It’s a common experience to go to the hospital, get the treatment you need, and leave happy, healthier, and with a new lease of life. Unfortunately, not all of us are that lucky!
In some cases, patients go home with more than what they wanted: foreign objects that were somehow forgotten inside the body.
If this happens to be you, then you are entitled to file a retained foreign objects claim.
These incidents are classed as a never event across the NHS and should never happen.
However, they do happen, and all too often, unfortunately.
Reports of Retained Foreign Objects
For example, between April and November last year, there were 73 reports of retained foreign objects, which is 73 more than what is acceptable.
So, if you have been affected, you may be able to make retained foreign objects claims, assisted by our medical negligence solicitors at PR Scully.
Call 0161 768 317 or request a callback today to claim compensation for the foreign objects left behind.
What Is a Retained Foreign Object?
A retained foreign object is the collective name given to any equipment or material that has been left behind in your body by mistake.
Some of these objects can include:
- Surgical swabs
- Parts of a needle
- Guard wire
- Surgical instruments
The most worrying aspect of such medical negligence is that these items may not be immediately identified, which can lead to delayed symptoms, serious complications, and further surgery.
Risks and Complications from Retained Foreign Objects
When a foreign object is left inside the body, it can cause significant harm.
Harm that could lead to a life-threatening situation if not discovered fast enough.
Patients may experience:
- Severe pain and ongoing discomfort
- Infection
- Serious injury
- Long-term complications
- The need for further surgery
- Emotional distress and prolonged suffering
In addition, patients who were already feeling apprehensive about surgery will not be psychologically helped.
How do you convince someone who’s ended up worse off because of medical negligence at the hands of someone they trusted?
Unfortunately, such errors can affect patients all across the country, often requiring urgent medical attention.
Making a Compensation Claim
At PR Scully, we urge you to make a retained foreign object claim for compensation to ease the pain, suffering, and financial burden of your medical negligence ordeal.
The compensation claim can be quite nuanced, which is why taking legal action with the help of our medical negligence solicitors puts you in a better chance of getting what you deserve.
Our medical negligence solicitors can:
- Review your evidence, including medical data and reports
- Work with NHS Resolution and the relevant hospital trust
- Handle the full claims process on your behalf
The good news for you is that you can pursue compensation knowing there is no financial risk.
We work on a no-win, no-fee agreement, which has allowed more people to seek help rather than just accepting their fate.
Time Limits on Taking Action
Please note that with such claims, there is typically a three-year time limit from the date of the incident or when you became aware of the issue.
However, we urge you to contact us much sooner than that, while the events are fresh in your mind.
Plus, with it being a recent incident, it’ll be easier to collect the documentation within the time period and make the necessary claims.
Speak to Our Team at PR Scully Today
Unlike your experience with the surgeon or doctor who performed your medical procedure, you are in safe hands with our medical negligence solicitors at PR Scully.
With millions claimed for our clients over the last two-and-a-half decades, we have proven a valuable asset to many people who have gone through something they should never have had to.
So, if you have had a foreign body left inside you after your medical procedure, or felt physical, emotional, or psychological distress due to what NHS England refers to as a “Never Event”. Then you deserve answers, support, and compensation.
Contact PR Scully today, call 0161 768 317, or request a callback so that we can assess whether you have grounds to win your claim and help you move forward with confidence.