Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional provides substandard care that deviates from the accepted medical standard, resulting in injury or harm to the patient. This can happen in various settings, from a GP’s office to a hospital operating room. Understanding medical negligence is crucial for protecting your rights and seeking appropriate compensation if you’ve suffered due to substandard care. In this article, we will also highlight how you can start a medical negligence claim. Â
Common Types of Medical Negligence Claims
Medical negligence can manifest in many forms, some more prevalent than others. Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis is a frequent claim, where a medical condition is incorrectly identified or not diagnosed in a timely manner, leading to delayed treatment and potentially worsening the patient’s condition. Surgical errors, including operating on the wrong site or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, are another significant area of concern. Medication errors, such as prescribing the wrong dosage or incorrect medication, can also have serious consequences. Birth injuries, caused by negligence during childbirth, can lead to lifelong complications for the child. Failure to obtain informed consent, where a patient is not fully informed of the risks and benefits of a procedure, can also constitute medical negligence. These are just a few examples of the many ways medical negligence can occur.
Establishing Negligence and Liability
Proving medical negligence requires establishing that a duty of care existed between the healthcare professional and the patient, that this duty was breached, and that the breach directly caused the patient’s injury or harm. This often involves obtaining expert medical opinions to assess the standard of care provided and determine whether it fell below the accepted level. Identifying the liable party can be complex, depending on the circumstances. It could be an individual healthcare professional, a hospital, or a clinical commissioning group. A solicitor specialising in medical negligence can help determine liability and build a strong case. Â
The Impact of Medical Negligence
The consequences of medical negligence can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. Patients may suffer from pain, disability, and a reduced quality of life. In some cases, medical negligence can even lead to death. Beyond the physical impact, there can be significant psychological consequences, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The financial burden can also be substantial, with loss of earnings, medical expenses, and the need for ongoing care and support.
Calculating Compensation for Medical Negligence
If you’ve suffered due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. This compensation aims to help you recover financially and improve your quality of life as much as possible. Several factors are considered when calculating compensation, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the cost of ongoing care and support. Compensation may also include pain and suffering, loss of amenity, and any expenses incurred due to the negligence. A solicitor experienced in medical negligence claims can help you understand the compensation you may be entitled to and guide you through the claims process.
Making a Medical Negligence Claim with National Claims
At National Claims, we understand the devastating impact that medical negligence can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. If you believe you or a family member have suffered harm due to substandard medical care, such as a misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, surgical errors, or medication mistakes, we are here to help you seek the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
Free Consultation
We recognise that every medical negligence case is unique, and we’re committed to offering you a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific circumstances. During this consultation, we’ll listen attentively to your experience, carefully review your medical records, and assess the potential validity of your claim.
Our team will then connect you with an experienced solicitor from our extensive network who specialises in medical negligence claims. This ensures you receive the expert legal guidance and support necessary to navigate the complexities of the legal process and pursue your case with confidence.
*Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
Contact us today to speak to one of our claims agents who will be able to help you get started on your claim.
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