If you have decided to proceed with a claim for medical negligence, there are a few things you will need to provide to your claim solicitor to help things go smoothly. The very first thing your solicitor will ask you to do is to write to your doctor and ask them to explain why things went wrong, and why you are unhappy about the outcome. You solicitor will help you do this.
What if I am still unhappy?
If you are not happy with the answer you receive, and wish to proceed with a claim for medical negligence, our solicitors are here to help you. Call our 24/7 Helpline on 0800 689 0500 or from your mobile on 0333 500 0993 and they will go through the next steps with you.
What information will my solicitor need?
The information contained in your medical notes is what we use as evidence when assessing your case of medical negligence. GP’s notes, referral letters, scan results, x-rays, hospital notes and follow up letters from a consultant are typical of the type of paperwork we will need to see in order to proceed with your claim. These notes are confidential, of course, but with your authority, we can request that they are released for examination.
What happens next?
A trained professional, who specialises in cases of medical negligence, will assess your case notes. They will look at all the evidence and decide if you have a case. If you do, they will write to your local health authority and inform them. The local health authority will have their own lawyers who will consider the case. A decision will be arrived at about the type and level of compensation you may be entitled to. These could be general damages, for your pain and suffering. You may be entitled to compensation for problems that are on-going, such as the pain you will suffer in the future as a result of medical negligence, or a loss of mobility. You may be awarded money to compensate you for future lost income. You may be awarded compensation to cover your medical treatment and associated costs in the future.
How much could I get?
The figure you receive for medical negligence is dependent on many factors, and each claim is different. But, awards have been made of up to 200,000 plus for severe life-changing brain injuries, down to a few thousand for minor injuries. Your medical negligence solicitor will talk you criteria for deciding how much you can claim. These can include whether your medical negligence injury is permanent, or whether you will need any equipment to help you to cope with life after your injury.
Why do I need a specialist?
You will need a specialist in medical negligence claims, because of the complexity of medical cases, and the law surrounding compensation claims. Don’t leave your claim to chance – always go to a trained professional in medical negligence law, to get the maximum pay out you are entitled to.