If you’ve been harmed because a doctor, nurse, GP, surgeon, dentist, or any healthcare professional made a mistake, you might be wondering what actually happens when you reach out to medical negligence solicitors for help. And honestly, that’s a sensible question because the legal process can feel confusing, especially when you’re already dealing with pain, stress, or ongoing medical issues.
Here at Gary Matthews Solicitors – Injury Law, we believe you deserve clarity, compassion, and expert guidance from the very first conversation. So, in this guide, let’s walk through exactly what to expect, step-by-step, when you hire a solicitor to handle your medical negligence claim.

Why Contacting a Medical Negligence Solicitor Matters
Medical negligence also known as clinical negligence happens when a medical professional fails in their duty of care and you suffer harm as a result. Working with experienced medical negligence lawyers, clinical negligence solicitors, or medical malpractice solicitors ensures that you’re not navigating the process alone.
At Gary Matthews Solicitors, your case is handled by specialist medical negligence solicitors who understand how deeply these incidents can affect your life physically, emotionally, and financially.
Whether you’re dealing with:
- A misdiagnosis
- A surgical error
- A birth injury
- GP negligence
- Dental negligence
- A hospital’s failure to act appropriately
- NHS treatment that went wrong
…a dedicated legal team guides you every step of the way.
Step 1: Your Initial Contact & Free Claim Assessment
When you first get in touch, you’ll have a friendly, confidential conversation with a member of the team. Think of this as a chance to explain what happened, ask questions, and get initial medical negligence legal advice without pressure.
During this stage, we’ll look at:
- What went wrong
- How the negligence affected your health
- Whether medical evidence supports your story
- Whether your situation qualifies for a medical negligence claim assessment
This is completely free, and many clients find it reassuring because they finally understand whether they have a valid case.
If eligible, the next step begins.
Step 2: We Gather the Full Details of Your Case
Once you choose to proceed, your solicitor becomes your guide and your advocate. They’ll start by gathering:
- Your medical records
- A timeline of events
- Details of symptoms, treatment, and impact
- Information about loss of earnings, extra expenses, and ongoing needs
This helps us build the foundation of your claim with accuracy and strength—something that’s essential when dealing with hospitals, NHS Trusts, or private medical providers.
Step 3: Independent Medical Expert Review
A successful claim relies on proving two things:
- The care you received fell below an acceptable standard
- That failure directly caused your injury or made your condition worse
To confirm this, we work with independent medical experts. These specialists review your case and provide professional evidence, forming a crucial part of your claim.
This step is especially important for:
- Birth injury medical negligence claims
- Surgical error claims
- Misdiagnosis cases
- Dental negligence claims
- GP negligence claims
Expert evidence strengthens your case and clearly shows how the negligence affected you.
Step 4: Sending the Letter of Claim
Once your solicitor has collected evidence, they prepare a formal Letter of Claim. This document outlines:
- What went wrong
- Why the care was negligent
- How it harmed you
- What compensation you’re seeking
It is sent to the hospital, NHS Trust, private clinician, or healthcare provider. They then have a set amount of time to respond.
Step 5: Negotiation With the Healthcare Providers or Their Insurers
When the healthcare provider replies (admitting or denying fault), your solicitor begins negotiations on your behalf.
This step is where experienced medical negligence compensation experts truly make a difference because negotiation requires legal skill, medical understanding, and a strategic approach.
We aim to secure the maximum medical negligence compensation possible, covering:
- Pain and suffering
- Necessary future treatment
- Lost earnings
- Care needs
- Mobility aids or home adaptations
- Psychological impact
At Gary Matthews Solicitors, our negotiation approach is clear, fair, and always focused on your long-term wellbeing.
Step 6: Settlement or Court Proceedings (If Needed)
Most cases settle without going to court. But if the healthcare provider refuses to accept responsibility, or the compensation offered is too low, your solicitor may recommend taking the case further.
If a case does go to court, we stay by your side the entire time, handling paperwork, representation, and preparation. You’re never left to face anything alone.
Step 7: Receiving Your Compensation
When your case settles successfully, you receive your compensation an amount designed to help you rebuild, recover, and secure the future you deserve. Your solicitor ensures everything is processed efficiently so you get your funds as quickly as possible.
No Win No Fee Medical Negligence Solicitors
If you’re worried about costs, don’t be. At Gary Matthews Solicitors, we offer no win no fee medical negligence solicitors services. This means:
- No upfront fees
- No financial risk
- You only pay if your claim succeeds
It’s one more way we ensure access to justice is available for everyone.
Why Choose Gary Matthews Solicitors – Injury Law?
With countless medical negligence law firms across the UK from medical negligence solicitors London, Manchester, and Birmingham, to UK medical negligence solicitors nationwide what makes Gary Matthews Solicitors stand out?
Because we combine:
- Decades of experience
- Real compassion
- Clear communication
- Strong negotiation skills
- A client-first approach
- Dedicated healthcare negligence lawyers
You’re not just another case. You’re a real person who deserves answers, justice, and support.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
Hiring medical compensation solicitors isn’t just about making a claim—it’s about getting your voice heard, understanding what went wrong, and ensuring you receive the support and compensation you need to move forward.
And at Gary Matthews Solicitors – Injury Law, we guide you through every single step with clarity, care, and unwavering commitment.
If you believe you’ve suffered because of medical negligence, let’s talk. You deserve answers and we’re here to help you get them.
