When you go to a doctor, dentist, or hospital in Northern Ireland, you put your trust in the professionals caring for you. Most of the time, that trust is well-placed. But sometimes, things go wrong. There could be a misdiagnosis, a surgical mistake, the wrong medication, or poor aftercare, and the consequences can be life-changing.
If this has happened to you, it’s normal to feel confused, angry, or even guilty for questioning the care you received. But here’s the truth: you’re not alone, and you do have options.
At My Personal Injury Claim, we’ve helped people across Belfast and Northern Ireland who never thought they’d need legal support after medical treatment. We know it can feel overwhelming, so we’re here to take the pressure off and guide you every step of the way.
5 Steps You Should Take Before Filing
If you believe you’ve suffered due to medical negligence, it’s important to act carefully and methodically. Here are the five key steps that will give you the strongest foundation for your claim:
1. Get clarity on what went wrong
The first step is understanding exactly what happened. At this stage, you may not know whether your treatment was negligent or simply unfortunate. That’s why it’s vital to get clarity:
- Request your medical records from your GP, hospital, or clinic. These are your legal rights under data protection laws, and they’re often the strongest evidence you’ll ever have.
- Seek a second opinion. A fresh pair of medical eyes can give you an objective view of whether your treatment fell below accepted standards.
- Keep your own notes. Write down dates of appointments, conversations with staff, symptoms, and how you felt at the time. This personal record is invaluable, even months or years later.
Why this matters: Memories fade quickly, but written records and official documents don’t. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be if you choose to pursue one.
2. Make a formal complaint
Before filing a claim, you should raise your concerns directly with the healthcare provider. This isn’t about “picking a fight”. It’s about creating a clear record and giving the provider a chance to respond.
- Every health and social care trust in Northern Ireland has a complaints procedure. You usually need to raise your complaint within six months of the incident (or six months from when you realised something went wrong).
- You can find detailed guidance on how to complain on the nidirect website.
- Your complaint should outline what happened, why you believe it was wrong, and how it has affected you.
Sometimes, a complaint can lead to answers, an apology, or even a change in practice. Even if it doesn’t, it creates an official paper trail that can support your claim later.
3. Understand the time limits
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long. In Northern Ireland, the law is strict:
- You normally have three years from the date of the negligent act or the date you became aware of it to bring a claim.
- For children, the three-year clock usually starts on their 18th birthday, giving them until age 21.
- If the patient doesn’t have mental capacity, special rules apply.
This is set out in the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989.
Note: Don’t assume you have unlimited time. Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll pursue a claim, start making enquiries early.
4. Get specialist legal advice
Medical negligence is one of the most complex areas of law. These cases often require expert medical reports, detailed witness statements, and careful legal argument. Trying to handle it alone is almost impossible.
That’s why you should speak to a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence in Northern Ireland. Here’s what they can do for you:
- Assess your case. They’ll tell you honestly whether it’s worth pursuing.
- Gather evidence, including independent expert reports, to prove negligence and causation.
- Guide you on costs. From no-win, no-fee arrangements to legal aid. You can read more about legal aid for clinical negligence on the Department of Justice NI site.
- Handle the stress — so you can focus on recovery while they manage the process.
When choosing a solicitor, ask:
- Do they handle medical negligence claims regularly?
- Can they share their experience with cases like yours?
- What are the likely costs and funding options?
Remember: the right solicitor doesn’t just fight your case. They give you the confidence to move forward.
5. Know what compensation can cover
Many people in Northern Ireland are surprised to learn just how wide compensation can be. It’s not just about “a payout”. It’s about putting you back, as far as possible, in the position you would have been if negligence hadn’t happened.
Depending on your case, you may be able to claim for:
- Pain and suffering: recognising the physical and emotional harm you’ve endured.
- Medical costs: ongoing treatment, physiotherapy, counselling, or private care.
- Loss of earnings: wages you’ve lost and any impact on your future career.
- Care needs: whether from professionals or family members who’ve had to step in.
- Adaptations: such as mobility aids, home modifications, or transport changes.
To support your claim, keep:
- Receipts and invoices for all medical or related expenses.
- Payslips or bank statements showing lost earnings.
- Written statements from family or carers about the help you’ve needed.
The stronger your evidence, the clearer the picture of how negligence has affected your life, and the better your chances of fair compensation.
Final Thoughts: Taking Back Control
Facing medical negligence can feel overwhelming, but remember you have rights, and you don’t have to go through this alone. By taking the right steps early, you protect your case and give yourself the best chance of justice.
At My Personal Injury Claim, we’ve supported people through some of the most difficult times in their lives. We handle every detail with care and discretion, whether it’s medical negligence, dental negligence, workplace injuries, or accidents on the road. From day one, our advice is free, confidential, and straightforward, and we guarantee that you’ll always keep 100% of your compensation.
If you believe you’ve suffered from medical negligence, don’t wait. Contact My Personal Injury Claim today for clear advice and dedicated local support.
