Medical or Clinical Negligence and accidents in hospitals can have serious and far-reaching consequences. At Watkins & Gunn, we believe that victims deserve an appropriate explanation, support and, if appropriate, compensation.
We are very fortunate in the high standard of care provided by consultants, doctors, nurses and other health professionals in the UK. However, on occasion, mistakes are made that result in medical accidents i.e. avoidable harm caused by treatment or a failure to treat appropriately.
Clinical negligence can arise from a variety of sources and treatments within a health trust, GP Surgery, private hospital or Dentist. Situations of negligence can range from a doctor prescribing the wrong prescription, to surgical errors during an operation or injuries as a result of negligence during childbirth – to a mother and / or baby.
If you have received medical treatment which has caused injury then you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Clinical negligence claims can cover negligent treatment in the following medical situations:
- Antenatal / pregnancy & birth (for example, Cerebral Palsy and child brain injury)
- Surgical claims, including general surgery, gynaecological, neuro and cardio thoracic
- Provision / monitoring of anaesthetics
- Cosmetic surgery, such as breast implants or tummy-tucks
- Ophthalmic and laser eye surgery
- GP care (eg a failure to diagnose or to refer for investigation and treatment)
- Dental surgery
- Nursing and care home care
- Orthopaedic injuries
- Cancer treatment and care
- Prescription care (including errors in administration and dispensing)
How long do I have to make a claim?
If you believe that you have suffered as a result of negligent medical treatment the claim must be brought within three years of that negligent treatment, or otherwise within three years of the date you had knowledge of the mistake.
When should you contact us?
Medical negligence cases can take a long time to investigate and therefore it is sensible to take initial legal advice as soon as possible. Contact us today by phone, email or visit us. Click here for our contact information and office locations.
Our team are recommended in the latest Legal 500 guide to the best lawyers in the UK, which evidences our ability to get the best possible outcome for our clients.
Why choose Watkins & Gunn?
We’re proud of our ability to attract and retain specialist lawyers who offer truly excellent legal advice and first class, down-to-earth support for our clients at a time when we know you might feel incredibly vulnerable, distrustful of professionals and may also be very unwell during a legal process.
Our lawyers are given the time to let them do their job – be a strong legal advisor and support for you, to communicate clearly and to ensure they find the best supporting experts to strengthen and fight your case in order to seek justice, redress and to help ensure a quality of life going forwards.
Our specialist and highly regarded lawyers are committed to:
- Creating the right legal solution for you
- Providing jargon-free legal advice to ensure you understand your position and your case
- Being compassionate, discrete, approachable and proactive
- To be consistent, clear and transparent on fees and to provide the best advice on all options available
What can you claim?
You can claim compensation for the actual injury (general damages) caused as a result of the accident or negligent medical treatment and can also claim any out of pocket expenses (special damages) as a result. These can include your loss of earnings, medical expenses and any care and wellbeing needs that you have received or will need in the future from a professional carer or family members.
How can you fund your claim?
We will assess your claim at an initial free interview at one of our offices or if you prefer at your home or at hospital. At that interview we will explain the options to fund your claim, which include the possibility of legal aid, legal expenses insurance via your home contents insurance policy, or a No win, No fee agreement.
Speak to our highly experienced lawyers today. We’ll present your legal position clearly and offer you jargon-free advice without any hidden costs – and we’re open on Saturday mornings!
