Whenever we end up needing the help of a doctor or nurse, we rely on the experience of the medical professionals who are there to help us. In most cases, the illness or injury that resulted in us going to a hospital would be dealt with by specialists. Unfortunately, sometimes, complications can occur. If those complications are the result of malpractice or negligence, then you may be due compensation for hospital negligence.
Although PR Scully is based in Manchester, our lawyers can help you wherever you live in England or Wales. Our team of medical negligence solicitors are ready to ask the tough questions on your behalf to establish whether there is evidence of medical negligence
The information we can gather and what we learn can help in various ways, from turning from failure to success and resolving something that was playing on your mind. Either way, you look at it, our team will help get you to a decision within the time limit provided by law.
Contact us today by calling 0161 768 317 or requesting a callback through our website. You can also click here to send us a message with your query.
Understanding hospital negligence
Hospital negligence, a form of medical malpractice, occurs when healthcare professionals or institutions fail to provide the standard of care expected, resulting in harm or injury to patients. This can encompass a wide range of issues, including misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and inadequate aftercare. If you or a loved one has suffered due to hospital negligence, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the process of seeking compensation.
Identifying hospital negligence
Before pursuing a hospital negligence compensation claim, it’s important to identify whether negligence has occurred. Common examples of hospital negligence include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Failing to diagnose a condition correctly or promptly can lead to inappropriate or delayed treatment.
- Surgical errors: Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving surgical instruments inside the body.
- Medication errors: Incorrect prescription, dosage errors, or administering the wrong medication.
- Inadequate aftercare: Poor post-operative care leading to infections or complications.
- Negligent treatment: Receiving care that falls below the accepted medical standards, causing harm.
In essence, if the effects of your complaint require more than just an apology, then you may be due a payout for your negligence claim. Depending on the severity of the negligence, the sum you receive could increase drastically.
Call 0161 768 317 to speak to a professional at PR Scully.
Steps to take if you suspect negligence
Before contacting us, it may be worth doing the groundwork to ensure you have grounds for a hospital negligence claim. The following steps will help:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Ensure you receive the necessary medical care to address any harm caused by negligence.
- Check Time Limits: Make sure you are within the time limit to make a claim.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical treatments, diagnoses, and any communications with healthcare professionals.
- Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your claim, such as medical records, prescriptions, and witness statements.
- Consult a Specialist Solicitor: Engage with a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence to evaluate your case and guide you through the claims process.
If you feel you have followed the steps, but need further answers to help you, then contacting PR Scully will save you a lot of time and confusion.
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The claims process
Initial Consultation
Most medical negligence solicitors offer a free initial consultation. During this meeting, you can discuss your case, and the solicitor will assess whether you have a valid claim. They will explain the legal process and the likelihood of success. Once you see the position you are in, it will be quite easy to decide whether to continue with the compensation claim or not.
Investigation
Your solicitor will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering medical records and consulting independent medical experts to assess whether the care provided fell below the accepted standard. If you have any proof or report to back up your claim, provide those to our team.
Establishing Liability
To succeed in a negligence claim, you must prove that:
- The healthcare provider owed you a duty of care.
- There was a breach of that duty of care.
- The breach directly caused your injury or harm.
- You suffered damages as a result.
Compensation Calculation
The compensation you may be entitled to depends on various factors, including:
- Medical expenses: Costs of additional treatments, surgeries, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: Income lost due to the inability to work.
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress caused by negligence.
- Future losses: Anticipated future medical expenses and loss of earnings, for example, future rehabilitation sessions.
Negotiation and Settlement
Claims are often settled out of court through negotiation with the healthcare provider’s insurance company. Your solicitor will strive to secure a fair settlement that covers all your damages. Most negligence claims tend to find a successful end at the negotiation stage. If not, we head to court.
Court Proceedings
Your case may go to court if a settlement cannot be reached. Your solicitor will represent you, presenting evidence and expert testimonies to support your claim. While this can be a lengthy process, many cases are resolved before reaching this stage.
Funding Your Hospital Negligence Claim
Many medical negligence solicitors operate on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, formally known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This means you won’t have to pay legal fees unless your claim is successful. If you win, a portion of your compensation (usually capped at 25%) will cover the solicitor’s fees.
Pursuing a compensation claim for hospital negligence can be daunting, but with the right legal support, you can navigate the process more smoothly. Specialist medical negligence solicitors bring expertise, compassion, and dedication to securing the compensation you deserve, helping you to move forward with your life.
If you believe you’ve suffered due to hospital negligence, don’t hesitate to seek expert legal advice. Understanding your rights and the claims process is the first step towards obtaining justice and the compensation you need to address the impact of medical errors on your life.
Leading negligence solicitors in Manchester
PR Scully is one of the foremost law firms in the North West of England. Our areas of expertise include personal injury and medical negligence claims. Established in 1999, the firm serves clients throughout the UK, recovering over £6 million annually in compensation payouts.
With a dedicated staff, expert solicitors, and personal injury lawyers, PR Scully provides comprehensive advice, transparency on legal fees, and unwavering support during your medical negligence claims. You don’t need to visit our Manchester office to seek legal advice or benefit from our service.
Contact us from anywhere in the UK to determine whether you should pursue a medical negligence claim today.
P R Scully & Co Solicitors Limited
166 Chaddock Lane,
Worsley,
Manchester,
M28 1DF
0161 768 3175