At Thompsons Scotland, we are dedicated to providing expert legal support for individuals affected by medical malpractice. Our team of clinical negligence solicitors specialises in handling NHS negligence claims and offers comprehensive guidance to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
In this guide, we will take you through the essentials of clinical negligence, the types of claims you can make, and how we can help you navigate the legal process.
What is Clinical Negligence?
Clinical negligence, also known as medical negligence, occurs when a healthcare professional provides substandard care that results in injury, harm, or death to a patient. This can happen in various medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and GP surgeries.
When healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standards of practice, they can be held accountable through negligence claims.
Services in Clinical Negligence
At Thompsons Scotland, our solicitors for medical negligence offer a range of services to support victims of clinical negligence, including:
- Free Initial Advice : We provide a free initial advice on whether we believe you have reasonable grounds for a claim.
- Expert Legal Advice: Our experienced clinical negligence solicitors offer expert legal advice tailored to your specific situation.
- Comprehensive Case Management: We handle every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers.
- No Win, No Fee Service: We offer a no win, no fee arrangement, ensuring you have access to justice without financial risk.
What Types of Clinical Negligence Can I Claim For?
There are various types of clinical negligence that can form the basis of a claim, including:
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Failure to correctly diagnose a condition or significant delays in diagnosis can lead to improper treatment and worsened health outcomes.
- Surgical Errors: Mistakes made during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving surgical instruments inside the body, can have severe consequences.
- Medication Errors: Prescribing the wrong medication or incorrect dosages can result in serious health complications.
- Birth Injuries: Negligence during childbirth can cause injuries to both the mother and the baby.
- Hospital Infections: Poor hygiene practices leading to hospital-acquired infections can be grounds for a claim.
- Negligent Medical Advice: Providing incorrect or harmful medical advice can cause significant harm to patients.
These are just a few examples. If you believe you have been a victim of medical negligence, it's essential to consult with a medical negligence solicitor to assess your case.
If you have suffered due to any of these forms of negligence, our clinical negligence solicitors are here to help you seek justice.
How Do I Make a Clinical Negligence Claim?
Making a clinical negligence claim involves several key steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being are the top priority. Ensure you receive the necessary medical care to address your injuries or complications.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant medical records, correspondence, and any other documentation related to your treatment.
- Contact a Solicitor: Reach out to specialised solicitors for medical negligence to discuss your case and receive expert advice.
- Initial Assessment: Your solicitor will conduct an initial assessment to determine the viability of your claim.
- Investigation: A thorough investigation will be conducted, including obtaining medical expert opinions to support your case.
- Filing the Claim: Your solicitor will file the claim on your behalf, ensuring all legal requirements are met.
- Negotiation and Settlement: The solicitor will negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If necessary, the case may proceed to court.
For more information, visit our Medical Claim page.
How Long Do Medical Negligence Claims Take?
The duration of NHS negligence claims can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parties to settle.
On average, claims can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve. Factors influencing the timeline include the severity of the injuries, the availability of evidence, and whether the case goes to court. Promptly initiating the claims process can help expedite resolution.
Can You Make a No Win No Fee Clinical Negligence Claim?
Yes, at Thompsons Scotland, we offer a no win, no fee arrangement for clinical negligence claims. This means you can pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal costs.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay any legal fees. This arrangement ensures that everyone has access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Why Choose Us for Your Clinical Negligence Claim?
Choosing the right legal team is crucial for the success of your claim. Here’s why you should choose Thompsons Scotland:
- Experienced Solicitors: Our team of clinical negligence solicitors has extensive experience handling complex medical negligence cases.
- Personalised Approach: We offer a tailored approach, ensuring your unique circumstances are considered and addressed.
- Proven Track Record: We have a strong track record of successfully securing compensation for our clients.
- Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional and physical toll of medical negligence and provide compassionate support throughout the process.
- Commitment to Justice: We are committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has suffered due to clinical negligence, do not hesitate to seek legal advice. At Thompsons Scotland, our clinical negligence solicitors are here to provide expert guidance and support. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the steps toward justice and personal recovery.