Medical professionals are entrusted with our care at some of the most vulnerable moments in our lives. While the vast majority provide a high standard of treatment, mistakes can and do happen. When those mistakes cause avoidable harm, it may amount to medical negligence.
What is Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional provides care that falls below an acceptable standard, resulting in injury or harm to a patient. This applies to a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists, surgeons and other healthcare providers.
Not every outcome or unsuccessful treatment is considered negligence. Medicine is complex and there are inherent risks in many procedures. As such, for a claim to succeed in the UK, three key elements must be established:
- Duty of care – That is, that the healthcare provider owed you a duty of care. This is usually straightforward, as medical professionals automatically owe a duty to their patients.
- Breach of duty – It must be shown that the care received fell below the standard expected of a reasonably competent professional in that field; and
- Causation – You must prove that the breach of duty directly caused your injury or made your condition worse.
Common Examples of Medical Negligence
Medical negligence can arise in many different situations. Some of the more common examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Incorrect medication or dosage
- Birth injuries or complications
- Failure to obtain informed consent
- Poor aftercare or follow-up treatment
Time Limits for Bringing a Claim
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the incident or from when you became aware of the negligence to bring a claim. There are exceptions to this rule however, particularly for children. As these rules can be complex, seeking legal advice early can help ensure you do not miss any important deadlines.
How We Can Help
Pursuing a medical negligence claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial impact of an injury. Having the right legal support can therefore make the process clearer and more manageable.
We can support you by:
- Assessing your case – Providing an initial evaluation to determine whether you may have a valid claim and explaining your options.
- Gathering evidence – Obtaining your medical records, reviewing the documentation, and working with independent medical experts to build a strong case.
- Handling legal procedures – Managing all correspondences and negotiations on your behalf.
- Seeking fair compensation – Helping you pursue compensation (damages) for pain and suffering, any loss of earnings, rehabilitation costs, and any ongoing care or support you may need.
Our Approach
We understand that no two cases are the same. Our approach is client-focused, ensuring that you feel informed, supported and listened to at every stage of the process. We aim to resolve claims efficiently while securing the best possible outcome for you.
If you believe you or a loved one has been affected by medical negligence, early legal advice can make a significant difference. Contact us on 02920 470909 for a confidential discussion about your situation and to explore your options.