Our medical negligence solicitors will work with you to gather evidence to support your medical negligence claim.
Apart from your medical record, supporting documents might include witness statement, photoghraphs, x-rays and ultrasound scans.
Medical Negligence Solicitors
Most of the time, the standard of medical treatment we receive is very high, but occasionally things go wrong. If you think you have been injured due to the negligence of a healthcare provider, our medical negligence solicitors can help you claim compensation.
What is medical negligence?
Medical negligence is when a practitioner fails to meet the reasonable standards of care required by their profession. As a result of poor care, a patient is injured, or their existing medical condition becomes worse.
All medical professionals, including dentists, dieticians, doctors, midwives, nurses, paediatricians, and surgeons, owe a legal duty of care to their patients.
Medical negligence can have severe consequences for a patient and their family. It can cause life changing injuries and long-term physical and psychological suffering, which impacts every aspect of life.
What is a medical negligence claim?
A medical negligence claim is when a healthcare provider is sued for damages (compensation).
To make a claim, medical negligence solicitors must be able to demonstrate:
- Breach of duty. The medical professional acted in a way that no other competent practitioner would have done, or they failed to act in a way that a competent practitioner would have done.
- Causation. The patient’s injury was caused, or made worse, by the practitioner’s lack of care.
Can you make a medical negligence claim for someone else?
If a patient lacks the mental capacity to make a medical negligence claim, or someone died as a result of a fatal injury, their family can make a claim.
A parent or guardian can also make a medical negligence claim on behalf of a child.
Types of medical negligence claims
Here are some types of medical negligence claims:
A&E mistakes
Hospital accident and emergency departments are often fast-paced and chaotic, which can increase the likelihood of medical negligence cases.
Patients are entitled to receive the best possible care from medical professionals no matter what the circumstances.
Cancer misdiagnosis and late diagnosis
Failure to diagnose cancer, diagnosing cancer too late or providing the wrong treatment can lead to a poorer prognosis.
Childbirth injuries
If a midwife or doctor fails to monitor a pregnant mother or makes a mistake, it can be fatal. Our medical negligence lawyers provide support and legal advice to those who have experienced traumatic births.
Dental negligence
There are many types of mistakes dentists make. For example, treating the wrong tooth or failing to diagnose mouth cancer are grounds for a medical negligence claim.
GP mistakes
Failure to refer a patient to a specialist, giving the wrong prescription or failing to carry out the right tests are examples of GP medical negligence.
Hospital infections
It is unacceptable to suffer an infection in a hospital due to the poor hygiene practices of staff. Anyone who is infected while in the hospital is entitled to make a medical negligence claim.
Limb loss
Losing a limb because of preventable errors has devastating consequences and fortunately is very rare. Our medical negligence solicitors can provide support at every stage of a claim.
Negligent cosmetic surgery
If the results of cosmetic surgery are not what was expected or an injury has occurred as a result of surgery, there may be grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Negligent orthopaedic surgery
Medical negligence can cause damage to soft tissues and severe bone fractures that can have painful and life changing consequences.
Nursing claims
Errors in administering medication and failure to help a patient get in and out of bed are examples of medical negligence.
It is not only nurses but all professionals who provide nursing care (such as professionals caring for the elderly) who have a duty of care.
Nursing home injuries
Vulnerable people in nursing homes should receive the highest standards of care, but unfortunately, this is not always the case. Poor day-to-day care and inadequate medical treatment can lead to infections and injuries.
Pharmacist negligence
A pharmacist may be sued for medical negligence if they provide the wrong prescription, incorrect medicine dosage, or incorrect advice.
Pressure sores
Inadequate care can mean people who are in bed for a long time develop pressure sores. Failure to treat pressure sores can cause fatal conditions like sepsis.
Spinal injury claims
It is debilitating when the spinal cord is damaged because of medical negligence. It is especially difficult to come to terms with if it results from an avoidable mistake.
Surgical errors
Mistakes that can lead to medical negligence claims include failing to obtain the right consent before surgery, operating on the wrong organ, or leaving instruments inside a patient.
Why claim compensation for medical negligence?
Pursuing a medical negligence claim and claiming compensation is a way to seek justice. It can also help to ensure the same mistakes are not repeated in future, so others are not hurt.
The aim of compensation is to return you to the standard of living you had before the incident occurred, as far as possible. Compensation can cover financial losses you are experiencing today and are likely to have in future. It can also pay for any medical treatment and daily care you need.
For medical negligence claims, compensation is divided into two parts:
- General damages. This is compensation for the damage to your quality of life caused by your physical and psychological suffering.
- Special damages. This part of compensation pays for your financial losses today and in the future. It might cover the cost of adaptations to your home, prescriptions, travel to medical appointments, loss of earnings, the cost of carers and cleaners and much more.
If you are concerned about approaching a solicitor to find out about making a medical negligence compensation claim, please do not worry. UK law specifically entitles you to seek compensation if you feel you have suffered due to medical negligence.
How long do you have to make a medical negligence claim?
Medical negligence claims are normally subject to a 3-year time limit. That means you have 3 years from the time your injury was discovered to make a medical negligence claim.
There are exceptions to the time limit for making medical negligence claims. If somebody has died, then their relatives have 3 years from the date of their death to make a compensation claim.
Anyone making a clinical negligence claim on behalf of someone who lacks mental capacity is not subject to the 3-year time limit.
The time limit is also different for children. If someone suffers from medical negligence as a child, they can bring a compensation claim any time between their 18th and 21st birthday.
If you have suffered because of medical negligence, it is advisable to act now, as it can take time to gather evidence to support a claim.
How QualitySolicitors help with medical negligence claims?
Our experienced medical negligence solicitors specialise in securing compensation for people who have suffered medical negligence. You can talk to us free of charge and in confidence for advice about your medical negligence claim.
Please be reassured that whatever you say to us will not go any further unless you want it to. Some people who approach us admit to being nervous or embarrassed when they first called, so please don’t think you’re alone.
We will listen to you with understanding. If we think you have a case, we will talk you through the steps we could take together to secure the compensation you need to meet your present and future needs.
If you think you have suffered due to medical negligence, then please call our specialist medical negligence solicitors on 08082747557.
All QualitySolicitors partner firms are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority.
FAQs
How much compensation could I receive?
The level of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life, both now and in the future.
Compensation takes into account the physical, psychological and financial consequences of medical negligence.
Can I sue the NHS for medical negligence?
Yes, a medical negligence claim can be brought against the NHS. Some people worry about seeking compensation from the NHS but remember compensation is not for profit.
The purpose of awarding compensation in medical negligence cases is to return someone to the position they were in before the incident.
Making a clinical negligence claim also helps to ensure mistakes are not repeated, so others are not hurt in the same way.
Can I sue a private hospital for medical negligence?
Medical negligence cases can be brought against any institution that provides medical care. This includes private hospitals, residential homes for the elderly and dental practices.