Unfortunately for many of us, medical negligence is a common occurrence here in Britain, and can have hugely detrimental effect on the victim’s life and the lives of those around them.

However, if you have been injured, or your spouse or your child have died or been injured, or if you are the dependant of a patient who has been injured or suffered fatality at the hands of the medical profession, then there is recourse for action.

How do I go about making a claim for medical negligence?

General Medical Council regulations state that a treating doctor is required by law to inform a patient when a treatment or advice they have administered has is incorrect.

If you feel that you or a loved one is one of the unfortunate victims of an incorrect surgical procedure, treatment or advice from a medical professional, and that illness or injury is minor, you should first log your complaint with the GP surgery or hospital in which you received the treatment, keeping a copy of the letter you wrote.

However, if the injury or illness suffered is on the more severe end of the scale or you haven’t received a satisfactory response after contacting your GP surgery or hospital, you may instead seek help from the Patient Advisory Liaison Services (PALS).

How can medical negligence have an impact on someone’s life?

• Loss of income, both retrospective and future;
• Diminished employment prospects;
• Pain and suffering including psychological damage;
• Deterioration of quality of life;
• Cost of care, both retrospective and future;
• Medical expenses, including operations, treatments and prescriptions;
• Psychological damage;
• Legal expenses.

The aspects of impact above are all assessed and will be accounted for when your claim sum is being calculated. If you believe you have suffered at the hands of a medical professional or body, then get in touch with First4Lawyers now for a free, no-obligation consultation.