When we entrust our health and well-being to medical professionals, we expect nothing less than the highest standards of care. However, the harsh reality is that medical negligence, also known as clinical negligence, can and does occur, with devastating consequences for the victims and their families. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, a surgical error, or a failure to provide adequate post-operative care, the impact of such lapses in judgment can be life-altering, leaving individuals grappling with physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
No Win No Fee Claims Service
Here at Ward and Rider we not only have a number of specialist medical negligence solicitors, we also have the means of progressing your claim on a No Win No Fee basis. This allows you to make a claim for compensation without the financial worries so often associated with using the law to obtain a just financial settlement.
Why choose us?
Our medical negligence lawyers are experienced in dealing with all types of medical negligence claims and will work hard to achieve the compensation you deserve. We also understand that this is a difficult and perhaps distressing time for you, which is why our lawyers are caring and listen to you; providing the advice you need to successfully start your claim.
Do any of these apply to your situation? If so, you stand a good chance of making a successful claim.
CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TODAY – 0800 316 5887
Diagnosis
- Was there a delay in diagnosing the correct condition, which led to unnecessary pain and suffering?
- Was there a delay in referring you to a specialist, which led to unnecessary pain and suffering?
- Has your GP, nurse, dentist or accident and emergency consultant been guilty of failing to act quickly enough?
Misdiagnosis
- Have you had inappropriate treatment due to the wrong diagnosis?
- Have you been prescribed the wrong drug?
- Birth Injuries and Pregnancy
Problems
- Have you or your baby been injured due to problems with their delivery?
- Has there been a failure to spot problems with the pregnancy in time or at all?
Surgery
- Has your surgery been performed badly or been inappropriate?
- Has there been a failure of a medical device or product, or have you been infected with MRSA or CDiff unnecessarily?
- Has your cosmetic surgery been performed incorrectly due to your surgeon’s negligence?
CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TODAY – 0800 316 5887
Dental Negligence
- Has your dentist failed to diagnose a serious dental problem?
- Have they carried out treatment which has been negligent?
- Have you been injured during the course of such treatment?
In order for a claim to be successful it is necessary to show that both of the following apply:
There has been a breach of duty – this is where conduct has fallen short of the duty of care owed, for example if a GP has not provided a reasonable standard of care.
There has to be a causal link between the breach of duty and the injury suffered. To make a successful claim the breach of duty must have caused the patient an injury.
- Failure or delay to diagnose, such as not carrying out the correct medical tests required
- Failure to refer a patient for specialist treatment
- Giving treatment which is unsuitable for a particular injury which results in the injury worsening or not getting better
- Surgery which is not required or carried out poorly
These are the sort of questions we will go through with you, this allowing us to calculate the chances of success when making a claim on your behalf. For more information on the process, please read on:-
Understanding Medical Negligence: The Fundamentals
Medical negligence, at its core, occurs when a healthcare professional fails to uphold their duty of care, resulting in harm or injury to the patient. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from misdiagnosis and delayed treatment to surgical errors and inadequate post-operative care. The consequences of such negligence can be severe, ranging from the worsening of existing conditions to the development of new, life-altering ailments.
To establish a valid medical negligence claim, several key elements must be proven. First, it must be demonstrated that the healthcare provider’s actions (or inactions) fell below the standard of care reasonably expected in the medical profession. Secondly, it must be shown that this substandard care directly caused the patient’s injury or illness. Finally, the claimant must have suffered quantifiable damages, whether in the form of financial losses, physical pain and suffering, or emotional distress.
Navigating the Complexities of Medical Negligence Claims
Medical negligence claims are inherently complex, often requiring a deep understanding of both legal and medical principles. This is where the expertise of our specialised medical negligence solicitors becomes invaluable. Our legal professionals possess the necessary knowledge and experience to navigate the intricate legal landscape, gather the requisite evidence, and effectively present your case to secure the best possible outcome.
Types of Medical Negligence Claims
Medical negligence can occur in a wide range of healthcare settings and scenarios. Some of the most common types of medical negligence claims include:
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis Claims
When healthcare providers fail to correctly identify a patient’s condition or delay in providing a diagnosis, it can lead to the worsening of the patient’s condition and the need for more invasive or extensive treatment. These types of claims are particularly prevalent in cases involving cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
Surgical Negligence Claims
Surgical errors, such as operating on the wrong body part, when surgical instruments are left inside the patient, or causing damage during a procedure even though these were unintended, can have severe consequences for the patient’s health and recovery.
Birth Injury Claims
Negligence during pregnancy, labour, or the immediate postpartum period can result in devastating injuries to the mother or child, including conditions like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and birth-related brain injuries.
Dental Negligence Claims
Dental procedures, such as extractions, root canals, and orthodontic treatments, can also be the subject of medical negligence claims if the dentist fails to provide the appropriate standard of care.
Please click the link for more information about Dental Negligence claims these also being covered by our no win no fee service.
Delayed Treatment Claims
When healthcare providers fail to promptly diagnose and treat a patient’s condition, it can lead to the deterioration of the patient’s health and the need for more intensive and costly treatment.
Medication Error Claims
Mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication can have serious consequences, including adverse reactions, overdoses, and the worsening of existing medical conditions.
Gathering Evidence and Building a Strong Case
The first step in the claims process is to gather comprehensive evidence. This may involve obtaining medical records, consulting with independent medical experts, and securing witness testimonies. Our skilled solicitors are adept at this process, ensuring that every detail is meticulously documented to support your case.
Establishing Liability and Quantifying Damages
Determining liability in a medical negligence case can be a nuanced and challenging task. The solicitors handling the case must carefully analyse the evidence to demonstrate that the healthcare provider’s actions (or inactions) fell below the expected standard of care, and that this directly led to the patient’s injury or illness. Additionally, they must work closely with financial and medical experts to accurately quantify the level of damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost income, and the impact on the client’s quality of life.
Navigating the Legal Process and Negotiating Settlements
Medical negligence claims involve dealing with complex legal problems and processes, which can be virtually impossible for a non expert to deal with. Thus the help of an experienced medical negligence solicitor, one who is well-versed in the intricacies of this part of the legal system is essential.
From initiating the claim to negotiating settlements onwards, they hold the key to success. If necessary, they will represent you in court, or then again, perhaps their expertise in alternative dispute resolution techniques, such as mediation and negotiation, will offer the best route to success, this avoiding the stresses and delays associated with a lengthy court battle.
Whatever the problem, you can be sure that our highly experienced team of solicitors will be there to help, to hold your hand throughout the entire process and to ensure that you get the fair settlement that you deserve.
Useful links
- No win, no fee
- Dedicated Medical Negligence Team
- We handle various types of medical negligence claims
Our Medical Negligence Solicitors team
Medical Negligence Solicitors Case Studies
Want to pursue a Medical Negligence Solicitors claim?
Get in touch with Ward & Rider Solicitors today to speak to one of our expert solicitors, or to book a consultation.