Discover The Most Common Examples Of Medical Negligence Payouts In The UK
Medical negligence can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Whether you suffered due to a surgical error, a misdiagnosis, or delayed treatment, compensation could help you move forward by covering the financial, physical, and emotional damage caused by negligent care.
If you’re unsure about compensation or want to learn about the clinical negligence claims process, you’ll find all the information you might need in this guide. From examples of medical negligence payouts to the factors that can influence how compensation is calculated, our guide will demystify this part of the claims process.
Key Facts Include:
- All medical professionals have an obligation to provide their patients with the correct standard of care.
- Medical negligence compensation claims may cover a person’s pain, suffering, and associated financial losses.
- Birth injuries, surgical mistakes, delayed diagnoses, and anaesthetic errors can all lead to significant compensation payouts.
- You will need evidence to support your case and any claim for financial losses.
- If eligible, you could claim through a No Win No Fee agreement with one of the solicitors from our panel.
If you believe you’ve suffered unnecessarily because of medical negligence, contact our team of advisors for free today to see if you have a valid case to claim compensation:
- Call 020 3870 4868
- Fill out our ‘Claim Online‘ form.
- Send a message in our on-screen live chat box.
Jump To A Section
- Examples Of Medical Negligence Payouts UK
- How Much Compensation For Birth Injuries?
- Compensation Payouts For Misdiagnosis Or Delayed Diagnosis
- Medical Negligence Settlements For Surgical Errors
- Medication Error Payout Amounts
- Anaesthesia Medical Negligence Compensation
- Gynaecological Negligence Settlement Amounts
- How Much Compensation Can I Get For Never Events?
- What Other Damages Can Be Covered In Medical Negligence Payouts?
- Claim Medical Negligence Compensation On A No Win No Fee Basis
- More Information
Examples Of Medical Negligence Payouts UK
Examples of medical negligence payouts in the UK show that compensation can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each claim. These payouts can consist of general and special damages.
General damages are awarded to compensate for the pain and suffering that has resulted from suffering unnecessary harm. If that harm causes financial loss, then it may be possible to claim for these out-of-pocket costs under special damages.
When assessing the possible value of general damages, solicitors are often guided by the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). That is because this document provides suggested brackets for compensation that cover a wide range of different types of harm.
Factors that might influence the value of general damages include:
- The type and severity of the harm.
- The duration and persistence of symptoms.
- The level of physical and emotional pain experienced.
- Loss of enjoyment of life or independence, termed a loss of amenity.
- Whether the harm causes lasting disability or scarring.
- Prognosis and the likelihood of future complications.
In the sections below, you will find tables featuring a selection of brackets from the JCG. However, considering that these brackets are purely suggestive, they should be used only for guidance, as all medical negligence claims are assessed individually. Additionally, please note that the top figure in each table isn’t from the JCG, as they are a combination of general and special damages.
If you think you have a valid case to claim compensation, speak to our advisory team today for a free case assessment. They can evaluate your circumstances throughout the week to determine whether you are able to proceed with a medical negligence claim.
How Much Compensation For Birth Injuries?
Birth injuries can result in some of the highest medical negligence compensation payouts due to their life-altering impacts. They may affect either mother or baby, and might arise from a medical professional providing substandard care during pregnancy, labour, or delivery.
That substandard care may involve failing to monitor the mother and baby properly, misusing medical instruments, or making errors in medication or anaesthesia. In some cases, delayed treatment or failure to respond to distress signals can lead to severe and permanent avoidable harm.
Our table contains some examples of harm affecting the brain or shoulder, with their accompanying guideline brackets:
| Type of harm | Severity | Guideline compensation brackets |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple very severe forms of harm plus special damages (e.g. care costs) | Very severe | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Brain damage | Very severe | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Moderately severe | £267,340 to £344,150 | |
| Moderate (i) | £183,190 to £267,340 | |
| Moderate (ii) | £110,720 to £183,190 | |
| Moderate (iii) | £52,550 to £110,720 | |
| Less severe | £18,700 to £52,550 | |
| Female reproductive system | Infertility (a) | £140,210 to £207,260 |
| Sexual dysfunction (b) | £52,490 to £124,620 |
If you or your child has suffered from birth injuries due to negligent medical care, speak to our advisors today. They can guide you through the claims process and potentially connect you with a specialist solicitor from our panel.
Compensation Payouts For Misdiagnosis Or Delayed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can cause avoidable suffering and worsen a patient’s condition, often resulting in significant harm. It may occur when a medical professional fails to recognise clear symptoms, does not arrange timely tests, or dismisses a patient’s concerns without appropriate investigation.
In such cases, the delay or error can allow a condition to progress, sometimes leading to irreversible damage or necessitating more invasive treatment.
For our table, we have added 8 of the JCG’s guideline brackets for compensation, covering hernias, PTSD, and damage to kidneys and the bowels.
| Type of harm | Severity | Guideline compensation brackets |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple very severe forms of harm plus special damages (e.g. travel expenses) | Very severe | Up to £500,000+ |
| Kidney | Loss or serious and permanent damage to both kidneys (a) | £206,730 to £256,780 |
| Loss of 1 kidney (c) | £37,550 to £54,760 | |
| Bowels | Double incontinence | Up to £224,790 |
| Severe abdominal harm (d) | £54,420 to £85,100 | |
| Psychiatric damage generally | Severe (a) | £66,920 to £141,240 |
| Moderately severe (b) | £23,270 to £66,920 | |
| Hernia | Continuing pain (a) | £18,180 to £29,490 |
| Direct inguinal hernia (b) | £8,560 to £11,120 |
If you believe you’ve suffered unnecessary harm due to a misdiagnosis, please get in touch with one of our advisors as soon as possible. They’re here to help you start your compensation claim today.
Medical Negligence Settlements For Surgical Errors
Surgical errors occur due to mistakes during procedures, resulting in often serious, avoidable harm that sometimes requires further surgery. These errors can involve operating on the wrong site, damaging surrounding tissues due to negligent actions, or leaving surgical instruments inside the body. Such poor care often leads to further complications, prolonged recovery, or permanent harm.
This table contains another selection of suggestive brackets, featuring arm amputations and facial scarring of varying severities.
| Type of harm | Severity | Guideline compensation brackets |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple forms of very severe harm plus special damages (e.g. lost earnings) | Very severe | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Amputation of arms | Loss of both arms | £293,850 to £366,100 |
| Loss of 1 arm (i) | Not less than £167,380 | |
| Loss of 1 arm (ii) | £133,810 to £159,770 | |
| Loss of 1 arm (iii) | £117,360 to £133,810 | |
| Facial disfigurement | Very severe scarring | £36,340 to £118,790 |
| Less severe | £21,920 to £59,090 | |
| Significant scarring | £11,120 to £36,720 | |
| Less significant scarring | £4,820 to £16,770 |
If a surgical procedure resulted in harm that could have been avoided, call our team of advisors today. They can help you find out whether you have a case to claim medical negligence compensation.
Medication Error Payout Amounts
Medication errors, such as giving the incorrect dosage or prescribing the wrong drug, can cause serious harm and even long-term damage. These errors can lead to allergic reactions, toxic overdoses, or complications with existing conditions.
You may be able to claim compensation for such an error if you are avoidably harmed because a healthcare provider fails to review medical records, overlooks allergies, or administers medication without verifying the dosage. In our table, you’ll see suggested compensation brackets for damage to the bladder, bowels, and digestive system.
| Type of harm | Severity | Guideline compensation brackets |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple forms of very severe harm plus special damages (e.g. counselling costs) | Very severe | Up to £500,000+ |
| Bowels | Double incontinence (a) | Up to £224,790 |
| Total loss of natural function (b) | Up to £183,190 | |
| Passive incontinence and faecal urgency (c) | In the region of £97,530 | |
| Severe abdominal harm (d) | £54,420 to £85,100 | |
| Bladder | Complete loss of function | Up to £171,680 |
| Serious impairment of control | £78,080 to £97,540 | |
| Digestive system - non-traumatic | Severe toxicosis (i) | £46,900 to £64,070 |
| Allergic reaction requiring hospital admission (iii) | £4,820 to £11,640 |
Call our advisors today to find out if one of the solicitors from our panel can help you claim for your medication error experience.
Anaesthesia Medical Negligence Compensation
Negligent actions when administering anaesthesia can lead to severe pain and a range of lasting health problems, including brain and nerve damage. An anaesthetist may provide inadequate care if they fail to properly monitor a patient, use the incorrect dosage, or overlook known contraindications or allergies.
Mistakes involving anaesthesia can have life-changing consequences for those affected by it, including awareness during surgery or permanent neurological damage.
The table contains various brackets from the JCG, ranging from brain damage and paralysis to back damage and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
| Type of harm | Severity | Guideline compensation brackets |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple forms of very severe harm plus special damages (e.g. rehabilitation costs) | Very severe | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Brain damage | Very severe | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Moderately severe | £267,340 to £344,150 | |
| Moderate (i) | £183,190 to £267,340 | |
| Less severe | £18,700 to £52,550 | |
| Paralysis | Tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia) | £396,140 to £493,000 |
| Paraplegia | £267,340 to £346,890 | |
| Back | Severe (i) | £111,150 to £196,450 |
| PTSD | Severe (a) | £73,050 to £122,850 |
| Moderately severe (b) | £28,250 to £73,050 |
Contact our advisors now if you’ve experienced unnecessary harm due to negligently administered anaesthesia. Your path to compensation starts with a free, confidential chat.
Gynaecological Negligence Settlement Amounts
Gynaecological negligence can lead to significant physical and psychological suffering for those impacted by it. This type of negligence may occur in circumstances where a medical professional fails to diagnose a gynaecological condition, makes surgical errors, or provides inappropriate treatment that affects fertility or reproductive health.
These errors can result in long-term pain, trauma, and, in some cases, permanent impairment. The table below contains brackets for harm affecting the reproductive system, pelvis, and hips.
| Type of harm | Severity | Guideline compensation brackets |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple very severe forms of harm plus special damages (e.g. vehicle adaptations) | Very severe | Up to £500,000+ |
| Female reproductive system | Infertility (a) | £140,210 to £207,260 |
| Sexual dysfunction (b) | £52,490 to £124,620 | |
| Infertility with no aggravating features or sexual dysfunction (c) | £68,440 to £87,070 | |
| Infertility without medical complications or sexual dysfunction (d) | £21,920 to £44,840 | |
| Infertility where the person would not have had any children in any case (e) | £8,060 to £22,800 | |
| Pelvis & hips | Severe (i) | £95,680 to £159,770 |
| Severe (ii) | £75,550 to £95,680 | |
| Moderate (i) | £32,450 to £47,810 | |
| Lesser injuries (i) | £4,820 to £15,370 |
Reach out to one of our advisors at any time to see how our panel of solicitors have helped clients nationwide seek compensation for gynaecological negligence.
How Much Compensation Can I Get For Never Events?
Never events refer to serious incidents that should not have occurred in a healthcare setting where proper procedures and safety protocols are followed. These events typically involve fundamental safety failings by healthcare providers. In some cases, never events may lead to death:
- Wrong-site surgery – Operating on the wrong part of the body, such as removing the healthy kidney instead of the diseased one.
- Retained foreign object post-procedure – Surgical instruments, sponges, or other materials accidentally left inside a patient after surgery.
- Wrong route administration of medication – For example, delivering medication intravenously instead of orally.
- Misplacement of a nasogastric or feeding tube -Where the tube is inserted into the lungs instead of the stomach, causing lung damage or death.
- Administering incompatible blood during transfusion – Leading to acute haemolytic reaction, organ failure, or death.
- Failure to monitor oxygen saturation during sedation – Resulting in preventable brain damage due to lack of oxygen.
Our table contains a broad selection of suggested compensation brackets for varying types of harm, including brain damage, paralysis, and loss of sight.
| Type of harm | Severity | Guideline compensation brackets |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple forms of very severe harm plus special damages (e.g. prescription costs) | Very severe | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Paralysis | Tetraplegia (quadriplegia) | £396,140 to £493,000 |
| Brain damage | Very severe | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Leg | Loss of both legs | £293,850 to £344,150 |
| Below-knee amputation of both legs | £245,900 to £329,620 | |
| Above-knee amputation of 1 leg | £127,930 to £167,760 | |
| Below-knee amputation of 1 leg | £119,570 to £162,290 | |
| Chest | Removal of a lung and/or serious heart damage | £122,850 to £183,190 |
| Bladder | Double incontinence | Up to £224,790 |
| Female reproductive system | Infertility (a) | £140,210 to £207,260 |
| Male reproductive system | Total loss of reproductive organs | In excess of £187,790 |
| Sight | Loss of sight in 1 eye with reduced vision in the remaining eye (ii) | £78,040 to £129,330 |
Since never events are entirely preventable, healthcare providers are held to strict accountability standards. If liability for a never event that caused harm is admitted, compensation may reflect both the physical consequences and emotional trauma endured by the patient.
If you have suffered unnecessarily due to a never event, speak with our advisors today. They can assess your case in full confidence and help you take your first steps on your path to claiming compensation.
What Other Damages Can Be Covered In Medical Negligence Payouts?
As mentioned earlier in this guide, medical negligence payouts may also award damages that reflect your financial losses. Special damages can have a meaningful role in helping you navigate the practical and economic consequences of the harm you experienced. After all, costs like physiotherapy and travel to medical appointments can quickly add up, especially if you’re unable to work during your recovery.
To claim special damages, you will need to provide proof of your financial losses, which may include:
- Payslips or tax records to demonstrate loss of income.
- Invoices and receipts for care services or private treatment.
- Travel tickets or fuel receipts for medical journeys.
- Quotes for home or vehicle adaptations.
- Bank statements showing out-of-pocket expenses.
Without sufficient documentation, your ability to recover these costs may be limited. That’s why it’s important to keep a detailed record of all expenses and financial impacts related to your medical negligence claim. If you need help with this task, you can get support from one of the solicitors making up our expert panel.
Below are some examples of the types of financial losses you can be reimbursed for through special damages:
Loss Of Earnings
You may be able to recover lost income if you were forced to stop working temporarily or permanently. This category encompasses both past and future earnings, bonuses, and pension contributions:
- Loss of salary during recovery or treatment
- Loss of future earning potential due to reduced capacity
- Missed opportunities for promotions or bonuses
- Impact on pension contributions
Cost Of Care
If you required help with daily tasks due to the harm you experienced, you may be able to claim for the cost of care provided by others. That care can include both professional assistance and support from friends or family:
- Paid carers for personal assistance
- Help with cooking, cleaning, or mobility
- Care provided informally by family members
- Night-time or live-in support arrangements
Cost Of Further Treatment
The harm you suffered may have also resulted in various medical expenses, including costs already paid and anticipated future costs:
- Private corrective surgery
- Ongoing prescriptions or the purchase of medical devices
- Physiotherapy, counselling, or specialist consultations
- Regular medical appointments or scans
Cost Of Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation costs can be included in situations where therapy is necessary to restore physical or psychological function:
- Physiotherapy sessions to support mobility and reduce or otherwise manage pain
- Occupational therapy to restore daily independence
- Mental health services, such as therapy or counselling
- Long-term rehabilitative care in specialist facilities
Home Adaptations
In some cases, the home may require modifications to improve accessibility in order to accommodate new mobility needs or disabilities:
- Installing ramps or stairlifts
- Converting bathrooms into wet rooms
- Widening doorways or installing handrails
- Lowering kitchen worktops or controls
Car Adaptations
If your ability to drive has been affected, you may need to modify your vehicle to retain independence and adapt it to any disability you now have:
- Hand controls or joystick steering
- Swivel seats or wheelchair lifts
- Customised driving seats or pedal adjustments
- Vehicle replacement suitable for disability
Travel Expenses
You can claim back costs for necessary travel related to your treatment. For instance, you may have needed to take the train to attend physiotherapy sessions because you suffered severe damage to your legs that made driving impossible:
- Fuel and parking for hospital visits
- Taxi or transport hire for those unable to drive
- Train or bus fares for medical appointments
- Travel to attend medical assessments
To learn more about examples of medical negligence payouts in the UK concerning special damages, please contact our advisory team at a time that is convenient for you. They’re available 24/7, so you’ll always get a quick response to your queries.
Claim Medical Negligence Compensation On A No Win No Fee Basis
If eligible, you may be able to claim medical negligence compensation on a No Win No Fee basis with one of the solicitors making up our panel. They offer a specific type of No Win No Fee contract through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).
With this type of arrangement:
- You don’t pay any solicitor fees upfront
- There are no solicitor fees charged during the claim
- If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t need to pay a solicitor’s fee for the work done on your case
Should you win, a success fee is deducted from your compensation as a payment for your solicitor’s work. It’s agreed upon before your claim begins, and the percentage is capped. This makes the process of hiring No Win No Fee solicitors more accessible to a wider range of people, particularly those already facing financial pressure due to the harm they suffered.
Our panel of solicitors see CFAs as just one part of the compensation journey, having seen firsthand the devastating impact of medical negligence on those affected by it. That is why they always approach every case with the utmost professionalism and compassion, and their support doesn’t stop there.
Here are just some of the many ways that a solicitor from our expert panel can help you:
- Expertly negotiating with the defendant’s team to secure the maximum compensation for you.
- Obtaining proof for your case and putting it together to create a compelling narrative of evidence.
- Organising an independent medical assessment to strengthen your claim.
- Providing clear, transparent advice that is always straightforward and free of confusing jargon.
- Putting you in touch with physiotherapists, psychologists, and other specialists to support your recovery.
Get In Touch With UK Law
Our panel of solicitors understand how devastating clinical negligence can be, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with UK Law’s team of advisors. They’re here 24/7 to help you get started with your claim for compensation:
- Call 020 3870 4868
- Fill out our ‘Claim Online‘ form.
- Send a message in our on-screen live chat box.
More Information
Explore some of our other medical negligence claims guides:
- Learn about the medical negligence claims time limit.
- Find out what evidence you need to prove medical negligence.
- How to report a doctor for medical negligence.
These external resources might also be useful for you:
- Royal College of Nursing (RCN) – A nurse’s duty of care.
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) – Find a hospital and check its quality of care.
- General Medical Council (GMC) – What professional standards are expected from doctors.
We hope that this guide on examples of medical negligence payouts in the UK has been insightful.
