A&E Negligence Claims for Substandard Emergency Care
The pressures on medical professionals in Accident and Emergency are considerable. Nonetheless, every patient who enters is entitled to competent and appropriate care.
A failure to provide this may justify a claim for compensation.
Accident and Emergency responses
An appropriate response in Accident and Emergency may include the following:
- A timely triage of the patient’s needs
- A thorough assessment of the patient’s symptoms and condition
- A diagnosis where this is possible
- A referral for tests of a suitable nature
- A referral to another department
- Discharge and safety-netting where appropriate
- Appropriate treatment when suitable
If a patient is sent home from Accident and Emergency without having received the appropriate type and level of care, and it subsequently becomes apparent that the patient required a very different response, it may be possible to make a claim for compensation.
A successful claim would address the impact and financial consequences of the negligence as well as recognising the patient’s pain and suffering insofar as it has been caused by negligent care.
If a patient has been sent home from Accident and Emergency with reassurances about their condition, this very fact may delay them in seeking further medical help should their symptoms worsen.
The impact of negligence
The impact of negligence in Accident and Emergency will depend on the nature of the patient’s condition and the nature and severity of the negligence.
The patient may suffer a range of symptoms from loss of mobility, problems with bowel or bladder function, problems with vision or balance or cognitive difficulties, amongst many others.
Their ability to work may be compromised. Their ability to remain independent may be affected. They may struggle with carrying out tasks around their home or they may require some degree of help with self-care. Their home may require alterations to make it safe for them to inhabit or they may require specialist equipment or treatment.
Speak to a specialist solicitor
If you are considering making a claim for compensation following what you believe to be substandard care in the Accident and Emergency department, it is crucial that you talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
They will be able to investigate the quality of your care by obtaining copies of your medical records and engaging the services of a network of medical experts.
Their expertise in navigating a path through these complex claims is fundamental to the success of a claim.
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with many years’ experience of success in complex, high-value claims.
Contact us to talk to a solicitor, free of charge.
We can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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