While medical technologies improve and there are many qualified medics, we place great trust in clinics that take care of us. However, there are still a small number of cases when patients face medical negligence. And even worse – some avoidable injuries and illnesses. Legal experts share their insights on this sensitive topic. Here’s what you should know if you suspect medical negligence while undergoing any medical treatment.
What’s Considered Medical Negligence?
Misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment or surgical mistakes – there are many ways medical negligence could happen. It could be any substandard medical treatment that causes injury or worsens the existing condition. We’re talking about birth injuries, cancer misdiagnoses, missed fractures, sepsis, etc.
Whether you suspect medical negligence in the NHS or private sector, it’s essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible. It’s wise to look for legal experts in the UK (advokat UK) who specialise in the medical negligence field.
How to Know if the Compensation Claim is Valid?
The success of the claim highly depends on the individual case and circumstances. Thus, it’s best to consult legal experts and discuss the subtleties. However, there are some signals that you might have a valid compensation claim. Lawyers note that time matters – the incident should’ve happened within the last three years. Also, it’s crucial to assess whether there’s someone to blame for it and was the injury a direct result of the incident. If the incident happened within the last three years and you suspect medical negligence, you have solid reasons to think there’s a valid claim.
Size of the Compensation
As mentioned before, a lot depends on individual experience and circumstances and the damage done. Compensation size isn’t an exception. Nevertheless, you should know that you may be able to claim compensation for distress, financial losses (including loss of earnings), related travel expenses, medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses, and any adaptations needed to your home and vehicle. In some cases, the list also includes property damage.
About the Process – Making Medical Negligence Claim
As you’ve already understood, the first step should be contacting the lawyers promptly. Even though you can claim injuries that happened within the last three years, the sooner you start the process – the better. After you discuss the incident with legal experts, they’ll assess the possibility of a valid claim. If it’s likely so and you’ll decide to start the process, lawyers will contact those who might be responsible for the negligent medical services.
Further actions depend on the case’s complexity and the reaction of the medical services provider. If essential, you might also need to see independent medical specialists to get their opinion. Legal experts notice that sometimes cases don’t reach the court – it’s often a preferable scenario as it saves time and money. However, if you can’t get a better settlement this way, lawyers might offer to take the case to court.
Medical negligence shouldn’t be ignored despite the type of injury and damage caused. If you have doubts about your suspicions, don’t hesitate to contact legal experts specialising in this field. Today, you can find legal services in different languages, not to mention that some professionals operate on a “no win – no fee” basis.
