THE SHORT ANSWER
AvMA, the patient safety charity, runs an advice helpline. In England, PALS can help with concerns about NHS care. In Wales, Llais can support you with a complaint. Asking for legal advice does not commit you to anything, and a first conversation is free.
If you have read this far, you probably have a clearer picture than when you started, and possibly more questions than answers. That is normal.
Three things worth remembering
A bad outcome is not always negligence, but being told something was a recognised complication does not rule it out.
The three year time limit may start later than you think, but making a complaint does not pause it.
Asking for advice does not commit you to anything.
If you take nothing else from this series, those three points will keep most people out of the mistakes we see most often.
Where to get support and advice
Before anything legal, the first step is to look after yourself. You do not have to work through this alone, and you do not have to speak to a solicitor to get help.
The organisations listed below are independent of us and of the NHS. Their role is to support you, whatever you decide to do next.
What happens if you contact a solicitor
A first conversation is free and comes with no obligation. You explain what happened in your own words, you do not need your medical records, a chronology, or any understanding of the law.
At the end of it, you should know whether your situation is worth investigating and what the next step would be. If we do not think there is a claim, we will tell you that, and we will try to point you somewhere more useful.
What you do not have to decide yet
You do not have to decide whether to claim. You do not have to decide between a complaint and a claim, because you can do both. You do not have to decide anything during a first conversation.
The only thing worth keeping an eye on is the three year limit, because that one is not within anyone's control.
Whatever you decide, the decision is always yours.
Related guides - Read here
If you would like to talk it through with us
We will listen, explain your options, and tell you honestly if we do not think there is a claim. There is no cost and no obligation, and you can take as long as you need before deciding anything.
-
No. A first conversation is about understanding what happened and whether it is worth looking into. You are not asked to sign anything and you can take as long as you need afterwards.
-
Yes. The initial conversation is free and comes with no obligation, whether or not you go on to make a claim.