When pursuing a medical negligence claim in Bridport, one of the most crucial elements is the accuracy and completeness of your medical records. These documents form the backbone of your case, providing vital evidence to demonstrate what occurred during your medical treatment and whether a breach in the duty of care took place.
At Marley Solicitors, we support clients across Bridport and the surrounding areas in holding healthcare providers accountable when things go wrong. In this blog post, we will explain why accurate medical records matter so much in negligence claims, what happens when these records are incorrect or incomplete, and how solicitors use them to build a strong case.
Why medical records are essential in a negligence case
Medical records provide a detailed timeline of your treatment, including:
- Symptoms reported by the patient
- Diagnoses made by medical professionals
- Tests and investigations performed
- Medications prescribed
- Treatment plans followed
- Any follow-up actions or referrals
In a negligence claim, your legal team will use these records to assess whether the care you received fell below the expected standard. If a mistake was made, your records will help to identify when it occurred, who was involved, and what the impact was on your health.
For example, if a patient in Bridport visits their GP with symptoms of an infection, and the records indicate that the signs were ignored or misinterpreted, the evidence could support a claim that the delay in diagnosis caused unnecessary harm.
The role of medical records in proving liability
To succeed in a clinical negligence claim, you must prove three key points:
- That a duty of care was owed
- That the duty of care was breached
- That the breach caused you harm (causation)
Medical records are vital for establishing each of these points. They demonstrate that a healthcare relationship existed, show what care was provided, and offer insight into whether any failures led to injury.
Accurate notes can also help rule out other causes of harm. For example, if a patient suffers complications after surgery, but the records show informed consent was obtained and standard procedures were followed, it may be harder to prove negligence.
Problems can arise when medical records are incomplete, inaccurate, or missing.
Problems can arise when medical records are incomplete, inaccurate, or tampered with. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon and can complicate your case. Typical issues include:
- Entries made retrospectively
- Missing test results
- Inconsistent information between departments
- Lack of detail on symptoms or complaints
- Altered or destroyed records
Such gaps can raise questions about the reliability of the evidence and may prompt the need for expert input to reconstruct the events. In some cases, Marley Solicitors can obtain expert witness reports or rely on contemporaneous documents (such as patient diaries or witness statements) to fill in the missing information.
If we believe that your records have been altered or removed after the event, we can take appropriate steps, including court orders to obtain unredacted copies or examining digital metadata where available.
How to request your medical records in Bridport
Patients have a legal right to access their medical records under the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). You can request your records from:
- Your GP practice
- NHS Trust hospitals
- Private healthcare providers
Requests should be made in writing and are usually processed within one calendar month. At Marley Solicitors, we routinely help clients in Bridport obtain their medical records as part of the claim preparation process.
We ensure that all relevant documents are gathered, organised, and reviewed by qualified legal and medical professionals to identify potential breaches in care.
Building a strong case with the right support
Accurate medical records alone are not enough to win a negligence claim, but they are one of the most important components. Once your records are reviewed, we typically work with independent medical experts who specialise in the relevant fields, such as orthopaedics, oncology, or general practice. These experts analyse the records and provide professional opinions on whether the care was substandard and what difference it made for your outcome.
For residents in Bridport, this means you can rely on a thorough, evidence-based approach. We will build your case step by step, starting with the foundation your medical records provide and supporting it with expert knowledge, timelines, and witness statements where required.
Examples of medical record issues in negligence claims
To illustrate how medical records can impact a claim, here are a few anonymous examples drawn from real case scenarios (adapted for privacy):
- Delayed cancer diagnosis
A patient in Bridport reported weight loss, fatigue, and pain. The GP noted these symptoms but failed to refer them for tests. Months later, a cancer diagnosis was made at an advanced stage. Medical records showed the original complaint, and expert analysis confirmed an earlier referral would have improved the prognosis. - Birth injury case
During a delivery at an NHS hospital, there were delays in responding to signs of foetal distress. Medical records and CTG trace notes were incomplete, but midwives’ shift logs and parents’ own timeline helped to reconstruct the events. A successful claim was made after confirming that earlier intervention would have avoided harm. - Surgical error
A Bridport resident underwent surgery to remove a cyst, but a different site was operated on. Medical records clearly showed the intended procedure, supporting a clear case of negligence.
Tips for patients in Bridport concerned about their records
If you believe something has gone wrong with your care, or you suspect that your medical records may not reflect what really happened, consider the following steps:
- Request your full medical records as soon as possible
- Make detailed notes of your own recollections, including dates, symptoms, and conversations
- Speak with a solicitor experienced in medical negligence
- Do not try to alter or withhold any documents
Taking these steps early can make a significant difference in your ability to bring a successful claim.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for medical negligence in Bridport?
At Marley Solicitors, we understand how distressing it can be when medical care causes harm rather than healing. Our team has years of experience supporting clients across Bridport with sensitive and complex negligence claims.
We provide:
- Free initial consultations
- No win, no fee funding options
- A personal, empathetic approach tailored to your needs
- Clear advice and regular updates at every stage
We know that strong cases are built on strong evidence. That is why we take particular care in reviewing your medical records and ensuring no detail is missed.
Final thoughts on the value of accurate records
In conclusion, accurate and detailed medical records are vital for anyone considering a clinical negligence claim in Bridport. They serve not only as a record of care but also as the key to uncovering whether something went wrong and how it could have been prevented.
If you are unsure about your records or suspect they contain errors, contact Marley Solicitors today. We can guide you through the next steps and ensure your case gets the attention it deserves.
