Medical negligence happens when a healthcare provider fails to deliver care that meets the expected standard, causing avoidable harm to the patient. It’s more than just a mistake; it’s a breach of professional duty that can result in life-altering injuries, trauma, and loss. In a town like Chippenham, where residents rely on a handful of key facilities such as Chippenham Community Hospital and local GP surgeries, the consequences of negligence can be deeply personal and far-reaching.
At Marley Solicitors, we help people in Chippenham stand up to negligent professionals and recover compensation through no win, no fee medical negligence claims.
What is a medical negligence claim?
A medical negligence claim is a legal action taken by someone who has suffered injury, illness or worsening health as a direct result of substandard medical treatment. This may involve a missed diagnosis, surgical errors, incorrect medication, or poor aftercare.
To succeed in a claim, two things must be proven:
- Breach of duty – the care provided fell below the standard expected of a competent professional
- Causation – this breach directly caused or worsened your condition
Medical negligence claims can be brought against:
- NHS Trusts
- Private healthcare providers
- Dentists
- GPs
- Surgeons
- Nurses
- Midwives
- Pharmacists
- Care home staff
If you live in or around Chippenham and have suffered due to a healthcare provider’s actions (or inaction), you may have a valid claim.
Can I make a medical negligence claim in Chippenham?
Yes. Anyone in Chippenham who has suffered harm due to clinical negligence can make a claim, whether the treatment occurred at Chippenham Community Hospital, a private clinic, a dental practice, or a local GP surgery.
We often help clients from Chippenham and surrounding areas, including Langley Burrell, Lacock, Calne, and Corsham. Many cases involve services provided by the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust or local dental practices.
At Marley Solicitors, we work closely with medical experts and handle your claim with full transparency. Every case is taken on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you face no upfront costs.
Common signs of medical negligence
It’s not always easy to know if what happened to you was genuine negligence or simply an unfortunate outcome. However, there are certain warning signs that indicate possible negligence:
- Your symptoms were dismissed or overlooked by a GP
- A serious condition was misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late
- You were given the wrong medication or the incorrect dose
- You experienced complications after a surgery that could have been prevented
- You suffered an injury during childbirth
- A loved one passed away due to avoidable hospital errors
- Post-operative care was inadequate, leading to infection or worsened health
If you’ve encountered any of the above, especially at local facilities in Chippenham, it’s worth speaking to our legal team to assess your options.
Local context: Chippenham’s healthcare system
Chippenham is served by a combination of NHS and private healthcare facilities. The main NHS site is Chippenham Community Hospital, offering outpatient care, rehabilitation services, and minor injuries treatment. GP surgeries, such as Hathaway Medical Centre, Rowden Surgery, and Porch Surgery, also play a critical role in primary care.
In a smaller town like Chippenham, access to specialist treatment often involves referrals to hospitals in Bath, Swindon or Bristol. This can lead to delays, which, if not properly managed, can escalate into serious harm.
We’ve seen cases where Chippenham patients were not referred promptly or experienced long waiting times, contributing to complications that could have been avoided with appropriate care.
Types of medical negligence claims we handle
Marley Solicitors has a proven track record with a wide range of negligence cases, including:
- Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis
Failure to spot illnesses like cancer, stroke, or meningitis early can have devastating consequences. Even a delay of weeks can limit treatment options and worsen outcomes.
- Surgical errors
Surgery always carries risks, but errors such as wrong-site operations, retained surgical instruments, or nerve damage can be clear cases of negligence.
- Medication mistakes
Being prescribed the wrong drug or dose can lead to allergic reactions, overdoses, or ineffective treatment, all of which may qualify for a claim.
- Birth injuries
Mistakes during pregnancy or delivery can cause lifelong issues for mother and child. Claims often involve a failure to monitor foetal distress or the improper use of instruments.
- Negligent dental treatment
Poor work by dentists, such as nerve damage, infection, or failed procedures, can be not only painful but also expensive to correct.
- Care home neglect
Residents in care homes may suffer bedsores, dehydration, falls or medication errors due to understaffing or poor care. These are legally actionable.
- Mental health negligence
Neglect in mental health settings can result in self-harm, suicide attempts, or worsening conditions due to lack of supervision or care.
What can you claim compensation for?
Compensation aims to put you back, as far as possible, in the position you were in before the negligence occurred. You may be entitled to a claim for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma or PTSD
- Loss of earnings
- Cost of care or future treatment
- Travel expenses for medical appointments
- Loss of amenity (i.e., inability to enjoy life)
- Adaptations to your home if you’ve become disabled
- Funeral costs, in fatal cases
Each claim is unique, and Marley Solicitors will ensure the full extent of your losses is considered.
The legal process – What to expect
Making a medical negligence claim is complex, but we manage the full process for you. Here’s how it usually works:
- Free consultation
We review your situation and advise if you have a claim. - Gathering evidence
We collect your medical records and instruct independent experts to assess whether negligence occurred. - Letter of claim
A formal document is sent to the provider detailing the allegations and damages sought. - Response from the provider
They may admit or deny liability. If they admit fault, we move to negotiate a settlement. - Court proceedings (if needed)
Most claims settle out of court, but if necessary, we prepare your case for trial. - Settlement
Compensation is paid if your claim succeeds. Our no win, no fee arrangement means you don’t pay unless we win.
Why Marley Solicitors?
- Deep understanding of local healthcare providers in Chippenham
- Long-standing success with both NHS and private claims
- Clear, straightforward communication throughout
- No win, no fee guarantee
- Dedicated team of clinical negligence experts
- Proven track record of results
You don’t need to battle the NHS or a private provider on your own. We’ve helped hundreds of clients rebuild their lives after being failed by the people meant to protect them.
FAQs
How long do I have to make a medical negligence claim in Chippenham?
You typically have three years from the incident or from when you became aware that negligence occurred. There are exceptions for children (claims can be made any time before their 18th birthday, then three years after that) and for individuals lacking mental capacity.
How much compensation can I receive?
This depends on the severity of the harm caused, the impact on your life, and the financial losses involved. Minor injuries may receive several thousand pounds, while serious, life-changing cases can result in six- or even seven-figure settlements.
Is it risky to claim against the NHS?
No. All NHS Trusts have insurance specifically to deal with clinical negligence claims. You are not harming individual doctors or nurses; you are exercising your legal right to compensation. With Marley Solicitors’ no win, no fee support, there is no financial risk to you.
Take the first step toward justice
Medical negligence can shatter trust, health and stability. If you’ve been let down by a healthcare provider in Chippenham, whether at a hospital, GP surgery, a care home, or a private clinic, you don’t need to suffer in silence.
Contact Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team is ready to listen, advise, and fight for what you deserve. With our no win, no fee service, there’s no cost unless we succeed.
Get expert legal support from a firm that understands Chippenham and specialises in holding medical professionals accountable.
