Many people ask: What is medical negligence?
In simple terms, medical negligence occurs when medical professionals or a healthcare provider fail to provide a reasonable standard of medical treatment, resulting in avoidable harm to a patient.
This could involve surgical mistakes, delayed diagnosis, lack of informed consent, or other forms of negligent treatment.
Any injury, illness, or suffering that may have been caused by a healthcare professional could be classed as medical negligence and be subject to a compensation claim.
Contact PR Scully today by calling 0161 768 317 or request a callback through our website to speak to our expert team about suspected medical negligence you may have experienced. And discover if you have grounds to claim compensation.
Medical Negligence Claims
When harm is caused, patients may pursue medical negligence claims or clinical negligence claims. A compensation claim can cover:
- Financial loss.
- Ongoing care needs.
- Impact of substandard care on health and quality of life.
An experienced medical negligence solicitor can guide you through the several stages of a claim, often on a no-win no-fee basis.
Examples of Clinical Negligence Cases
Clinical negligence cases may include:
- Emergency treatment errors.
- Delayed diagnosis of conditions like cancer.
- Surgical mistakes during operations.
- Giving treatment without express consent.
- Criminal negligence or gross negligence leading to serious injury.
Historic cases, such as those involving the Friern Hospital Management Committee, have highlighted the importance of medical evidence and expert solicitors in achieving justice.
The Legal Process
A medical negligence case typically involves:
- Reviewing medical records.
- Seeking independent medical experts for expert evidence.
- Establishing a breach of duty by a doctor or healthcare staff.
- Showing that the duty of care owed was not met.
- Proving that harm or injury was caused.
Time limits apply, so it’s crucial to seek advice quickly. Many law firms offer a free initial consultation or a free consultation with a specialist team.
When Should I File a Compensation Claim?
It is important to file a compensation claim for medical negligence as soon as possible from the day the negligent treatment took place.
There’s a three-year time limit for starting a medical negligence claim.
In some cases, the three-year period begins post-treatment due to factors such as:
- You became aware that the treatment you received was negligent.
- The effects of the negligent treatment occurred a while after the treatment.
- You are under 18 – the time starts on your 18th birthday.
- You are an adult without the mental capacity to file a complaint.
With the latter two examples, a parent, guardian, or similar individual associated with the victim of medical negligence can claim compensation on their behalf.
Compensation and Costs
Patients often ask, “How much compensation can I claim?”
The amount will vary depending on the injury, existing condition, and circumstances.
Legal fees and fee agreements are usually discussed up front, and many solicitors operate under insurance-backed no-win no-fee arrangements, also known as conditional fee agreements.
This allows for more people to claim compensation for clinical negligence without being put off by legal costs.
Why Legal Support Matters
Navigating a medical negligence claim requires expertise.
Legal experts with a specialist team can ensure you are fully prepared and supported throughout.
Their role is to secure fair compensation while holding healthcare providers accountable for failing to meet their duty.
At PR Scully, we have helped claim over £6 million in compensation for our clients, showing victims that we care about their pain and suffering.
Contact PR Scully today by calling 0161 768 317 so that we can fight your case for you, too!