Understanding the Different Types of Medical Negligence
Posted on: November 19th, 2025
When we seek medical care, we place our trust in professionals to help us recover, manage pain, or improve our quality of life. Most of the time, healthcare providers deliver excellent
care. However, sometimes things go wrong, and when the standard of care falls below what is legally required, resulting in harm, this is known as medical negligence.
Medical negligence can have a serious impact on your health, wellbeing, and confidence in the healthcare system. Understanding what counts as negligence is the first step in knowing whether you may have a claim.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common types of medical negligence we see at Atha & Co:
1. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
A correct and timely diagnosis is essential to effective treatment. When a medical professional fails to identify a condition, gives the wrong diagnosis, or delays the correct one, it can have serious consequences.
For example, a missed cancer diagnosis may allow the disease to progress, reducing treatment options and outcomes.
Misdiagnosis can happen in GP surgeries, hospitals, or even through online consultations. If it leads to harm or worsens your condition, it may be classed as negligence.
2. Prescription and Medication Errors
Medication errors are another common form of medical negligence. They can happen when a doctor prescribes the wrong medication, an incorrect dosage, or fails to check allergies.
Errors can also occur in pharmacies or hospitals - for example, if the wrong medication is administered. These mistakes can cause anything from unpleasant side effects to serious, long-term health problems.
Patients rely on medical professionals to prescribe and supply medicines safely. When that duty of care isn’t met and harms results, you may have grounds to make a claim.
3. Surgical Negligence
Surgery always carries some risk, but errors caused by negligence can be devastating. Surgical negligence refers to avoidable mistakes made during or after a procedure that cause unnecessary harm.
Examples include operating on the wrong area of the body, damaging nerves or organs, or failing to manage bleeding or infection properly. Even minor surgeries can result in life-changing injuries if the right standards of care aren’t followed.
If you’ve suffered complications due to a surgical error, you may be entitled to compensation to help with recovery, loss of earnings, or ongoing care needs.
4. Birth Injury Claims
The birth of a child should be one of the most positive experiences of your life. Unfortunately, when medical professionals fail to provide the right care during pregnancy, labour, or delivery, both mother and baby can be left with long-term injuries.
Birth injury claims may involve delays in performing a caesarean section, or improper use of medical instruments such as forceps. In severe cases, negligence during birth can result in conditions like cerebral palsy or brain damage.
5. Negligent Medical Advice
Patients have the right to be fully informed about their treatment options, alternatives, potential risks and possible outcomes. If a healthcare provider fails to explain these properly, a patient cannot give true informed consent.
Negligent medical advice can also occur when a professional recommends an inappropriate treatment or fails to warn about potential side effects. This can lead to unnecessary pain, complications, or long-term health issues.
6. Negligent Aftercare
Good medical care doesn’t end when a procedure is over. Patients rely on proper aftercare and follow-up treatment to recover safely. Negligence can occur when complications are missed, infections are ignored, or symptoms are dismissed instead of properly investigated.
For instance, a patient who isn’t monitored after surgery and develops an untreated infection could face serious complications or longer recovery times. Negligent aftercare can undo the benefits of even the most successful procedures and cause unnecessary suffering.
How Atha & Co Can Help
At Atha & Co, we’ve been helping local people across Teesside for over 50 years and we understand how overwhelming it can feel when you suspect something has gone wrong with your medical treatment.
Our experienced solicitors will take the time to listen, review your situation and give clear, straightforward advice about whether you may have a claim. We’ll handle your case with sensitivity and care, working to secure the compensation you deserve to support your recovery and future.
We offer a no win, no fee service, meaning there’s no financial risk to you. You won’t pay anything up front and if your claim isn’t successful, you won’t owe us a penny. If you believe you’ve suffered due to medical negligence, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Choose the one you know.
Call Atha & Co today on 01642 222575
Fill out or contact form - https://atha.co.uk/contact