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Doctor Liability for Failure to Follow up or act upon Test Results

If you or a loved one have suffered as a result of a GP overlooking abnormal test results or failing to act on test results, you may have a medical negligence claim. Contact Garling and Co. Lawyers today. Our specialist solicitors will advise you of your legal rights and the steps required to bring a claim for compensation.

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We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

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No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

5 star client rating icon

5-Star Client Rating

You’ll receive outstanding service. We maintain a 5-star client rating.

Free Case Assessments

Free Case Assessments

We provide confidential, free case assessments.

Industry Experts

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

No Win No Fee

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

Experts in Medical Negligence claims

Your GP is your first point of contact when you are not feeling well. A prudent GP will carefully listen to your health complaints, obtain a detailed medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. Based on the information obtained from you and the findings on your physical examination, your GP will either make a diagnosis or refer you for diagnostic investigation of your symptoms. Many patients incorrectly assume that if their GP has not contacted them in relation to test results that the results are assuring.  While this may be true in some cases, it is not always the case. Sometimes, due to administrative oversight, a GP is not aware of the availability of test results and does not see those results. It is also possible for a GP to read test results and recognise the need to contact the patient, but this does not occur due to oversight. In addition to requesting appropriate diagnostic investigations, your GP must follow up your results and must notify you of any abnormal or concerning results. These days, many GPs use software with a built-in prompting system to automatically notify patients of the availability of test results and the need to make an appointment with the doctor to discuss those results. Despite those measures, it is probably sensible to make an appointment with your GP if you are expecting test results as this is likely to minimise the risk of your results being overlooked. 

 

In addition to following up test results and communicating the results to the patient, a prudent GP must also act on any recommendations for additional diagnostic investigations. For example, your GP may refer you for a CT scan. However, the reporting radiologist may include a comment in the results that a CT scan is unlikely to show a specific abnormality and therefore, further investigation by MRI scan is recommended. Another example is one where a radiologist might identify an abnormality but cannot determine based on the radiology alone if the abnormality is benign or malignant and recommends a biopsy.  A prudent GP must act on those recommendations and refer you as necessary.

Would you like assistance with your claim?

Complete our free, no obligation confidential case assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Alternatively, we are available to talk by phone and email. Please contact our experienced accredited specialist personal injury lawyers to find out how we can help.

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

Maximum Compensation

Our team of expert injury lawyers will help you get maximum compensation.

Chris H.
02:52 31 Jul 26
I engaged Garling & Co to guide me through a personal injury claim and could not have asked for better representation. Matthew was in a different class to the other lawyers I had spoken to, and that... was clear from our very first phone call. At that time, I was not even sure a claim would go ahead. It was just a call for advice and Matthew was generous with his time which created immediate trust.My options were always explained clearly and the decision was always left with me with no pressure to follow a particular course of action. Allison and the rest of Matthew's team are equally excellent and were on hand throughout, taking me through the process and passing on information at the right time.No hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for the best advice in NSW.read more
Mik B.
01:18 31 Jul 26
Matthew and the team at Garling & Co have provided seamless care throughout my case. Keeping me updated and providing the best advice on my workers compensation matter. I felt will looked after and a... have high level of trust in my legal matters.read more
Donna M.
21:09 30 Jul 26
Kerry and her team are professional showing real empathy and kindness.Going through a severe psychological work injury is a deeply lonely, exhausting, and anxiety-ridden road. But from the moment... Kerry and her team stepped in, everything changed. They showed me the kind of genuine empathy, warmth, and human kindness that you just don't expect to find in the legal world. They truly, deeply understand the complexities of psychological injury law, but more importantly, they understand the human being behind the case. No matter how scrambled or anxious my mind was feeling, they always found the time to answer my frantic check-ins and left me feeling completely reassured and safe.What I respect most about them is their absolute integrity.Kerry has a brilliant legal mind specialising in personal injury,and only ever sticks strictly to the real facts and let the honest, medical truth do the talking.Thank you Kerry and Myriel.❣️read more
Jd A.
21:05 30 Jul 26
Like to thank Matthew and the team for their work and dedication ,special thanks to Matthew for being vigilant in helping me navigate the insurance battle.My advice to anyone is trust Matthew and... yourself, say vigilant.Thank youGarling and coDaveread more
Marshall B.
01:57 09 Jul 26
Mathew and his team were a pleasure. Very sympathetic to my situation and very easy to work with. Explained the process so well and always kept in contact and looked out for my best interest. I... wouldn't hesitate to recommend Garling & Co to anyone.read more
james C.
00:48 08 Jul 26
Can not thank the team here at Garling & Co enough. From all the extra help, to the end outcome was amazing. Mathew is very knowledgeable with the law and makes you feel very comfortable with... everything. Appreciate it all guys cheersread more
Anna C.
04:33 06 Jul 26
I can’t thank you enough for your support. Kerry and staff went above and beyond. Always kept me up to date.I recommend Garling and Co to anyone.Thank you Kerry and Staff
Ramez F.
07:51 19 May 26
I cannot highly recommend Garling & Co Lawyers enough for their incredible support during my recent case. From our first meeting, they provided clear, honest advice and guided me through a complex... legal process with absolute professionalism. Their dedication, attention to detail, and expertise in this matter was outstanding, ultimately securing an excellent outcome. If you need a reliable, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive solicitor, look no further than GARLING & CO LAWYERS.read more
P X
23:43 17 Apr 26
Very kind and respectful.
Alina S.
03:51 26 Mar 26
I can’t thank Mr Garling and his team enough for the incredible support they provided throughout my case. From the very beginning, they showed genuine compassion, professionalism, and a strong... commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me - and the result they achieved in the end was far beyond my expectations!What stood out most was their clear and prompt communication, customer-focused approach and kindness. At every stage, they made sure I understood what was happening and what to expect. This made a very difficult and emotionally challenging process a lot more manageable. Whenever I had questions or felt anxious they were responsive, patient, and reassuring.Thanks to Mr Garling, I felt empowered and confident navigating the complex, opaque and overwhelming workers compensation system. His dedication and expertise, along with the hard work of his entire team, helped me achieve an outstanding outcome.I cannot recommend Garling & Co highly enough, to anyone in need of personal injury legal assistance, and especially those dealing with a workplace injury / workcover. You’ll be in very capable and caring hands!read more

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the types of testing that require proper follow-ups and action by doctors?

Medical testing plays a crucial role in patient healthcare, and after visiting a GP, it’s common to undergo various tests. We trust our GPs to diligently follow up on test requests and act upon the received results.

These are the types of testing that require proper follow-up and action by GPs or doctors:

  • Blood test results
  • Urine sample results
  • Biopsy results
  • X-ray images
  • CT and MRI scan results
  • However, if your GP or a hospital doctor neglects to follow up or take necessary action based on the test results, resulting in the deterioration of your condition, this could be deemed as medical negligence.

 

For those seeking medical negligence compensation due to GP or doctor failures, consult Garling&Co Lawyers. Our experienced medical negligence solicitors are here to guide you through the process. Contact us today to discuss your case.

2. What happens if my test results are lost?

Whenever you undergo a test administered by a doctor or healthcare professional, it undergoes analysis before the results are released to your doctor or directly to you. However, errors can occur during this critical process, leading to the unfortunate loss of your test results.

This loss can result in significant delays, as you may need to undergo testing once again and await the subsequent return of results. Time that could have been utilised for receiving appropriate treatment is wasted. When your test results or medical records go missing, the potential risk of your health condition deteriorating becomes a real concern.

Safeguard your well-being by seeking solutions to prevent the loss of test results and medical records. Act now to ensure timely access to the right treatment for a healthier future.

3. What happens if my test results are misread?

Misread test results pose a serious risk of misdiagnosis. Whether it occurs in the laboratory, imaging centre or the consulting rooms of your doctor such as your GP, the consequences can be detrimental. Imagine being informed that you don’t have the illness you were being tested for, while in reality, you do. This leads to prolonged delays in receiving the crucial treatment necessary for your recovery.

Moreover, misinterpretation can lead to an entirely different diagnosis. You might be treated for the wrong illness, causing severe long-term health repercussions.

Don’t compromise your well-being. Seek measures to prevent the misreading of your test results. Ensure accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment for a healthier future.

4. What Types of Medical Tests Are Commonly Miscommunicated?

Most, if not all, diagnostic tests and radiological investigations are capable of being misreported or miscommunicated. These include ultrasounds, x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans. Sometimes the results of a simple blood test could be overlooked and this could have catastrophic implications for the patient’s health.

More Faqs
Chris H.
02:52 31 Jul 26
I engaged Garling & Co to guide me through a personal injury claim and could not have asked for better representation. Matthew was in a different class to the other lawyers I had spoken to, and that... was clear from our very first phone call. At that time, I was not even sure a claim would go ahead. It was just a call for advice and Matthew was generous with his time which created immediate trust.My options were always explained clearly and the decision was always left with me with no pressure to follow a particular course of action. Allison and the rest of Matthew's team are equally excellent and were on hand throughout, taking me through the process and passing on information at the right time.No hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for the best advice in NSW.read more
Mik B.
01:18 31 Jul 26
Matthew and the team at Garling & Co have provided seamless care throughout my case. Keeping me updated and providing the best advice on my workers compensation matter. I felt will looked after and a... have high level of trust in my legal matters.read more
Donna M.
21:09 30 Jul 26
Kerry and her team are professional showing real empathy and kindness.Going through a severe psychological work injury is a deeply lonely, exhausting, and anxiety-ridden road. But from the moment... Kerry and her team stepped in, everything changed. They showed me the kind of genuine empathy, warmth, and human kindness that you just don't expect to find in the legal world. They truly, deeply understand the complexities of psychological injury law, but more importantly, they understand the human being behind the case. No matter how scrambled or anxious my mind was feeling, they always found the time to answer my frantic check-ins and left me feeling completely reassured and safe.What I respect most about them is their absolute integrity.Kerry has a brilliant legal mind specialising in personal injury,and only ever sticks strictly to the real facts and let the honest, medical truth do the talking.Thank you Kerry and Myriel.❣️read more
Jd A.
21:05 30 Jul 26
Like to thank Matthew and the team for their work and dedication ,special thanks to Matthew for being vigilant in helping me navigate the insurance battle.My advice to anyone is trust Matthew and... yourself, say vigilant.Thank youGarling and coDaveread more
Marshall B.
01:57 09 Jul 26
Mathew and his team were a pleasure. Very sympathetic to my situation and very easy to work with. Explained the process so well and always kept in contact and looked out for my best interest. I... wouldn't hesitate to recommend Garling & Co to anyone.read more
james C.
00:48 08 Jul 26
Can not thank the team here at Garling & Co enough. From all the extra help, to the end outcome was amazing. Mathew is very knowledgeable with the law and makes you feel very comfortable with... everything. Appreciate it all guys cheersread more
Anna C.
04:33 06 Jul 26
I can’t thank you enough for your support. Kerry and staff went above and beyond. Always kept me up to date.I recommend Garling and Co to anyone.Thank you Kerry and Staff
Ramez F.
07:51 19 May 26
I cannot highly recommend Garling & Co Lawyers enough for their incredible support during my recent case. From our first meeting, they provided clear, honest advice and guided me through a complex... legal process with absolute professionalism. Their dedication, attention to detail, and expertise in this matter was outstanding, ultimately securing an excellent outcome. If you need a reliable, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive solicitor, look no further than GARLING & CO LAWYERS.read more
P X
23:43 17 Apr 26
Very kind and respectful.
Alina S.
03:51 26 Mar 26
I can’t thank Mr Garling and his team enough for the incredible support they provided throughout my case. From the very beginning, they showed genuine compassion, professionalism, and a strong... commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me - and the result they achieved in the end was far beyond my expectations!What stood out most was their clear and prompt communication, customer-focused approach and kindness. At every stage, they made sure I understood what was happening and what to expect. This made a very difficult and emotionally challenging process a lot more manageable. Whenever I had questions or felt anxious they were responsive, patient, and reassuring.Thanks to Mr Garling, I felt empowered and confident navigating the complex, opaque and overwhelming workers compensation system. His dedication and expertise, along with the hard work of his entire team, helped me achieve an outstanding outcome.I cannot recommend Garling & Co highly enough, to anyone in need of personal injury legal assistance, and especially those dealing with a workplace injury / workcover. You’ll be in very capable and caring hands!read more

Seek Other Medical Negligence Claims

Would you like assistance with your claim?

Complete our free, no obligation confidential case assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Alternatively, we are available to talk through phone and email. Please contact our experienced workers compensation lawyers to find out how we can help.

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

Maximum Compensation

Our team of expert injury lawyers will help you get maximum compensation.

Chris H.
02:52 31 Jul 26
I engaged Garling & Co to guide me through a personal injury claim and could not have asked for better representation. Matthew was in a different class to the other lawyers I had spoken to, and that... was clear from our very first phone call. At that time, I was not even sure a claim would go ahead. It was just a call for advice and Matthew was generous with his time which created immediate trust.My options were always explained clearly and the decision was always left with me with no pressure to follow a particular course of action. Allison and the rest of Matthew's team are equally excellent and were on hand throughout, taking me through the process and passing on information at the right time.No hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for the best advice in NSW.read more
Mik B.
01:18 31 Jul 26
Matthew and the team at Garling & Co have provided seamless care throughout my case. Keeping me updated and providing the best advice on my workers compensation matter. I felt will looked after and a... have high level of trust in my legal matters.read more
Donna M.
21:09 30 Jul 26
Kerry and her team are professional showing real empathy and kindness.Going through a severe psychological work injury is a deeply lonely, exhausting, and anxiety-ridden road. But from the moment... Kerry and her team stepped in, everything changed. They showed me the kind of genuine empathy, warmth, and human kindness that you just don't expect to find in the legal world. They truly, deeply understand the complexities of psychological injury law, but more importantly, they understand the human being behind the case. No matter how scrambled or anxious my mind was feeling, they always found the time to answer my frantic check-ins and left me feeling completely reassured and safe.What I respect most about them is their absolute integrity.Kerry has a brilliant legal mind specialising in personal injury,and only ever sticks strictly to the real facts and let the honest, medical truth do the talking.Thank you Kerry and Myriel.❣️read more
Jd A.
21:05 30 Jul 26
Like to thank Matthew and the team for their work and dedication ,special thanks to Matthew for being vigilant in helping me navigate the insurance battle.My advice to anyone is trust Matthew and... yourself, say vigilant.Thank youGarling and coDaveread more
Marshall B.
01:57 09 Jul 26
Mathew and his team were a pleasure. Very sympathetic to my situation and very easy to work with. Explained the process so well and always kept in contact and looked out for my best interest. I... wouldn't hesitate to recommend Garling & Co to anyone.read more
james C.
00:48 08 Jul 26
Can not thank the team here at Garling & Co enough. From all the extra help, to the end outcome was amazing. Mathew is very knowledgeable with the law and makes you feel very comfortable with... everything. Appreciate it all guys cheersread more
Anna C.
04:33 06 Jul 26
I can’t thank you enough for your support. Kerry and staff went above and beyond. Always kept me up to date.I recommend Garling and Co to anyone.Thank you Kerry and Staff
Ramez F.
07:51 19 May 26
I cannot highly recommend Garling & Co Lawyers enough for their incredible support during my recent case. From our first meeting, they provided clear, honest advice and guided me through a complex... legal process with absolute professionalism. Their dedication, attention to detail, and expertise in this matter was outstanding, ultimately securing an excellent outcome. If you need a reliable, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive solicitor, look no further than GARLING & CO LAWYERS.read more
P X
23:43 17 Apr 26
Very kind and respectful.
Alina S.
03:51 26 Mar 26
I can’t thank Mr Garling and his team enough for the incredible support they provided throughout my case. From the very beginning, they showed genuine compassion, professionalism, and a strong... commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me - and the result they achieved in the end was far beyond my expectations!What stood out most was their clear and prompt communication, customer-focused approach and kindness. At every stage, they made sure I understood what was happening and what to expect. This made a very difficult and emotionally challenging process a lot more manageable. Whenever I had questions or felt anxious they were responsive, patient, and reassuring.Thanks to Mr Garling, I felt empowered and confident navigating the complex, opaque and overwhelming workers compensation system. His dedication and expertise, along with the hard work of his entire team, helped me achieve an outstanding outcome.I cannot recommend Garling & Co highly enough, to anyone in need of personal injury legal assistance, and especially those dealing with a workplace injury / workcover. You’ll be in very capable and caring hands!read more
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