If you or a loved one has suffered due to substandard medical care in Tewkesbury, seeking legal advice promptly is crucial. Marley Solicitors is here to guide you through the process of claiming for medical negligence, ensuring you understand your rights and the steps involved.
What constitutes medical negligence?
Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional provides care that falls below the accepted standard, leading to harm or injury. Examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Medication mistakes
- Failure to obtain informed consent
- Inadequate post-operative care
These instances can result in physical, emotional, or financial distress, entitling you to seek compensation.
Steps to take when claiming for medical negligence
1. Seek legal advice early
Contact a solicitor experienced in medical negligence claims as soon as possible. Early legal intervention can help preserve evidence and ensure compliance with time limits.
2. Obtain your medical records
Request your medical records from the healthcare provider involved. These documents are essential for assessing the care you received and identifying any potential breaches.
3. Consult an independent medical expert
An independent medical expert will review your case to determine if the standard of care provided was acceptable and if any negligence occurred.
4. File a formal complaint
Before pursuing legal action, consider filing a complaint with the healthcare provider or the NHS Trust. This can sometimes lead to an internal review and resolution.
5. Initiate legal proceedings
If the issue isn’t resolved through a complaint, your solicitor will assist in initiating legal proceedings, which may involve sending a letter of claim and, if necessary, proceeding to court.
Understanding time limits
In the UK, there is generally a three-year time limit to make a medical negligence claim. This period starts from the date of the incident or when you first became aware that the injury was caused by negligence. For children, the time limit starts when they turn 18, giving them until their 21st birthday to make a claim. If the individual lacks mental capacity, there is no time limit unless they regain capacity.
Potential outcomes and compensation
If your claim is successful, compensation can cover
General Damages: For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
Special Damages: For financial losses such as medical expenses, loss of earnings, and future care needs.
The amount varies depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life.
No Win, No Fee arrangements
Many medical negligence solicitors, including Marley Solicitors, offer “No Win, No Fee” arrangements. This means you won’t have to pay legal fees unless your case is successful, making it more accessible to pursue a claim.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
At Marley Solicitors, we specialize in medical negligence claims and are committed to providing compassionate and expert legal support. We understand the challenges you face and are here to help you navigate the legal process with confidence.
Contact Us
If you believe you’ve been affected by medical negligence in Tewkesbury, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team is ready to provide the guidance and support you need.
