Hospital doctors & specialists

Being sued

In an increasingly litigious society, patients are now more likely than ever to bring a negligence action against a doctor. This section contains information about the legal process which may be useful even if you are covered by NHS indemnity. It also offers advice should you find yourself on the receiving end of a letter from a solicitor planning legal action in relation to your treatment of a private patient.

Advice articles

• Doctors face growing media scrutiny - 20 August 2004
• The process of litigation - 11 January 2004
• Clinical negligence – your response to litigation - 1 January 2004
• Doctor in defence – a member's diary - 1 September 2003
• Behind the scenes at the MDU – the Legal Department - 1 September 2003
• View all (11)

Case histories

• Opthalmic case study - 1 December 2007
• Delayed diagnosis of rectal cancer - 26 April 2006
• Asthma resulting in hypoxic brain damage - 1 June 2002
• Late referral of a pregnant woman - 19 March 2002
• Ureteric damage – not negligent - 1 January 2002
• View all (22)

Advice calls

• Taking the wrong X rays - 1 January 1998