Medical negligence can have life-altering consequences. Whether you are receiving treatment at Leighton Hospital or visiting a private clinic in Crewe, you place your trust in medical professionals to provide a standard level of care. When that care falls short, the results can be devastating. Knowing the warning signs of negligence can be the first step to protecting your rights and well-being.
If you suspect you or a loved one has experienced poor medical care, it is vital to understand what constitutes negligence and how to take action. In this post, we look at the top five signs of medical negligence that you should never ignore, especially if you are based in Crewe or the surrounding area.
What is medical negligence?
Medical negligence, also known as clinical negligence, occurs when a healthcare provider fails in their duty of care, causing injury or harm as a result. It can involve errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare or health management. These mistakes can occur in NHS hospitals, private practices, dental surgeries, care homes, or even during home visits by medical professionals.
To prove medical negligence in the UK, three elements must be present:
- A duty of care was owed
- That duty of care was breached
- The breach caused harm or damage
Not every bad outcome is negligent, but if your treatment was below the accepted standard and directly resulted in harm, you may have a case.
Below, we outline the five most common signs that could indicate medical negligence in Crewe.
- Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis
A delayed diagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis can have serious consequences. Whether your GP in Crewe failed to refer you for further tests or a specialist misinterpreted results, the delay can allow a condition to worsen or reduce treatment options.
Examples include:
- Cancer not being diagnosed until it has spread
- A heart condition being mistaken for indigestion
- Infections being dismissed as minor viruses
In many cases, the delay can lead to more invasive treatments, permanent damage, or even death. If other doctors had diagnosed the condition earlier with the same information, you could have grounds for a negligence claim.
- Surgical errors
Mistakes during surgery are one of the most severe forms of medical negligence. These errors can happen in both emergency and elective procedures, whether in hospital operating theatres or private surgical centres in Crewe.
Common surgical errors include:
- Operating on the wrong part of the body
- Leaving surgical instruments inside the patient
- Causing avoidable nerve or organ damage
- Failing to control bleeding properly
If you woke up from surgery with unexpected symptoms or long-term pain or needed further procedures to correct the issue, it could be a sign that something went wrong. You should seek independent medical advice and consult a legal expert if you suspect negligence.
- Medication errors
Medication mistakes may not seem as immediately serious as surgical errors, but they can be just as dangerous. Prescribing the wrong medication, dosage or combination can lead to allergic reactions, organ damage or even death.
Warning signs of medication negligence include:
- Being prescribed the wrong drug entirely
- Receiving incorrect instructions from your pharmacist or GP
- A known allergy being ignored or missed in your records
- Dangerous drug interactions not being spotted
These errors can happen at any point – during diagnosis, prescribing, dispensing or administering. If you have suffered unexpected side effects or worsening symptoms, keep a record and seek medical and legal guidance.
- Poor post-treatment care or follow-up
After surgery, treatment or diagnosis, you should receive appropriate follow-up care. A lack of follow-up can allow complications to develop and go unnoticed. Whether you were discharged too early from Leighton Hospital, or received no follow-up appointment from your local clinic, this neglect can cause real harm.
Signs of negligent aftercare include:
- Infections being missed or left untreated
- Lack of support managing side effects or recovery
- No follow-up scans or blood tests
- Failing to act on worsening symptoms
If your recovery feels unsupported, or complications were not picked up despite your complaints, this could point to medical negligence.
- Ignored concerns or lack of informed consent
Every patient has the right to be involved in decisions about their care. You must be given all relevant information in a clear and understandable way before giving your consent to any treatment. If a medical professional failed to properly explain the risks, benefits and alternatives, they may have acted negligently.
Equally, if your symptoms or concerns were repeatedly dismissed, overlooked or not documented, this can signal a breach in the duty of care.
Examples of ignored concerns include:
- Reporting pain or side effects that are not investigated
- Being denied a second opinion
- Not being informed of risks before undergoing a procedure
- Being pressured into treatment without full discussion
Your consent must be fully informed and freely given. If you were misled or not given all the facts, you may have grounds to challenge the care you received.
What to do if you suspect medical negligence in Crewe
If you recognise any of the signs above, you should act as soon as possible. Gathering evidence early is key to building a strong case.
Here are the steps to take:
- Request your medical records – You are entitled to see your records from your GP, hospital or private clinic.
- Document everything – Write down symptoms, appointments, names of professionals and key dates. Keep all written communication.
- Seek a second medical opinion – This can confirm whether the care you received fell below expected standards.
- Contact a medical negligence solicitor – Legal experts can assess your case and advise you on how to proceed.
At Marley Solicitors, we understand how distressing it is to suffer from medical negligence. Our experienced team in Crewe can support you through the claims process, helping you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for Crewe?
- Local experts familiar with medical providers in Crewe and Cheshire
- Free initial consultation to assess your case
- No win, no fee options available
- A compassionate, client-focused approach
- Proven track record of successful claims
We work with medical experts and investigators to gather evidence and build strong cases for our clients. Whether your issue involves the NHS or a private clinic, we can guide you every step of the way.
Time limits for making a medical negligence claim
In the UK, the general time limit for starting a medical negligence claim is three years from the date of the incident or from the date you became aware of the harm. There are exceptions for children and those without mental capacity.
It is best not to wait. The earlier you speak to a solicitor, the better your chances of gathering the right evidence and securing a successful outcome.
Final thoughts
Medical malpractice can be complex, emotional, and deeply personal. If you are in Crewe and have experienced poor medical treatment that led to harm, you are not alone. The first step is to recognise the signs and reach out for advice.
At Marley Solicitors, we are committed to protecting your rights and achieving justice for every client.
