Clinical Negligence: Your Questions Answered

Hundreds of millions of people place their trust in the hands of doctors every year when receiving medical treatment. Unfortunately, clinical negligence occurs on a daily basis in both NHS and privately managed organisations and can happen and due to a lack of knowledge, expertise or faulty equipment.

Luckily, the majority of visits occur without such an incident, but here at Jefferies Solicitors, we have noticed a significant rise in cases over the last ten years.

Here, our managing director, Michael Jefferies, explains what clinical negligence is and how and when you can claim compensation for it.

What is clinical negligence?

Clinical negligence, also known as medical negligence, refers to cases where a person is injured or falls ill due to the improper care of a doctor, nurse, cosmetic surgeon, dentist or another medical practitioner, either private or NHS. Most cases will fall under the categories of poor or incorrect surgical procedures, incorrect or non-existent diagnosis of a condition, or administering the wrong type of dosage medication.

What can I claim for?

You can claim for any additional injury or illness that has been caused as a consequence of negligent treatment as well as any extra care you have needed and for any financial losses occurring as a result of this.

What does clinical negligence compensation cover?

Your settlement amount will take a range of different factors into account. This is extremely important, especially in the context of somebody who for example has suffered an irreversible brain injury and will never be able to work again.

In this sort of scenario, compensation should cover everything from home adaptations or in some cases, new single storey accommodation but also all future care and medical needs, aids and equipment, as well as the more obvious things like loss of earnings.

Are there any time limits for making a clinical negligence claim?

In clinical negligence cases, you must make a claim within three years after you first become aware that your injury was caused due to the negligence of a medical professional.

How do I make a clinical negligence claim?

The best way to check if you are entitled to compensation is to contact a specialist clinical negligence lawyer.

At Jefferies, our expert solicitors have extensive experience in clinical negligence claims and can advise on whether or not you are entitled to compensation. 

Call our friendly team today on 0800 342 3206. Alternatively, find out more about the different kinds of clinical negligence claims here.