Medical Negligence Solicitors Dublin

Medical Negligence Claims in Ireland — What Is Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence (also known as clinical negligence or medical malpractice) occurs when a healthcare professional — such as a doctor, surgeon, nurse, or hospital — fails to provide the standard of care expected of them, and that failure causes harm to the patient. If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of substandard medical treatment, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

At Gary Matthews Solicitors – Injury Law, our specialist medical negligence solicitors have extensive experience handling cases against hospitals, GPs, surgeons, and other healthcare providers throughout Ireland. We understand how deeply distressing these situations can be, and we approach each case with the sensitivity and professionalism it deserves.

Types of Medical Negligence We Handle

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of serious conditions (cancer, heart attack, etc.)
• Surgical errors and complications arising from negligent procedures
• Anaesthesia errors during operations
• Birth injuries to mother or baby — including cerebral palsy and Erb's palsy
• Medication errors and prescription mistakes
• Failure to obtain informed consent before a medical procedure
• Hospital-acquired infections (MRSA, etc.) due to negligent hygiene practices
• GP negligence — delayed referrals, misdiagnosis
• Dental negligence claims
• Psychiatry and mental health care negligence

How to Prove Medical Negligence in Ireland

To successfully bring a medical negligence claim, your solicitor must establish three key elements:

• Duty of Care: The healthcare provider owed you a duty of care (established once a doctor-patient relationship exists)
• Breach of Duty: The provider's treatment fell below the accepted standard of care — proven using expert medical evidence
• Causation and Damage: The breach directly caused you harm or worsened your condition

Our solicitors work with leading independent medical experts to build a strong, evidence-based case on your behalf.

Medical Negligence vs. Other Personal Injury Claims

Unlike most personal injury claims, medical negligence cases do not go through the Injuries Board (PIAB). Instead, they are processed directly through the courts. This makes it even more critical to have an expert solicitor guiding you through the legal process from the outset.

Time Limits for Medical Negligence Claims

The Statute of Limitations for medical negligence in Ireland is two years from the date you became aware of the negligence (or reasonably should have become aware). This is known as the "date of knowledge" rule. For children, the two-year period begins on their 18th birthday. If you are unsure whether your claim is within time, contact our team immediately for a free assessment.

No Win No Fee Medical Negligence Solicitors

We handle all medical negligence claims on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Our dedicated team will manage every aspect of your claim with compassion, expertise, and relentless determination to achieve the best possible outcome for you.