If you or a loved one have experienced medical negligence, you may feel confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next.
You might not understand exactly what medical negligence is or how to begin making a claim. This article will provide a brief overview of what medical negligence is, how to identify it, and what to do if you suspect you have a claim.
What is Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence occurs when harm or injury is caused to a patient as a result of negligent treatment or care. It can occur at any point while you are receiving medical care, such as at your GP surgery, the hospital and any aftercare you receive (or fail to receive).
Is There a Difference Between Clinical and Medical Negligence?
If you start searching online about medical negligence, it can be confusing as it is also often referred to as clinical negligence. So what is the difference? Ultimately, the terms are used interchangeably and, more often than not, mean the same thing.
What Can You Do If You Think You Have Been a Victim Of Medical Negligence?
It is important to take action if you suspect that you or a loved one have been the victim of medical negligence. A medical negligence lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, review your case, and determine whether you have a valid medical negligence claim. The lawyer can also help you to gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case for medical negligence.
Are There Time Limits For Making a Claim?
Yes, the usual time limit for making a medical negligence claim is three years. This is from either the date the negligence occurred or when you became aware the treatment you received was negligent.
Common Types Of Medical Negligence
Medical negligence can take many forms, and no two cases are the same, but some of the most common types include:
- misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- surgical errors
- medication errors
- birth injuries
- failure to treat
- failure to diagnose
- failure to properly monitor a patient’s health
- failure to provide adequate follow-up care.
It is important to be aware of these common types of medical negligence and how they can impact your life.
Knowing When You Have a Medical Negligence Claim
It can be difficult to determine whether you have a valid medical negligence claim. However, a few key indicators can help you decide, and a solicitor will be able to assess your circumstances and advise you.
Firstly, you must be able to demonstrate that the healthcare provider departed so far from the accepted standard of care that no other provider would have treated/failed to treat in the same fashion. This is a high standard of proof. This can include failing to diagnose or treat a condition in a timely manner, failing to monitor a patient’s condition properly, or providing substandard care.
It is important to note that the use of the word “negligence”, when used in the context of a medical negligence claim, does not have the usual day-to-day meaning. So, sub-standard or inadequate care does not necessarily amount to negligence.
Second, you must be able to demonstrate that the medical negligence resulted in injury or harm to the patient. This means that the patient must have suffered a physical, emotional, or financial injury as a result of the negligence.
Finally, you must be able to demonstrate that the negligence caused the injury or harm. This means that you must be able to show a causal link between the medical negligence and the injury or harm suffered by the patient.
How Much Compensation Can You Expect From a Medical Negligence Claim?
If your claim is successful, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your physical and emotional injury, and financial loss.
This compensation can include any medical costs incurred, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with the negligence. However, the amount of compensation you are eligible to receive will depend on the specifics of your case. A medical negligence lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and seek the maximum compensation available to you.
Can I Make a Complaint About The Care I Received If I Am Making a Claim For Compensation?
While financial compensation is important, so is getting a sense of closure to your ordeal and suffering as a result of the medical negligence, and this may be achieved through formal complaint processes rather than just your claim for compensation. Policies and procedures may be reviewed as part of the complaint process which may prevent the same thing happening in the future.
