What is medical negligence?

Medical negligence is where medical and healthcare professionals fail to meet their duty of care to a patient, and this failure has resulted in injury or harm.

How much can I claim for medical negligence?

The exact amount you receive for your claim varies from case to case. It’s common for people to think certain injuries automatically attract a specific amount, but when you make a claim your personal suffering, pain, recovery time, and any financial impact are all taken into account. You can expect to be compensated for your injuries and to recoup your financial losses. Our compensation calculator will give you an indication of the likely amount you could be awarded.

What does a successful medical negligence claim show?

A successful medical negligence claim has to prove two things: firstly, proving fault requires evidence that the medical professional or institution failed in their duty of care; and secondly, that this failure in their duty of care caused your current situation and would have been avoidable. Proving avoidable harm can sometimes be difficult, particularly if you have an ongoing medical condition. Consulting independent medical experts means someone can provide an independent, unbiased analysis of your situation to help determine whether the harm could have been avoided had a duty of care been upheld.

How long do I have to make a claim?

In most cases, you’ll have three years from the date of injury, or the date when the injury became known. Sometimes, these are the same date, but in others, the extent of an injury or impact of an incorrect diagnosis or treatment may not be apparent for months or even years. We’ll be able to determine whether you’re still able to make a claim.

Is there any evidence I should keep hold of?

We recommend you keep all records of your injury or condition, including doctors’ letters, official documentation, and record of any related expenses. We also urge you to keep your own records, detailing any medical treatment you undergo, any care hours you require, and the effect your injuries have on your everyday life.

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Medical negligence solicitors London

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Medical negligence or clinical negligence is where a patient receives substandard care. It can happen several ways from the misdiagnosis of an illness or condition, to being given incorrect treatment or mistakes that occur during surgical procedures.

If you’ve been injured by the treatment you’ve received from a medical professional, you may be able to claim compensation.

Our medical negligence solicitors are here to secure you the compensation you deserve. Medical negligence cases can be complex, particularly if your injuries are severe or if extensive evidence is needed to prove your claim. Here for you every step of the way, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

"very compassionate" and also note her “clear-headed attitude to cases."

Further information

Local expertise >

Our experts >

Steps to your compensation >

FAQs >

Local expertise

Located in the very heart of the country, Wright Hassall’s offices are easily accessible from London. Our location and expertise make us primed and ready to offer London residents the very best medical negligence advice and support.

We’ve got a proven track record of securing compensation for individuals and families in London, taking on private healthcare providers, GPs and dentists. We’ve dealt with cases against NHS hospitals in the capital, including the Royal Free Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, King George Hospital, Queen's Hospital, Royal London Hospital, King's College Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Princess Royal University Hospital and Royal Marsden Hospital.

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Our experts

Our team are specialists in medical negligence claims. They have an unrivalled track record in securing the compensation our clients deserve, and frequently represent clients in high-profile medical negligence cases.

Our Head of Medical Negligence, Jeanette Whyman has over 27 years’ experience in medical negligence claims. She has worked both for and against hospital trusts. This gives her a unique insight into hospital practices and procedures. She uses this insight to represent patients who are victims of medical negligence.

Jeanette is an accredited member of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel. She has also been recommended for her medical negligence expertise in both Chambers UK and Legal 500, which both offer potential clients an insight into the legal profession.

"Jeanette Whyman is a well-established figure in the clinical negligence field"

Chambers UK

The steps to your compensation:

Find out if you have a case

It costs nothing to contact us to see if you have a case. A call to our specialist team will guarantee you speak directly to a legal professional for a free, no-obligation assessment.

No win, no fee

We work the majority of our cases on a no-win, no fee basis. This means there is no financial risk to you – if you lose, you won’t be responsible for our fees. We’ll discuss the full range of funding options with you right at the beginning so that you won’t have any nasty surprises.

Case accepted

We’ll be able to tell whether we believe you are entitled to claim for compensation from our initial assessment. At this stage, if we think you have a claim, we’ll offer to take on the case on your behalf. Using experienced medical negligence specialists means you’re best placed to ensure the correct handling of your case, and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Medical records

To assess the merits of your claim in full detail, we will need to access your medical records. This also allows us to see what additional evidence we will need to gather to prove your case. Our team can request your medical records for you.

Expert witnesses and evidence

We’ll be able to tell from your medical evidence if an expert witness or independent evidence from other medical professionals to support and strengthen your case. They’ll be able to provide details of the impact of the injury on your life and how the actions of your medical practitioner affected you and your health.

Negotiation

Where appropriate, we strive for a satisfactory resolution through negotiation. We’ll follow the claims process and send a letter to the medical professional or organisation to negotiate the best outcome for your case. If a settlement cannot be reached, your claim may go to trial. If this is the case, a judge will hear all evidence from both parties and will give a verdict and, if your claim is upheld, a compensation award.

FAQs

What is medical negligence?

Medical negligence is where medical and healthcare professionals fail to meet their duty of care to a patient, and this failure has resulted in injury or harm.
How much can I claim for medical negligence?

The exact amount you receive for your claim varies from case to case. It’s common for people to think certain injuries automatically attract a specific amount, but when you make a claim your personal suffering, pain, recovery time, and any financial impact are all taken into account. You can expect to be compensated for your injuries and to recoup your financial losses. Our compensation calculator will give you an indication of the likely amount you could be awarded.
What does a successful medical negligence claim show?

A successful medical negligence claim has to prove two things: firstly, proving fault requires evidence that the medical professional or institution failed in their duty of care; and secondly, that this failure in their duty of care caused your current situation and would have been avoidable.

Proving avoidable harm can sometimes be difficult, particularly if you have an ongoing medical condition. Consulting independent medical experts means someone can provide an independent, unbiased analysis of your situation to help determine whether the harm could have been avoided had a duty of care been upheld.
How long do I have to make a claim?

In most cases, you’ll have three years from the date of injury, or the date when the injury became known. Sometimes, these are the same date, but in others, the extent of an injury or impact of an incorrect diagnosis or treatment may not be apparent for months or even years. We’ll be able to determine whether you’re still able to make a claim.
Is there any evidence I should keep hold of?

We recommend you keep all records of your injury or condition, including doctors’ letters, official documentation, and record of any related expenses. We also urge you to keep your own records, detailing any medical treatment you undergo, any care hours you require, and the effect your injuries have on your everyday life.

"She is very compassionate and very easy to talk to." She boasts a broad practice, recently advising on group actions involving cancer treatment and obstetric claims."

Chambers UK

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