Can I Make a Claim For Medical Negligence?

When we visit a hospital, we expect to be looked after, yet sadly, sometimes medical experts can let us down with a poor standard of care.

NHS Resolution, the NHS dispute-handling body, settled some 16,484 cases in 2021/2022, paying out £2.5 billion.

Yet, with the NHS under considerable stress due to a range of factors including chronic underfunding, understaffing, and winter pressures, it’s likely that incidences of poor care – also known as medical negligence – may become even more common.

In this article we look at whether you can sue a hospital for medical negligence, including the information you need to be able to sue, other factors that can benefit your chances of success, and how long you have to make a claim.

Can I sue for medical negligence?

The short answer is yes, you can sue a healthcare provider for medical negligence. If you received care from a healthcare provider that was substandard and resulted in you being injured, then you may be able to make a claim.

What factors influence the success of a medical negligence claim?

If you make a medical negligence claim against a healthcare provider, you will be asked by your solicitors to provide evidence to support your claim. There are several different types that can be used:

• Photographs – Of your injury when it occurred, or shortly after.
• Medical records – Your medical records should have logged the injury and include things like x-rays, MRI scans and so forth. Medical records are important, so be sure to visit your GP and get the injuries logged in the unlikely event the hospital you received poor care at fails to log your claim.
• Statement – You will be asked to provide a personal statement about what happened. This statement must be as detailed as possible. Your solicitor may ask family and friends to provide evidence too.

Your lawyer will then enlist the help of medical experts who will report on how you were treated and the effects on you, and whether the healthcare provider was to blame.

How long do I have to claim against the hospital?

You will typically have three years from the date that the medical negligence occurred to make a claim.

If you were under 18 when the malpractice occurred, you will have three years after you turn 18, up until your 21^st birthday.

If you have been affected by medical negligence, it can be a good idea to enlist the help of a solicitor to help you get the compensation and justice you deserve. Do you know anyone who has been affected by medical negligence? What was their experience? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Read Also

• 
  How to Find a 5-Star Dentist Near You
  Choosing a dentist is more than just finding someone who can clean your teeth. It’s about selecting a trusted partner in your long-term oral health. A 5-star dentist not only provides excellent clinical care but also delivers a positive patient experience, from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave. Whether you’re new… Read more: How to Find a 5-Star Dentist Near You
• 
  Your Easy-Peasy Guide to Brewing Amazing Matcha
  Hey there! So, you’ve heard all the buzz about matcha – that vibrant green powder that’s not just pretty but packed with good stuff? It can seem a little fancy and intimidating at first, but trust me, making a delicious cup at home is simpler than you think. Forget complicated ceremonies for now; let’s just… Read more: Your Easy-Peasy Guide to Brewing Amazing Matcha
• 
  Embracing Holistic Wellness: Insights from a Lansing, MI Health Center
  Reframing Health: Moving Beyond Symptom Management Treating only symptoms often offers quick relief, yet long-term results stay out of reach. When care zeroes in on isolated complaints, the bigger picture, such as stress, behavior, or lifestyle, often gets missed. Research shows that whole-person care, which looks at physical, emotional, and environmental factors, yields better outcomes… Read more: Embracing Holistic Wellness: Insights from a Lansing, MI Health Center
• 
  VO₂ Max Testing Explained: What It Is & Why It Matters for Your Health
  VO₂ max sounds like a term reserved for elite athletes, but it’s among the most accurate measures of your lifetime and general condition. Moreover, it goes beyond performance. Monitoring your VO₂ max will help you to ascertain your body’s capacity to control stress, its oxygen consumption efficiency, and your internal ageing process. If you have… Read more: VO₂ Max Testing Explained: What It Is & Why It Matters for Your Health
• 
  So, what exactly is matcha?
  Think of matcha as green tea turned up to eleven! Instead of steeping leaves and tossing them out, matcha is made by grinding whole green tea leaves into this super-fine, vibrant green powder. You whisk it right into hot water (or milk!), meaning you’re drinking the entire leaf. That’s why folks say you get way… Read more: So, what exactly is matcha?
• 
  How to Tell When It’s Time for Professional Senior Care Support
  Caring for an aging loved one is a journey filled with love, patience, and difficult decisions. One of the toughest choices families face is knowing when it’s time to seek extra help. In this article, trusted Los Angeles caregivers for seniors explore the signs that it might be time to bring in professional support,  not… Read more: How to Tell When It’s Time for Professional Senior Care Support