Paediatric audiology delay claims

Group actions and complex medical negligence cases do vary in length, because they often involve multiple parties, detailed medical evidence, and – in some cases – court proceedings to establish a group litigation order. Group actions can also benefit from time efficiencies as a result of being part of a larger group of claimants. The timeline will depend on the specifics of your case and how the defendants respond. We’ll give you a realistic picture of timescales at the outset, and keep you updated throughout. Where possible, we’ll seek interim payments so your child does not have to wait until the end of the claim to access support.

We’ll gather the evidence needed on your behalf. This typically includes your child’s medical records, results from newborn hearing screening tests, referral letters, audiology reports, and any correspondence with the NHS Trust. We’ll also work with independent medical and educational experts to assess the impact of the delay on your child’s development. You don’t need to gather this evidence yourself – we will handle it for you.

From your first contact with us, our team will take the time to listen and understand your family’s experience. We will explain the process clearly at every stage, so you always know what is happening and what comes next. Where interim payments can be secured, we will pursue them as early as possible so your child can access therapy and support without waiting for the case to conclude. We’ll handle the legal complexity so you can focus on your family.

A group litigation order (GLO) is a court order that allows a number of related claims to be managed together. In a group action, some parts of the case – such as establishing that the NHS Trust’s practices fell below the required standard – can be resolved once for the whole group, which can make the process more efficient. Other aspects, such as the individual impact on your child, will still be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Being part of a group action does not reduce the attention given to your child’s individual circumstances.

Yes, in many cases. For claims on behalf of a child, the standard three-year limitation period does not begin to run until your child turns 18. This means you generally have until your child’s 21st birthday to bring a claim on their behalf – though there are exceptions, and we always recommend speaking to us as soon as possible. The sooner we can begin gathering evidence, the stronger your case is likely to be.

No. We offer a free case assessment, so you can speak to our team, explain what happened, and find out whether you have a valid claim – with no obligation and no cost. If we take on your case, we do so on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you do not pay our legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful.

Undiagnosed or untreated hearing loss in children can severely hinder speech and language acquisition, cognitive development, and social skills. Families may also face significant financial and emotional challenges, including the need for private therapies, specialist equipment, and additional educational support.

The North West Anglia NHS Trust investigation highlighted how delays in paediatric audiology services have ripple effects. For some children, delayed diagnosis came too late to prevent severe developmental setbacks. For others, inadequate testing and misdiagnosis led to years of uncertainty and delayed treatment.

In addition to Hinchingbrooke Hospital, we have seen similar issues arise at other Trusts, such as Stockport Stepping Hill Hospital. A thematic review at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust revealed concerns raised by a whistleblower, along with multiple patient safety investigations into the impact of delayed diagnoses. These reviews identified numerous failures, including poor testing protocols and delays that led to developmental setbacks for affected children.