If you think a doctor or nurse made a mistake that caused you harm, you may be able to make a medical negligence claim. But how do courts decide if a medical professional was careless?
In the UK, they use something called the Bolam Test. This test helps decide if the care you received was acceptable or not.
What is the Bolam Test?
The Bolam Test comes from a legal case in 1957. A man named Mr. Bolam was injured during medical treatment. He said the doctors were at fault.
The court decided that a doctor is not negligent if a group of other doctors agree with the way they treat the patient. In short:
“If other medical professionals would do the same thing, then it’s likely not negligence.”
This test is now used in most medical negligence claims in the UK.
How the Bolam Test Works
- To win a claim, you need to prove:
- The doctor owed you a duty of care.
- They failed to meet the standard of care.
- This failure caused you harm.
The Bolam Test checks the second point — did the doctor do what other doctors would do in that situation?
- If yes, then the doctor may not be at fault.
- If not, then it could be medical negligence.
Example: If a GP failed to refer you for tests and another GP in the same situation would have referred you — this may be negligence under the Bolam Test.
Does the Bolam Test Always Apply?
Most of the time, yes. The test applies to many areas of treatment, like:
- Surgery
- Diagnosis
- Prescriptions
- Hospital care
But the doctor’s actions must also be reasonable and logical, not just supported by others. This means outdated or unsafe methods don’t pass the test, even if some doctors still use them.
Can I Make a Medical Negligence Claim?
Yes, if:
- You received poor medical care.
- You suffered harm
- That care caused harm.
You can speak to a solicitor to see if your case meets the Bolam Test. Most offer no-win fee help. This means:
“You don’t pay anything unless you win the claim.”
You can also use a medical negligence claim calculator to check how much your claim could be worth. This depends on your injury, financial loss, and future care needs.
How Claim Central Can Help
If you want to make a claim, Claim Central is here to help. They make the process simple.
Here’s what they offer:
- Free advice on your situation
- Quick answers about your claim
- Help with the Bolam Test check.
- Expert legal team
- No win, no fee service
Their team listens to you and explains your rights clearly. They handle everything, so you don’t need to worry about paperwork or legal terms.
Final Words
The Bolam Test is a key part of medical negligence law in the UK. It checks if your doctor gave you proper care based on expert standards.
If you think something went wrong with your treatment, contact Claim Central. Their experts will guide you, check if your case fits the Bolam Test, and help you claim what you deserve — all with no win, no fee.
Also Read : Medical Negligence in Cornwall
