NHS Negligence and Claiming Compensation
The scope of healthcare in England is wide-ranging and the vast majority of medical procedures and processes are successfully and safely executed. Occasionally, however, an error occurs which causes the patient long-term and debilitating damage. Where the patient has suffered as a result of medical negligence, the law entitles that individual to make a claim for compensation.
Within the complex array of medical processes, negligent care can take many forms including the following:
- A misdiagnosis, a failure to make a referral or a delay in diagnosis, causing the patient to suffer a worse outcome than would have been the case with an appropriate and timely response
- A delay in treatment, meaning that the patient is in a worse situation at the commencement of treatment and consequently suffers a worse outcome due to the delay
- A failure to provide adequate safety-netting such as red flag warnings or a follow-up appointment allowing a patient's condition to deteriorate prior to diagnosis or treatment
- A negligent surgical procedure or failure of care during surgery, causing the patient to suffer unnecessary harm
- The misadministration or incorrect prescription of medication, causing the patient to suffer harm
- A negligent or substandard level of care which contributes to the patient's development of illness
If negligent care has caused the patient to suffer in a way which would not have been the case with an appropriate level of care, it is possible to make a claim for the patient's pain, suffering and financial losses.
Claiming compensation
Firstly, it is important to be aware that claims for compensation for medical negligence need to be initiated within three years of the date of the alleged negligence. It is crucial, therefore, to get legal support as soon as possible to ensure that the quality of your care is fully investigated in time.
Secondly, it is advisable to obtain the services of a specialist lawyer. A solicitor with long-standing expertise and experience in this complicated area of the law will be in the best place to engage medical experts, to judge the validity of your claim and to negotiate with the Defendant. They will understand the impact that negligence is having on your life and can support you in achieving the best outcome.
Speak to a specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced specialist lawyers.
If you or a loved one are struggling with the impact of negligent medical care, contact us to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim for compensation.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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