Medical negligence solicitors
Solicitors for medical negligence claims in the Glasgow area of Scotland.
At Austin Lafferty, our Scotland-based medical negligence solicitors bring broad experience across the full spectrum of clinical negligence matters - from misdiagnosis and surgical mistakes to negligent treatment, delayed diagnosis, birth injuries, and failures in hospital or GP care.
If you or someone close to you has suffered avoidable harm as a result of inadequate medical treatment, we can help you assess whether you have a valid claim. We can also guide you on the level of compensation you may be eligible to pursue.
We act for clients pursuing claims against NHS trusts and hospitals, private clinics, GP surgeries, dentists, care homes and mental health services. Our team has delivered outstanding results across numerous complex and sensitive cases, obtaining significant compensation and vital support for clients whose lives have been altered by medical negligence.
We provide a free initial consultation with an expert medical negligence lawyer from Scotland, during which we review your circumstances and outline your funding options, including no-win-no-fee agreements.
Why choose us as your medical negligence lawyer?
At Austin Lafferty, we don’t just specialise in clinical negligence claims - we also understand the emotional and practical challenges that follow negligent medical treatment. These injuries often bring trauma, uncertainty and long recovery periods, affecting your wellbeing, independence, confidence and financial stability for years to come, as well as that of your family.
Our team approaches every case with compassion, patience and a genuine commitment to your wellbeing. We move at a pace that suits you, fully aware of how challenging these situations can feel. By choosing us, you’ll have solicitors who listen, support and provide expert, clear advice throughout, always focussing on achieving the best outcome for you and your family.
Medical negligence claims
It’s important to note that an unsatisfactory medical outcome does not automatically mean negligence occurred. A successful claim requires proof that your treatment was below the level reasonably expected of a qualified healthcare professional, and that this led to your harm. Our Scottish medical negligence team will break down the process in plain, accessible language, ensuring you understand every step and our actions throughout.
We employ sophisticated case management systems and work alongside leading independent medical experts, technical specialists and experienced advocates or QCs. This ensures your case is meticulously prepared and progresses as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Types of claim
Each medical negligence case is unique and requires tailored evidence to show how the error occurred and how it has impacted your health, wellbeing and finances, or those of your family.
What compensation can you claim?
- Solatium – Compensation for pain, suffering and loss of quality of life, calculated according to established legal guidelines.
- Loss of earnings – Recovery of lost income, including future loss of earnings if your capacity to work has been compromised.
- Out-of-pocket expenses – Reimbursement for treatment costs, travel, specialist equipment, prescriptions and home modifications.
- Care costs – Compensation for professional care or the assistance provided by family members as a result of your injury.
- Loss of society and support – For families where negligence has led to death, covering emotional loss and loss of financial support.
The claims process
In Scotland, you normally have three years to bring a medical negligence claim. This period begins either on the date the negligent treatment occurred or from the point you reasonably became aware that your injury was linked to the care you received. If a claim is not raised within this timeframe, the right to seek compensation may be lost. However, there are important exceptions - such as cases involving children, where the three-year period does not begin until their 16th birthday, and individuals who lack mental capacity, for whom the time limit may not apply in the usual way.
You will need to provide witness accounts as well as documentation showing your financial losses. Independent medical experts play an essential role in confirming how the negligence occurred and assessing the seriousness of your injuries. Our medical negligence solicitors will be with you throughout, ensuring you have the support and guidance required to collect all relevant evidence.
Pursuing a case through the courts can be a long process, potentially spanning months but more likely, years. In practice, many claims settle earlier, with the defendant’s insurer generally responsible for legal fees and associated costs. Some deductions may apply depending on your funding agreement.
If your claim goes to court and is successful, costs are usually paid by the losing party.
All fee structures and funding options will be explained to you clearly from the outset, with everything confirmed in writing by your solicitor.