Life-Changing ‘Never Event’ and How to Claim Compensation
‘Never events’ occasionally occur in the course of healthcare. Talk to a specialist solicitor if you think you might be in a position to make a claim.
The impact of a ‘never event’
If an unacceptable ‘never event’ occurs during the course of NHS medical care, it is not just the immediate shock and impact which is the problem for the patient.
The consequences of the particular failing in medical care may be long-lasting and wide-ranging.
Take a ‘retained object’ as an example. It is possible that a small item of equipment which has been left inside a patient causes some discomfort but no significant or long-lasting disability.
However, in other cases, a significant surgical object left inside the patient’s abdomen, for example, may cause extreme pain and damage to local parts of the anatomy. The patient’s ordinary functioning may be compromised, they may require further surgery and they may have long-term consequences which reduce their ability to work or even to care for themselves.
The right to compensation
If a patient suffers long-term symptoms and difficulties due to negligent medical care, they are legally entitled to claim compensation for the impact of that negligence.
For example, if the patient is no longer able to work or can only manage reduced working hours due to the impact of their negligent care, they are entitled to compensation for their loss of earnings.
If they require specialist equipment or treatment or care, the associated costs would be included in a claim insofar as they have been caused by the negligence.
‘Never event’ negligence
‘Never events’ are occurrences which should not happen in the course of healthcare. Occasionally, however, in the midst of the thousands of successful and competent medical actions, a ‘never event’ occurs. This can include a ‘retained object’, a ‘wrong site’ or ‘wrong patient’ procedure and use of an incorrect implant.
How to claim compensation
Medical negligence compensation claims require the input of a specialist solicitor. They will have the expertise and contacts with both medical experts and barristers to be able to investigate a claim, assess the value where appropriate and negotiate the best and fairest settlement.
They will be conversant with the many and strict legal deadlines and procedures which are all a part of making a claim.
Speak to a specialist
Glynns Solicitors is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of highly-experienced lawyers.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
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 complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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