Frequently asked questions about medical negligence

What is medical negligence?

Medical negligence is substandard care provided by a healthcare professional that directly causes harm to a patient. The care must have fallen below what is reasonable for a healthcare professional under those circumstances, and is usually assessed by an independent expert in the field. Medical Negligence can happen in a number of ways. The patient could be misdiagnosed, or could have been victim to mistakes during surgery. They might have received incorrect treatment, aggravating their existing condition. When medical negligence results in unnecessary suffering and causes further injury or distress for you or your loved ones, you may be entitled to seek compensation.

What types of medical negligence can I claim for?

There are many types of medical negligence that may warrant a claim, including;

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Negligent cosmetic procedures
• Mistakes during dental work
• Care home negligence
• Pressure sore claims
• Incorrect surgery
• Birth injuries

Medical negligence is a complex area of the law, so seeking advice from a specialist solicitor will help you to understand your rights before pursuing a claim.

How do I know if I have a medical negligence case?

If you are unsure if you have suffered medical negligence, the easiest way to find out is through our 10 Second Claim Test. Our specialist team will assess your information and let you know if you are eligible to make a medical negligence claim. It can be difficult to understand your rights without the help of an expert, and often the medical team will not admit fault for the distress or injury caused. We will investigate the evidence on your behalf, and help you to assess if you have a medical negligence case.

How do I make a medical negligence claim?

To make a medical negligence claim, simply take our 10 Second Claim Test. Once we have your information, our expert medical negligence team will assess your information and let you know if you have a case or not. We always let you know either way and we always explain our reasoning. All the paperwork and investigation is handled at our side, and once you have given us the important dates and facts relating to your case, the rest is taken care of by our team.

Can I make a medical negligence claim after 3 years?

To make a medical negligence claim, it is important to seek legal advice within three years of the negligent treatment taking place, or within three years of first becoming aware of the negligent treatment. In cases involving a minor (anyone under 18), the legal case must be pursued within three years from the date of their 18th birthday. In cases where the injured patient lacks mental capacity, either prior to or as a result of the negligence, there can be no time limit set. This is important to ensure that key dates and appointments can be recalled in detail, and we are unable to investigate your claim following the expiry of this three year window.

How long does a medical negligence claim take?

Processing a medical negligence claim can take on average between 12-18 months for a straightforward case, but can take much longer for more complex cases. Your case handler will be in touch with you regularly to update you on the progress of your claim. It is important to pursue your claim within three years of the negligent treatment taking place.