Medical Negligence Complaints Procedure

When we head to our GP, doctor, or any hospital, we expect strict NHS guidelines to be followed. At the end of the service we have received, we expect our illness or injury to result in a positive outcome. Unfortunately, in some cases, as patients, we experience issues that are the result of medical malpractice or negligence. As a result, we need to explore the medical negligence complaints procedure and find out what our options are.

Medical negligence can lead to serious consequences, affecting a patient’s health and well-being. If you believe you have been a victim of medical negligence, understanding the medical negligence claims procedure is crucial. That is why having the support of lawyers and their team to help with the procedure is vital.

At PR Scully, our clients have trusted us for many years, and we have guided them at each stage of the complaints process. We aim to make sure justice is served to the doctors, GPs, dentists, or other medical practitioners who have not followed the medical procedures.

What is medical negligence?

Medical or clinical negligence, commonly known as medical malpractice, occurs when healthcare professionals deviate from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm or injury to a patient.

Such breaches of practice can include a range of circumstances, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or medication mistakes. To establish a case for medical negligence, the patient must demonstrate that something happened as a result of the actions of the healthcare professional.

If you are unclear about the nature of your injuries or want to discuss the complications that you were subjected to, then call PR Scully on 0161 768 317 and get the answers to your questions. Although we are based in Manchester, we are happy to help any client based in the UK.

Steps to follow in the complaints procedure

At PR Scully, we understand that the complaints procedure can be a complicated one. This is why we are happy to make a complaint on your behalf or help individuals or victims of medical malpractice. Law firms, like PR Scully, will prove invaluable.

Here’s a list of things to do:

Document the incident

Before filing a complaint, gather all relevant information. Document the details of the incident, including dates, times, names of medical personnel involved, and a detailed account of what happened. Collect medical records, test results, and any other documentation that supports your claim. The data you collect will only strengthen your position as the claimant.

Seek a second opinion.

If possible, seek a second opinion from another medical professional to validate your concerns. This can provide additional evidence and clarity about whether the care you received was indeed negligent. For instance, if your complaint concerns a personal injury you (or a loved one) experienced, it will add value to your claim.

Contact the healthcare provider.

Contact the healthcare provider where the incident occurred. Most hospitals, surgeries, and clinics have a formal complaints process. Write a detailed letter outlining your concerns, the specifics of the incident, and the impact it has had on your health.

The majority of healthcare providers typically have an internal complaints process. Submit your complaint through this channel and ask for an acknowledgement of receipt. The provider should investigate your complaint and respond within a specified timeframe.

Contact the health ombudsman.

If you are not satisfied with the response from the healthcare provider, you can escalate your complaint to the health ombudsman. The ombudsman is an independent body that investigates complaints about healthcare services. Provide them with all the documentation and correspondence related to your complaint.

Seek Legal Advice

If the ombudsman’s investigation does not resolve your complaint, consider seeking legal advice. Our solicitors at PR Scully specialise in medical negligence. Our lawyers can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process. They can also assist in pursuing a compensation claim if warranted, and make sure decisions are made faster thanks to a law firm you can trust.

Click here to contact PR Scully today!

When should I contact PR Scully?

The simple answer is “as soon as possible”. Having any legal matter looked over by a reputable law firm can prove vital to the outcome of the dispute. The number of ways in which a solicitor or the PR Scully staff can aid you with your medical negligence complaint, as well as other types of disputes, will ease any stress or apprehension you may feel.

The complicated nature of a legal complaint underscores the necessity of expert legal advice for your legal claim at every step of the way. The expertise of a medical negligence team is crucial in gathering evidence and determining the best course of action in complex cases.

Legal proceedings and settlements often involve the engagement of independent medical experts who assess the standard of care or provide expert testimony. Successful cases typically result in compensation covering medical expenses, lost wages, and endured pain and suffering.

Most importantly, our legal team can act in your name once you consent to our plan. You, as the client, will be made aware of any news we receive regarding your complaints procedure.

No win no fee

In most cases, plenty of victims of medical negligence do nothing even if they are fully in the right. This may be because of the fees they are unable to afford. At PR Scully, we work on a no-win no-fee basis, meaning that if your legal claim results in failure, we have taken all the risks.

Request a call back to find out more about our no-win no-fee policy, and if it is something we can provide for you.

Important considerations

With medical negligence complaints, there are some important considerations that you need to pay attention to. Some of the considerations you must keep in mind are:

Time Limits

There is a time limit for filing medical negligence complaints. In most cases, you must file a complaint within three years from the date of the incident or from when you first became aware of the issue.

Confidentiality and privacy

Ensure that all personal and medical information shared during the complaints process is kept confidential. Healthcare providers and regulatory bodies, such as the Health Service Ombudsman, General Medical Council, and the Care Quality Commission, are required to handle your information with care and privacy.

Compensation claims

If your complaint is successful, and you decide to pursue a compensation claim, be prepared for a potentially lengthy process. Compensation claims can take several months or even years to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case.

Filing a medical negligence complaint can be a daunting process, but it is essential for ensuring accountability and improving healthcare standards. By following the correct steps, you can navigate the complaints procedure more effectively and seek the resolution you deserve, especially with the help of a knowledgeable solicitor.

Leading medical negligence solicitors in the UK

PR Scully, based in Manchester, is one of the foremost law firms in the North West of England. Established in 1999, the firm serves clients throughout the UK, recovering over £6 million annually in compensation.

P R Scully & Co Solicitors Limited
166 Chaddock Lane,
Worsley,
Manchester,
M28 1DF

0161 768 3175

info@prscully.com