What Is Negligent Medical Care and When to Make a Claim
Negligent medical care can sometimes cause a devastating change in the patient's life. In such circumstances, it may be appropriate to claim compensation for the financial impact of the negligence.
The right to compensation
A patient has the legal right to claim compensation if medical professionals have provided substandard care which has caused the patient to suffer consequences which would not have been the case with an acceptable level of care.
In order to make a claim, it must be established that there was, in fact, a breach of duty in the course of the patient's care and that the negligence caused the patient to suffer difficulties or symptoms which would not have been the case but for the negligence.
But what is negligent medical care?
Negligent medical care is a failure by a medical professional to provide a level of care which would normally be expected. This can apply to a wide range of circumstances from the diagnosis of a condition, to the prescription of drugs, to the competent execution of a surgical procedure.
Examples of negligent medical care could include the following:
- A delay in diagnosis of a condition such as cancer, heart failure, cauda equina syndrome or necrotising fasciitis which can have a catastrophic outcome
- Accidental bowel perforation during a surgical procedure or due to a delay in diagnosing a bowel condition
- An inappropriate prescription of drugs such as Gentamicin, causing life-changing consequences
- A 'Never Event' such as carrying out a procedure to the wrong part of the body or to the wrong patient
- Negligent surgery leaving the patient with permanent nerve damage or organ damage
- A failure of examination, leading to a delay in the diagnosis of a severe birth injury, leaving a new mother with permanent incontinence
Making a claim
If you or a loved one suspect that you have been the victim of negligent medical care, contact Gynns Solicitors.
Glynns is a dedicated medical negligence legal practice with a team of experienced lawyers and a history of successful high-value compensation claims.
Contact us today to speak with a legal specialist, free of charge, who will be able to advise you as to whether or not you may be able to make a claim.
However, the best first step, if oyu think you may have a claim, is to speak to a medical negligence legal specialist.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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