Everything you need to know about making a claim

When you first look into making a medical negligence claim, you may be overwhelmed with the information available online. To help you, we have pulled together everything you need to know into this handy medical negligence guide. Here, we explain and provide resources on the process of making a claim, the benefits of working with a qualified team, and the types of medical negligence claims we cover.

At Patient Claim Line, we have an established team of specialist medical negligence lawyers, all with various specialisms across the negligence sector. When we take on your case, you will be assigned a solicitor with extensive experience in the specific area of medical negligence your claim falls into. Whether that be a dental claim, misdiagnosis, negligent surgery or orthopaedic cases.

If there’s anything you think we haven’t covered or you have additional questions, give us a call on 0330 107 5326 to speak to a specialist advisor.

What is the process of making a medical negligence claim? 

The process of making a medical negligence claim involves firstly seeking out guidance where medical negligence specialists will assess the details and advise whether you have a case. Once the case has been accepted, you may then need to provide access to your medical records and medical evidence may be obtained to evaluate causation and help to build up a case. This evidence will then be submitted to the defendant and a negotiation for settlement will likely take place.

How do you prove medical negligence?

We have developed a guide to help you understand when medical negligence has taken place. Together with an expert, we can gather evidence to prove that medical negligence has occurred.

Without an expert by your side, it can be stressful and exhausting to gather the evidence needed to prove that negligence took place. This is particularly the case when you are already recovering from the effects of a medical mistake. It is important to understand how a solicitor can help you, and what evidence we will need to successfully fight your corner. Speaking with our specialists will help you determine what evidence is needed to prove a medical negligence claim.

How long does a medical negligence claim take?

A medical negligence claim can take anywhere between a number of months, or several years to settle, depending on the severity of the case.  The circumstances and complexity of the case will determine the complexity of litigation required – which all takes time.

However, once we have taken on your negligence claim, one thing you can be assured of is that you’re in good hands. Whatever your circumstances, we will work effectively to secure the justice you deserve.

We have examined how long a medical negligence claim takes , using real case examples settled by our expert team to help you understand how long medical negligence claims can take.

What are some examples of medical negligence? 

Examples of medical negligence include:

• Misdiagnosis of a medical condition 
• Errors made during surgery that were avoidable
• Prescribing the incorrect medication
• Worsening of a condition due to improper or negligent treatment

10 things to know about medical negligence claims

There are a few key things that you need to know before processing your claim; from who you can make a claim for, the time limits of seeking legal advice, to the likelihood of going to trial. Understanding the process will help you feel more comfortable about what is ahead. We have compiled a list of the 10 things you need to know about medical negligence claims.

4 D’s of medical negligence

The 4 Ds of medical negligence (Duty, Dereliction, Damages & Direct Cause) are pivotal to the success of your negligence claim, regardless of whether this is a straightforward case or a more complex one.  If a medical professional has caused you harm as a result of a medical mistake, understanding the 4 Ds of medical negligence will help you measure the impact of your case.

Medical Negligence Law and Ethics

In this whitepaper, Patient Claim Line will explore the ethical considerations in medical negligence law, and how these principles are applied in modern medical negligence law. All written information has been researched and compiled by Senior Solicitor, Kate Goodman.
Take a look at the full Medical Negligence Law and Ethics research here.

Medical Negligence Review 2022

We have created our Medical Negligence Review 2022 in which we outline the complex medical negligence cases we have settled, as well as outlining current affairs that have shaped the healthcare system this year.

Family Support Pack

This family support pack has been created to provide families who have been affected by medical negligence information and support. The pack includes details on how to access charitable support and therapy you may need to help you move forward with your lives. There are also details on how to support children who have been affected by medical negligence and activities that both adults and children are able to take part in with disabilities they may have.

Mythbusting

There are some common misconceptions and myths about medical negligence. In a recent meeting, Rob Rinder met with three of our senior clinical negligence solicitors to discuss their passion for what they do, why they do it and what motivates them to succeed on behalf of their clients. During their discussion they put aside the myths surrounding medical negligence claims.

Why choose Patient Claim Line?

Patient Claim Line is a subdivision of Fletchers Solicitors; a specialist legal firm dealing in medical negligence cases. Our expert team consists of more than 100 lawyers, with a combined experience of over 400 years. We have successfully settled cases across a number of different specialisms, which means that when we take on your case, you will be assigned a solicitor with extensive experience in the type of negligence you have been subjected to.

We have successfully settled cases in the following areas:

• Orthopaedic surgery mistakes
• Dental negligence cases
• Misdiagnosis & delayed diagnosis
• Avoidable pressure sores
• Pregnancy and birth injuries
• Cosmetic surgery cases
• Vaginal mesh and other gynaecological issues
• GP negligence
• Hospital negligence
• A&E negligence

When your case is accepted, our expert solicitors will handle all of the paperwork for you. We will source your medical records and work with you to gather evidence that the negligence took place. We build solid relationships with our clients and ensure regular contact throughout the claims process, to help you understand exactly where your claim is up to at every point. Processing a medical negligence claim can be a daunting experience, but at Patient Claim Line, we take care to explain everything carefully to you – without the legal jargon – so that you are fully informed at all times.

Questions we get asked about medical negligence

Will it cost me anything if I make a claim? 
I am still having treatment. Should I wait for that to finish before making a claim?
Is it right to make a claim against the NHS?
Is there a difference between medical malpractice and medical negligence?
What types of medical negligence do you cover?
Can I claim for a family member?