Last Updated: 12th February 2026. If you have suffered harm because of negligent gynaecological treatment, you may be able to claim compensation. Gynaecological negligence occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide treatment that meets accepted medical standards, causing avoidable injury or worsening a medical condition.
This can include delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, fertility treatment mistakes, or failures to properly warn patients about risks. The consequences can be physically and emotionally devastating, often affecting fertility, long-term health, and overall quality of life.
Experiencing complications following gynaecological care can feel overwhelming and distressing, particularly when you trusted medical professionals to provide safe and appropriate treatment.
Many clients come to us feeling uncertain about their rights or worried about the claims process. Our role is to provide clear, compassionate guidance and help you understand whether you may be entitled to gynaecology compensation. You do not have to face this situation alone.
At Legal Expert, we support clients throughout the entire medical negligence claims process. Our free advisory service allows you to speak with trained advisors, ask questions, and receive practical legal guidance without obligation.
If your case has grounds to proceed, we can connect you with one of our experienced medical negligence solicitors who can begin building your claim. Our solicitors work on a No Win No Fee basis and have decades of combined experience helping clients secure compensation following negligent healthcare treatment.
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Key Information
- What are some examples of gynaecology negligence? Examples of gynaecology negligence could include cervical cancer misdiagnoses, failing to refer a patient after abnormal smear test results and surgical errors during c-sections.
- Can I make a gynaecology negligence claim? Yes, you could make a claim if you can demonstrate that you suffered from avoidable harm due to the negligent acts or inactions of a healthcare professional.
- What are examples of professional standards that healthcare professionals should adhere to? Healthcare professionals should take patients’ symptoms seriously, review medical records when prescribing medications and refer patients for further testing where necessary.
- What evidence will I need to make a gynaecology negligence claim? Helpful evidence may include a daily symptoms diary, a copy of your medical records and correspondence between yourself and the institution where you received negligent treatment.
- Can I make a No Win No Fee gynaecology negligence claim? Yes, our solicitors offer No Win No Fee agreements for gynaecology negligence claims.
What Are Gynaecology Compensation Claims?
A gynaecology negligence claim is a form of legal action that arises following an incident of poor care by healthcare professionals.
Gynecology negligence occurs when a medical professional, such as those working in obstetrics and gynaecology, fails to meet professional standards, and someone suffers harm. Gynaecological negligence may include errors in diagnosing a medical condition, treatment errors or inadequate aftercare. Suffering a gynaecological injury could leave women with physical, psychological and emotional harm.
Common Types Of Gynaecological Negligence Claims
Below, we explore two key categories of gynaecology negligence claims, diagnostic errors and treatment errors.
Diagnosis Errors
Diagnostic errors could lead to delays in a patient getting the right diagnosis and starting appropriate treatment. This could worsen the patient’s condition, leading to significant harm.
Examples of errors could include,
- Delayed or missed diagnosis of cervical cancer. Misdiagnosis may occur due to a medical professional failing to accurately record the results of a Pap smear test.
- Vaginal tears during childbirth. The improper diagnosis and treatment of this type of birth injury to a mother could lead to complications such as fistula, scarring and pain when passing urine.
- The failure to refer a patient for further treatment or tests following an abnormal smear test, or other test result leading to the failure to diagnose a patient with or the misdiagnosis of cancer.
Treatment Errors
Treatment errors could occur where medical or healthcare professionals improperly perform procedures, fail to take appropriate actions, or neglect follow up care.
Examples of treatment errors could include,
- Surgical negligence and errors. This could include negligence during caesarean sections, hysterectomies or keyhole surgery, leading to organ damage.
- Retained placenta negligence, such as where the placenta has embedded itself in the womb following a c-section.
- Retained objects, such as surgical instruments or swabs being left in a patient.
- Prescribing the wrong medication or other medication errors, including prescribing the wrong dosage or frequency, causing harm.
- Unnecessary surgery, such as unnecessary hysterectomy.
These are just some examples of what may be classed as gynaecological negligence. One of our medical negligence solicitors could help if you or a loved one have been impacted by these or other types of negligence.
When Does Gynaecological Treatment Become Medical Negligence?
All medical professionals, including obstetricians and gynaecologists, have a duty of care to their patients. To uphold this duty, they must follow relevant guidelines on good medical practice and adhere to professional standards, such as standards set by the General Medical Council.
Professional standards which medical professionals should meet may include,
- Listening to a patient describe their symptoms and take their concerns seriously.
- Prescribing treatment or medication in a timely and effective manner.
- Reviewing a patient’s medical records and history, including previous treatment and medication prescribed.
- Providing patients with appropriate medical advice and information.
If an obstetrician or gynaecologist fails to meet professional standards and their action or inaction causes harm, patients may have grounds to make gynaecology negligence claims.
The criteria which any gynaecological claims must meet are that:
- The medical professional owed the person harmed a duty of care.
- This duty of care was breached.
- This breach caused the patient harm.
Can I Claim On Behalf Of Someone Else?
In certain circumstances, you may be able to make a gynaecology claim on behalf of someone else. You may be able to claim on behalf of a loved one where:
- They are under the age of eighteen.
- They are an adult who lacks the mental capacity (as set out in the Mental Capacity Act 2005).
In order to claim on behalf of someone else you must be appointed to act as a litigation friend. This is a role appointed by the courts in which a suitable adult acts in the best interests of the person harmed.
Please get in contact with our team to learn more about what may be classed as medical negligence and how to claim on behalf of someone else.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim For Gynaecological Negligence?
All gynaecology negligence claims are both unique and individually assessed. This means that whilst there may be an ‘average amount of compensation’ such a figure may not be relevant to your case.
Your settlement may consist of compensation for two types of damages. These are,
- General damages – damages compensating for physical and psychological harm.
- Special damages – damages compensating for financial losses.
We will explore special damages in the subsequent section. How much compensation gynaecological claims may be awarded could depend on factors such as;
- The type of harm suffered, physically or psychologically,
- The impact this has had on your everyday life.
When valuing a medical negligence claim, solicitors may take information from your medical records and compare them to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This is a document which may be used as a guide by solicitors when determining how much compensation may be claimed.
Figures in the table below have been taken from the JCG, with the exception of the first which is our illustrative example of a settlement inclusive of special damages.
| Physical Or Psychological Harm | Severity | Compensation Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple forms of harm and special damages. | Serious to severe. | Up to £500,000+, where special damages are awarded. |
| Reproductive system, female. | (a) Infertility due to injury or disease, with sexual dysfunction. | £140,210 to £207,260. |
| (b) Sexual dysfunction, likely permanent. | £52,490 to £124,620 | |
| (c) Infertility, no aggravating features. | £68,440 to £87,070 | |
| (d) Infertility, without medical complications. | £21,920 to £44,840 | |
| (e) Infertility, would not have had children. | £8,060 to £22,800 | |
| (f) Delayed diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. | £4,140 to £24,930 | |
| (g) Failed sterilisation leading to unwanted pregnancy. | Around £12,450 | |
| Psychiatric damage. | (a) Severe. | £66,920 to £141,240 |
| Post-traumatic stress disorder. | (a) Severe. | £73,050 to £122,850 |
One of our specialist medical negligence solicitors could review your case and help work out what general damages you could claim.
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How Are Gynaecology Negligence Compensation Claims Calculated?
The second type of compensation which may be awarded in a gynaecology negligence case covers financial losses. Special damages are not automatically awarded as part of your compensation. You must provide evidence which supports any financial losses caused by the harm you suffered.
Medical negligence compensation may include:
- Medical costs and expenses, such as further treatment, tests, medication and counselling.
- Lost income and earnings.
- Travel costs, including the costs of commuting to and from medical appointments.
- Domestic care costs, such as the cost of care in the home is necessary.
If you choose to make your medical negligence claim with our team, they could help you collect evidence such as payslips, invoices and receipts demonstrating the above financial losses.
Time Limits For Gynaecology Compensation Claims
If you have experienced negligent gynaecological care, it can be essential to understand the steps involved in making a medical negligence claim. Gathering the right evidence and filing your claim within the legal time limit ensures you have the strongest possible case.
The time limit to claim compensation for clinical negligence is (generally) three years from the date on which the incident took place, or on which you became aware that negligence caused you harm.
Exceptions to this may include where you are claiming on behalf of someone else, as discussed above.
- For under eighteens, the time limit to claim compensation begins on their 18th birthday.
- Those lacking mental capacity, in such cases the time limit is suspended and only become relevant if the person regains such a capacity.
In such instances, whilst the time limit is suspended or not in effect you could claim compensation on behalf of the person harmed.
How Do You Prove A Gynaecological Negligence Claim?
In addition to being aware of the relevant time limit to file a claim, it is also important to know what evidence could support your claim.
Evidence and documentation which could support medical negligence compensation claims may include,
- Medical records. These will detail your initial diagnosis and treatment as well as subsequent medical care received.
- Medical report. This will be produced following an independent medical examination by a relevant healthcare professional.
- Witness contact information. Any witnesses may be contacted later to provide a statement.
Whether you suffered a birth injury or other form of harm, our team could offer a free initial consultation, evaluate your case and if you are eligible to make a claim, help you to file your claim.
No Win No Fee Gynaecology Negligence Claims
If you choose to work with one of our solicitors, your case may be handled via a No Win No Fee agreement. By doing so, you could have greater peace of mind whilst making a claim. Their No Win No Fee service may be offered under a Conditional Fee Agreement. Therefore, you only have to pay for your solicitor’s service if your case succeeds. If you do, you will pay a success fee. This fee is regulated by law and will be set out in your agreement.
If your claim is not successful, you won’t have to pay your solicitor for their work.
How Our Medical Negligence Solicitors Can Help
Our entire team at Legal Expert has extensive experience in dealing with gynaecology negligence claims. The helpful advisory team will assist in evaluating your claim, and if found to be eligible, it will be transferred to a competent medical negligence solicitor.
The list below enumerates the services our team provides in relation to gynaecology claims:
- A complementary initial consultation to determine the eligibility of your claim.
- An independent medical examination at a date and time convenient for you.
- Creating a checklist for the evidence you may require for a gynaecology medical negligence claim.
- Communicating and negotiating with your healthcare provider or official bodies.
- Calculating your medical negligence compensation amount.
- Getting you in touch with mental health support organisations (if required).
- Providing you with regular updates on the progress of your claim.
- Managing the entire legal process if your claim goes to court.
- Helping you collect witness statements.
- Explaining the complicated medico-legal terms related to your claim.
- Assisting you through the process of beginning a claim on behalf of your child in case of a birth injury.
- Providing you with research and more information on gynaecology and maternity negligence claims.
To avail of any of the above services or for more information, call our advisors now and book your consultation session.
Contact Us For A Free Claim Assessment
Find out how our team could help with gynaecology negligence claims by contacting us.
- Phone us now on 0800 073 8804.
- Contact us online.
- Talk to us live online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some common questions on gynaecology negligence claims.
Are Gynaecologists Legally Responsible For Medical Mistakes?
Yes, gynaecologists can be legally responsible if a medical mistake occurs because their care fell below accepted professional standards and caused avoidable harm. Healthcare professionals owe patients a duty of care, and if errors such as misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or failure to provide appropriate treatment lead to injury or worsening health, you may be eligible to claim compensation.
Can Delayed Diagnosis Lead To Gynaecology Claims?
Yes, a delayed diagnosis can lead to a gynaecology compensation claim if the delay caused your condition to worsen or reduced treatment options. Conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cancer, or cervical cancer can become more serious when diagnosis is delayed, potentially leading to avoidable complications or long-term health impacts.
Can I Claim For Negligent Gynaecological Surgery?
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation if a gynaecological surgical procedure was performed negligently. Claims may arise if a surgeon used poor technique, caused avoidable organ damage, failed to identify complications during surgery, or did not provide proper aftercare, resulting in additional injury or prolonged recovery.
Can Fertility Treatment Errors Lead To Compensation Claims?
Yes, fertility treatment errors can lead to compensation claims if negligent care causes physical, emotional, or reproductive harm. This may include mistakes during IVF treatment, incorrect medication, embryo handling errors, or failure to properly assess patient suitability for fertility procedures.
Can I Claim If Cancer Was Misdiagnosed?
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation if gynaecological cancer was misdiagnosed or diagnosis was delayed and this caused avoidable harm. Misdiagnosis can allow cancer to progress, potentially requiring more invasive treatment and reducing recovery outcomes, which may form the basis of a negligence claim.
Can Failure To Diagnose Ectopic Pregnancy Lead To Claims?
Yes, failure to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy can lead to a compensation claim if negligent medical care resulted in avoidable injury or serious health complications. Ectopic pregnancies require urgent medical attention, and delayed diagnosis can lead to internal bleeding, emergency surgery, or fertility complications.
Who Is Responsible For Gynaecological Negligence?
Responsibility for gynaecological negligence may rest with the healthcare professional providing treatment, the hospital or NHS Trust overseeing care, or a private clinic delivering the service. Liability often depends on where the treatment took place and who was responsible for providing and managing your medical care.
Can NHS Hospitals Be Liable For Gynaecology Errors?
Yes, NHS hospitals can be liable for gynaecological negligence if staff fail to meet appropriate medical standards and this causes avoidable harm. Claims are typically made against the NHS Trust responsible for the hospital rather than the individual healthcare professional.
Can Private Fertility Clinics Be Responsible For Negligence?
Yes, private fertility clinics can be held responsible if negligent treatment causes harm. Clinics must follow strict medical and safety standards, and errors such as incorrect treatment protocols, embryo handling mistakes, or inadequate patient assessment may result in compensation claims if they lead to injury or reproductive harm.
More Information
In this final part of our guide you can find further relevant guides, articles and resources.
- In this article we look at research and statistics on birth injuries and birth trauma across the country.
- Here we examine the time limit to begin a claim.
- Find out how to claim for negligent care at a walk-in centre in this guide.
References.
- Get information on cervical screening in this NHS resource.
- Learn more about rates of Statutory Sick Pay here.
- Check how to find NHS antenatal care here.
We hope our gynaecology negligence claims guide has provided you with the information you need to know. Find out more about how to make a successful medical negligence compensation claim by contacting our team.