claim worth exploring.
There is absolutely no obligation to decide whether you want to proceed.
Medical Negligence Insights
Get in touch
Fill out the form below and let us know whether you would like us to call you, or email you. One of our Medical Negligence team will be in touch as soon as we can.
If your inquiry is urgent then please call us on 01752 827067