How Much Compensation for NHS Negligence?

The NHS is one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Its staff and medical professionals usually maintain a very high standard of care when dealing with patients. However, there are times when this standard falls below what is acceptable and is considered negligence. If you have been a victim of NHS negligence and suffered harm as a result, you may be entitled to a claim for NHS compensation.

WHAT IS NHS NEGLIGENCE?

NHS negligence is a term that describes when a patient has sustained an injury, illness or their condition has been made worse while under the care of medical professionals at the NHS. Examples of NHS negligence include:·

• Failing to warn a patient about the risks of a procedure;
• Failing to seek patient consent;
• Administering the wrong medication;
• Misdiagnosing a condition;
• Surgical Negligence

If you have been injured as a result of NHS negligence, you may be wondering how much your NHS claim could be worth. While this is difficult to determine, it is an important consideration; you need to know whether suing the NHS and seeking compensation is the right call for you. Before our specialist NHS solicitors can give you an idea on what to expect, they must be able to determine the nature of the negligent treatment as well as its impact on your life.

Usually, compensation payments for medical negligence claims are made up of two parts:

General Damages: General damages compensate for the physical impact of the negligent treatment, as well as the pain and suffering you have endured. In this case, the nature and severity of your injury as well as its long-term impact will determine how much compensation you will be awarded.

Special Damages: Special damages compensate for the financial losses you have incurred as a result of NHS negligence. It covers the cost of out of pocket expenses such as cost of your medical care from the date of injury, loss of earnings and travel costs (medical appointments for your injury).

TIME LIMITS FOR MAKING NHS NEGLIGENCE CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION

To increase your chance of success, it is important that you seek advice from specialist NHS solicitors as soon as you suspect you have suffered an injury due to medical negligence .

There is a strict three-year time limit which begins from the date of your injury or the date it is linked to medical negligence. But proving NHS negligence is always easier when investigation and evidence gathering can be done right away.

The average duration for the resolution of medical negligence claims is usually between 15 and 18 months, so start today by contacting us for legal advice against the NHS. Our solicitors will arrange for a free, no obligation consultation to determine whether you can make a claim.

Suing a Hospital for Medical Negligence

When you go to a hospital, you expect to receive quality healthcare that makes you feel better as soon as possible. In the vast majority of cases, this is the reality and patients in the UK usually receive a high level of care from expertly qualified medical professionals with the right skills and experience. Sadly, however, this is not always the case. There are times when an act of incompetence or medical negligence on the part of a health professional at a hospital can cause further injury or illness for a patient.

At Medical Negligence Direct, our specialist medical negligence claims solicitors help victims of hospital negligence secure compensation they need and deserve. Our medical negligence solicitors handle the claims process on your behalf, in order to make it as hassle-free and straightforward as possible so you can get your life back on track.

AM I ENTITLED TO A HOSPITAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIM?

There are many reasons why people decide to pursue medical negligence claims against a hospital. These include:·

• Inadequate or unsafe surgical procedure
• Administering the wrong medicine or prescribing an incorrect dosage
• Delayed or missed diagnosis
• Misdiagnosis Claims
• Birth injuries
• Retained foreign objects after surgery
• Failing to sanitize medical instruments/equipment
• Wrongful death of a loved one

The medical negligence claims process is often very complex and suing a hospital for negligent treatment may feel daunting. You need to prove that the injury or illness you suffered was as a direct result of the negligent treatment you received. As a result, it is important that you keep records of your medical appointments as well as other documents relevant to your care. There is a general three-year time limit for medical negligence claims in the UK; this time limit begins from the date of the hospital negligence or the date you became aware your injury was a result of negligent treatment.

HOW DO I SUE A HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE?

If you believe you have been a victim of hospital negligence and are considering suing a hospital, you should gather as much supporting evidence as possible. This may include notes, telephone records, and your detailed account of circumstances surrounding the care you received.

When you get in touch with us, our medical negligence solicitors will discuss details of your case and let you know whether you have valid grounds for a claim. We do not charge you for the legal representation we provide as your claim will likely be funded via a No Win No Fee agreement. Under this arrangement, you will be able to pursue a hospital negligence claim at no financial risk to you. We will only deduct 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful.