Medical negligence compensation claims
If you’ve been let down by a medical professional we’ll fight your corner and seek compensation on your behalf.
Overview
Specialist medical negligence solicitors in Scotland
Mistakes happen in the medical profession with serious consequences. Medical negligence claims can arise following errors by all types of medical professionals, including GP’s, surgeons, hospital staff, paramedics, consultants, and other health professionals. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury, illness or delayed diagnosis as a result of medical negligence you may be entitled to recover financial compensation.
We are here to help
We aim to always put your mind at rest and fight on your behalf to maximise the compensation recovered. If you believe you have been the victim of medical negligence contact our team to discuss whether we can assist you.
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FAQS
Common questions about medical negligence
What is medical negligence?
When can I make a medical negligence claim?
What are the steps involved in the claim process for medical negligence cases?
What types of injuries or errors are commonly seen in medical negligence claims?
How do I make a complaint to the NHS?
Can I make a medical negligence claim if I was treated by a private healthcare provider?
How to know if you have a valid medical negligence claim?
What is medical negligence?
Answer
Medical negligence refers to a failure by healthcare professionals to provide the expected standard of care, leading to negligent treatment. This can include errors in medical procedures, misuse of medical records, or incorrect treatment. In these instances, the care provided falls short of what is reasonably expected from a medical professional, potentially resulting in a medical negligence claim.
When can I make a medical negligence claim?
Answer
Seek legal advice as soon as you realise something has gone wrong or suspect substandard medical treatment. The sooner the better as investigations will be required. A medical negligence claim normally must be brought within 3 years of the negligent act or advice although a claim can still be considered if you only became aware of the problem at a later date.
What are the steps involved in the claim process for medical negligence cases?
Answer
Our medical negligence lawyers will investigate the claim using independent experts who will offer unbiased opinions about the treatment provided. After the claim is intimated to the medical practitioner it will become clear whether negligence is admitted. If it is a good claim it must then be valued by assessing the loss suffered as a result of the negligent treatment.
What types of injuries or errors are commonly seen in medical negligence claims?
Answer
Here are a few examples of situations where healthcare professionals may fail to uphold the standard of care, potentially resulting in harm to the patient and forming the basis for medical negligence claims.
- Birth injuries and birth-related negligence
- Surgical errors
- Medical accidents
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Dental negligence
- Cosmetic surgery claims
- Medication errors
- Incorrect treatment or failure to properly investigate
- Orthopaedic injuries
- Physical injury
- Equipment failures
- Care home injuries and neglect
How do I make a complaint to the NHS?
Answer
If you have not done so already, you can by visiting the NHS Inform website where you will find details on how to raise a complaint in your area. Once you have filed your complaint to the NHS please save an electronic version of your complaint and upload it to us using the form below which will help us to speed up the claim process.
Can I make a medical negligence claim if I was treated by a private healthcare provider?
Answer
Absolutely. Regardless of whether your care was from the NHS or a private facility, you’re entitled to pursue a medical or clinical negligence claim against those responsible.
How to know if you have a valid medical negligence claim?
Answer
To assess if you have a valid medical negligence claim in Scotland, the primary criterion is proving that a healthcare professional or facility failed to provide the expected standard of care, resulting in negligent treatment. This could range from incorrect treatment to worsening an existing condition. The link between the negligence and the harm suffered must be clearly established, often with the aid of medical records.
Seeking guidance from specialist medical negligence solicitors is crucial. They are adept in handling clinical negligence claims and typically work on a ‘no win no fee’ basis, reducing financial risk. In Scotland, the typical timeframe for filing a claim is three years from the date of negligence or from when the harm was first acknowledged, with certain exceptions applicable.
Compensation in medical negligence cases isn’t limited to physical injuries but may also include psychological trauma, lost earnings, and future care costs. The compensation amount varies based on the specifics of the case.
“Suzanne McGarrigle is an established, confident practitioner. Without doubt a a subject matter expert on lung diseases.”
“Experienced litigators handling significant value claims. The team bring a wealth of experience to their litigations. A personable team and a pleasure to work with.”
“The team is well-organised and highly knowledgeable about relevant law, practice and procedure. Counsel’s papers are comprehensive and instructions are detailed and helpful.”
“The team is headed up by the extremely able and experienced Heather Calderwood. The team strength’s is its unwavering diligence and determination to investigate every avenue and prepare the case to the highest standard whilst also managing client’s expectations in this very difficult area.”
“I personally want to say thank you for all your work and for your sensitivity, empathy and understanding of our situation… you have made an extremely difficult journey more bearable for both of us.”
“Strong work ethic, very focused on the client, well organised.”
“Experienced and knowledgeable partners in this field. They also have several excellent associates, who are able to run their own complex cases. The more junior solicitors are well supported, including the trainees. A class act.”
“Amy Dickson is hard working, intelligent, and has common sense approach to cases and always goes the extra mile.” “Amy Dickson is an efficient and effective litigator – with a ready grasp of complex factual matrices. Proactive and sound in her judgement.
“Heather Calderwood has to be one of the hardest working agents I have come across. She has excellent judgement and a strong ethical sense, which works to her client’s advantage.” “Heather Calderwood goes above and beyond in terms of client care and her extensive knowledge and experience means she is someone who you want to have in your corner!” “Heather Calderwood is committed and determined to get the best result possible. Great to work with – equally at ease with clients, experts and opponents.”
The team “Deals primarily with actions arising from wrongful life and stillborn births, foetal abnormalities, catastrophic injuries to children, A&E failures, misdiagnoses and failure to diagnose, as well as general surgery claims.”
Get in touch
Contact our team of expert medical negligence solicitors for specialised guidance and support in pursuing your medical negligence compensation claim. Our experienced team has a proven track record and we are here to help every step of the way.
CONTACT US
If you or a family member have suffered due to a mistake by a medical professional call our team on 0800 904 7777 or simply complete our online form.