Medical Negligence Solicitors
If you have been injured or suffered a long-lasting medical condition due to medical negligence or malpractice on the part of medical staff, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation.
We handle medical negligence claims on a no win, no fee basis, and we understand the physical and emotional effects that negligence can have on the individuals affected. We are a Law Society-accredited solicitor, ranked in The Legal 500 in nine practice areas, meaning we are well-placed to help you throughout the claims process.
Contact our specialist solicitors - based in offices across Yorkshire - today by calling 01484 821 500, or complete our online enquiry form, and we will be in touch at a time that is suitable for you. Read how our team have helped our clients following successful clinical negligence claims here.
WHAT IS MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE?
When you are treated or operated on by a medical professional, they are legally bound by a duty of care owed to you, stating that they must act in line with proper medical standards and not cause any further damage to you. If they fail to uphold these standards, which results in injury whilst under their responsibility, you will have suffered from medical negligence, and you may be able to bring a medical negligence claim against them. This can happen at any time during your visit to a clinic, or even during aftercare.
Medical negligence claims are successful when significant evidence is presented in favour of the claimant. Evidence must be gathered to show that the professional acted negligently and that you suffered harm as a direct result of this negligence. Damage to both physical and mental health can be sufficient evidence of medical negligence, and can be proven by seeking diagnosis from other medical professionals, and from records that show a change in your health condition.
Compared to other injury claims, medical negligence claims are some of the most complicated to prove due to the necessity for indisputable evidence and knowledge of correct procedures. The goal is to show that your current situation and condition were caused by negligence, and you will be able to do so with the help of medical and legal experts.
HOW OUR MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE SOLICITORS CAN HELP YOU
Our specialist team of clinical negligence solicitors understand that claiming compensation is a vital lifeline for many people who have suffered due to errors made by GPs, surgeons, nurses and other medical staff. We will follow a holistic approach to help you make the best recovery possible, both during and after the claims process.
You can read how our team have helped our clients to achieve successful clinical negligence claims here.
Medical negligence is a complex and personal area of the law, which is why we work tirelessly to understand the details of your case before fighting your corner with the utmost care and sensitivity. We will always assign solicitors with specific experience of dealing with similar cases.
Our medical negligence solicitors’ experience covers, but is not limited to, the following types of negligence:
HOW TO MAKE A MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIM
After you contact us, we will have a no-obligation chat about your medical negligence situation and outline a basic plan and whether we think you are likely to be successful. If you decide to go ahead with your claim, we will begin by outlining the recommended evidence that should be collected to support your argument and we will help to facilitate communications between any parties involved on behalf of you.
Once we have compiled the necessary evidence, we will present your medical negligence claim to the responsible party. They will either settle and you will be able to secure a negotiated amount of compensation, or they will fight your claim. If they do, court proceedings may be necessary and our team will represent you.
The amount of compensation you receive for medical negligence will depend on what support you were required to seek and the pain and suffering experienced as a result of the negligence. Your compensation will also cover treatment expenses and financial losses incurred as a direct result of the negligence. In addition, the responsible party will cover your legal fees.
WHY CHOOSE US?
At Ramsdens Solicitors, our experienced legal team follows the 2015 Rehabilitation Code, which aims to ensure victims of medical negligence are able to make the best and quickest possible recovery through access to rehabilitation services.
Our solicitors are assisted by health and social care professionals, as well as financial and other legal departments within our firm, who are on hand to support all of our clients.
We provide:
- A free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case
- No win, no fee representation
- Early home visits
- A friendly, confidential service
- Rehabilitation assistance
- Quick response to all communication
- A specialist team of solicitors to handle your claim
Ramsdens Solicitors are members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, the Law Society Personal Injury Panel and Clinical Negligence Panel, and the charity Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) Lawyers Service which provides specialist services, information and training to lawyers serving clinical negligence clients.
Find out more about our awards and accreditations here.
Frequently asked questions
WHAT ARE THE TIME LIMITS FOR A MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIM?
In most cases, a claim has to be lodged in court within three years of the patient becoming aware of the illness or injury. However, there are certain times when claiming medical negligence comes with some exceptions, including:
- If the patient is under the age of 18 at the time of the incident
- If the patient lacks the mental capacity to claim compensation
In these cases, the time limit for the medical negligence claim may be extended, or removed completely. Speak to one of our solicitors today for an assessment of your circumstances.
CAN I SUE PRIVATE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS FOR MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE?
While many people believe that medical negligence cases only involve suing the NHS, this is not the case. All health practitioners can be held accountable if you are able to prove that they are responsible for acting with medical negligence. This includes cosmetic surgeons, dentists, private clinics and eye clinics.
Any medical professional or practitioner is subject to having someone claim for medical negligence against them if there has been a recognisable act of negligence.
HOW WILL MY MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIM BE FUNDED?
Legal Aid was formerly available to fund medical negligence claims; however, this is now only available in very limited circumstances. Now, the most common option that claimants use to fund their case is a Conditional Fee Agreement, which is also known as a no win, no fee arrangement.
At Ramsdens, we provide no win, no fee representation to all clients who have suffered from medical negligence. We will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve if malpractice has resulted in needless suffering.
If your compensation claim is successful, the funds that you secure will be used as a contribution towards your legal costs, as well as any further support costs you have incurred or loss of earnings due to the negligence rendering you unable to work.
HOW DO I PROVE I HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE?
It is vital that you are able to prove that you have been the victim of medical negligence to ensure that your case is successful. If there is not enough physical evidence, then it is unlikely that your case will be able to proceed.
If you have suffered negligence at the hands of a medical professional, it is vital that you keep records of everything to do with your case, no matter how minor they may seem. This includes records, medical notes, correspondence with healthcare staff and expert medical opinions.
When working with Ramsdens Solicitors, we will contact the medical practitioner to request any medical records or notes that are relevant to your claim.
DO ALL CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE CASES RESULT IN A TRIAL?
The vast majority of medical negligence cases are settled before they reach a full trial. The defence will usually come forward with an offer of financial settlement. However, it is possible that your claim will proceed to court, and this is dependent on the circumstances of your case.
We understand that the prospect of appearing in court is incredibly daunting to many people, which is why our friendly and compassionate solicitors will do their utmost to ensure you are well looked-after throughout the legal proceedings.
SHOULD I MAKE A MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIM?
Making a medical negligence claim can often be the only way of rectifying the damage that has been caused by negligence on the part of a medical professional. The money received by the victim allows them to better cope with the resulting changes to their life, as well as covering any other financial losses they may have suffered as a result of the incident.
The losses covered are varied, but will likely include any earnings that have been lost due to being unable to work for a prolonged period. Compensation can also be used to pay for specialist equipment, rehabilitation and any adaptations to your home that may be required since the incident.
Making a compensation claim can also have a bigger impact than simply recovering money. It can:
- Ensure those responsible are held accountable
- Raise awareness of the dangers of certain procedures
- Protect others from suffering the same injuries
- Ensure lessons are learned and mistakes are not repeated
HOW LONG WILL MY MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE CLAIM TAKE?
Although it is difficult to predict a timescale for each case due to the unique nature of each person’s circumstances, the proceedings leading up to a trial can take between 18 months and three years. The duration of the claim is dependent on the defendant’s attitude to liability and causation, as well as the severity of the injuries sustained and the complexity of your case.
HOW MUCH COMPENSATION WILL I RECEIVE?
The amount of compensation you receive from a successful claim will depend on a number of factors:
- How much both parties negotiated if negotiations took place
- The financial costs of your support following the negligence
- Your legal fees
Each case is different and will incur different costs and rewards. We will be able to assess your circumstances and advice on how much you may be entitled to.
CONTACT US
From our offices across Yorkshire, our specialist medical negligence solicitors have helped thousands of people claim compensation. Contact us today by calling 01484 821 500, email us at PICN@ramsdens.co.uk
or fill out our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch at a convenient time for you.
This team works at the heart of every matter and keeps the client central to all issues at all times with exceptional communication skills and knowledge in their field that is second to none.
The Legal 500, 2023
Ramsdens are innovative and forward thinking.
The Legal 500, 2023
Ramsdens has a growing team comprised of exceptional fee earners. They handle a range of cases with an acute awareness of the impact that clinical negligence claims have upon those who suffer damage as a result of it.
The Legal 500, 2023
A really approachable and friendly team who are down to earth and are easy to communicate with."
The Legal 500, 2021
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