Medical Negligence Compensation Calculator
Estimated Medical Negligence Compensation
General Damages-
Compensation Range-
Lost Earnings-
Medical & Care Costs-
Travel Costs-
Total Estimated Compensation-
Medical Negligence Compensation Bands
| Negligence Type | Minor | Moderate | Severe | Catastrophic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surgical Error | £4,350–£24,990 | £24,990–£91,090 | £91,090–£264,650 | £264,650–£493,000 |
| Misdiagnosis | £2,300–£18,020 | £18,020–£69,400 | £69,400–£264,650 | £264,650–£493,000 |
| Birth Injury | £7,510–£43,010 | £43,010–£105,190 | £105,190–£264,650 | £264,650–£493,000 |
| Medication Error | £1,860–£14,780 | £14,780–£51,460 | £51,460–£130,930 | £130,930–£264,650 |
| Dental Negligence | £1,000–£7,510 | £7,510–£14,780 | £14,780–£43,010 | £43,010–£105,190 |
Key Figures
Max Award
£493,000+
NHS Claims/Year
~15,600
Time Limit
3 Years
Key Factors in Medical Negligence Claims
- Breach of duty — the medical professional fell below an acceptable standard of care (Bolam test)
- Causation — the negligence directly caused or materially contributed to the injury
- Severity of injury — determines the JCG band for general damages
- Impact on daily life — ability to work, relationships, independence
- Future care needs — ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and support requirements
- Loss of earnings — past and future earnings capacity affected by the negligence
Note: NHS medical negligence claims are handled through NHS Resolution. You do not sue the individual doctor; the claim is against the NHS Trust. Private claims are against the practitioner or clinic.
How to Use This Calculator
1
Select negligence type
Choose the type of medical negligence: surgical error, misdiagnosis, birth injury, medication error, dental or cosmetic surgery.
2
Indicate injury severity
Select from catastrophic to minor. This determines the general damages band.
3
Enter your financial losses
Input annual salary and months off work for lost earnings calculation.
4
Add special damages
Enter additional medical costs, care/rehabilitation and travel expenses.
5
Review the estimate
The calculator shows general damages range, special damages, and total. Consult a medical negligence solicitor for formal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much compensation for medical negligence UK?
Awards range from £1,000 for minor injuries to £493,000+ for catastrophic cases (general damages only). With special damages (lost earnings, care costs, future losses), total settlements can exceed several million pounds, particularly in birth injury cases involving cerebral palsy.
What is the time limit for medical negligence claims?
Generally 3 years from the date of the negligent treatment, or 3 years from the date you became aware the treatment was negligent (date of knowledge). For children, the 3-year limit starts on their 18th birthday. There is no time limit for those who lack mental capacity.
Do I need an expert report?
Yes. Medical negligence claims require independent medical expert evidence to establish both breach of duty and causation. Your solicitor will arrange this. The expert must be a specialist in the relevant medical field.
What is the Bolam test?
The Bolam test (Bolam v Friern Hospital 1957) establishes that a doctor is not negligent if they acted in accordance with a responsible body of medical opinion. The Montgomery test (2015) further requires that patients are properly informed of material risks.
Can I claim against the NHS?
Yes. Claims against the NHS are handled by NHS Resolution (formerly NHSLA). The NHS Trust is the defendant, not the individual doctor. The same legal principles apply as for private medical negligence.
What are conditional fee agreements?
Most medical negligence solicitors work on a no-win-no-fee basis (Conditional Fee Agreement). You pay nothing upfront. If successful, the solicitor takes a success fee (capped at 25% of general damages). After-the-event (ATE) insurance covers disbursements if the claim fails.
Official Sources & References
- Judicial College Guidelines 16th Edition
- GOV.UK — UK Government Services and Information
- Citizens Advice — Personal Injury Claims
Data verified against official UK government and judicial sources. Last checked April 2026.