In the UK, the NHS still provides the majority of health care for British residents. For the most part, they do a fantastic job and things rarely go wrong.
However, occasionally, someone fails to do their job properly or things simply do not go as expected. When that happens, the consequences can be serious.Sometimes patients suffer from health problems for the rest of their life.
Understandably, these patients seek some compensation. If you think you have suffered from hospital negligence it is important, to get good quality legal advice and to do so as soon as possible. Here is an overview of the questions you need to ask yourself to help you to determine if you need to contact a lawyer.
Misdiagnosis
If you have been misdiagnosed and this has this affected your health and recovery you may have a claim. Even if you are on the road to recovery, you may still have a case if you have lost income due to being unable to work for longer.
Delays in treatment
If your treatment has been delayed and that has resulted in your health suffering you may have a valid claim. The same is true if you have lost earnings as the result of delays in treatment.
Infections
Hospitals have a duty of care and have to keep you safe during your hospital stay and outpatient care. Sometimes infections are caused by the hospital failing to follow proper hygiene routines. If you believe you have contracted an infection as a result of hygiene and other procedures not being followed you may have grounds to make a negligence claim.
Wrong treatment
Occasionally, hospitals administer the wrong treatment. If your being given the wrong treatment has lead to you being ill for longer or resulted in permanent health issues you may need to speak to a medical negligence lawyer.
Other situations
These are the main situations that lead to valid negligence claims, but there are others. For example, instruments being left inside people during operations and accidents that occur in the hospital.
If you want advice about hospital negligence contact the Bolt Burton Kemp team. We have the experience to assess your claim and make sure that good relationships are maintained with the doctors that are treating you.