A GP is most often the first doctor a patient turns to, and a trusted relationship is built over many years. Because so much rests on a GP's judgement about whether to refer a patient for specialist help, a delay or failure to refer can have devastating, long-lasting and sometimes catastrophic consequences. We have extensive experience representing individuals and families in claims involving negligence on the part of a GP.
The GP's role and the duty to refer
A GP will generally have a life-long and trusted relationship with the patient and is most often the doctor to whom a patient first attends in order to assess a problem.
A GP assesses a wide variety of problems and, based on their knowledge, skill and experience, we rely upon them to decide whether it is necessary to refer a patient for specialist help. As with all areas of clinical negligence, delay or failure to refer can have devastating, long-lasting consequences for a patient and can unfortunately sometimes be catastrophic.
Examples of GP claims
Examples of claims include:
- Failure to diagnose possible strokes/brain haemorrhages
- Failure to refer urgently, for example in the case of meningitis or cardiac arrest
- Failure to refer to a specialist for investigation or treatment
- Failure to consider results of investigations and act appropriately
We have a vast amount of experience representing individuals and families in claims involving negligence on the part of a GP.
Recent cases of note
- Patient successfully sues GP for failing to diagnose stroke resulting in severe disability
- Settlement for 81 year old for negligently mis-prescribed antibiotic
- Settlement of €325,000 for woman who suffered undiagnosed appendicitis and subsequent rupture
- Novel nervous shock case: SH –v– General Practitioner
