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 21st 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
- Reporting a Work Injury: What Deadlines You Need to KnowAfter a workplace injury, time isn’t always on your side. Many employees aren’t aware that there are strict deadlines for reporting a work-related injury, and missing that window can put your entire claim at risk. Whether your injury was sudden or developed gradually over time, it’s essential to act quickly and follow the proper steps.… Read more: Reporting a Work Injury: What Deadlines You Need to Know
- How All-on-4 Can Transform Your Smile (and Confidence)If you’ve been living with missing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, or declining oral health, you know how much it can affect your self-esteem. All-on-4 dental implants offer more than just a full set of teeth — they offer a renewed sense of confidence and quality of life. With a streamlined treatment process and reliable, long-term results,… Read more: How All-on-4 Can Transform Your Smile (and Confidence)
- How Medical Debt Consolidation Can Help Patients—and Practices—Achieve Financial ReliefMedical debt is a heavy financial burden that affects millions of Americans, but it hits underserved communities, like the Hispanic population, especially hard. For many Latino families, this debt creates overwhelming financial stress, making it difficult to access the medical care they need. Its impact goes beyond finances, often affecting credit scores and mental health.… Read more: How Medical Debt Consolidation Can Help Patients—and Practices—Achieve Financial Relief
- What ART Therapy Is Doing for Chronic Pain Sufferers in ArizonaChronic pain sufferers in Arizona are exploring new treatment paths as concerns about opioid dependency grow. Traditional medications often fall short, leading many to seek therapies that address not just the physical discomfort but also the emotional toll that comes with it. One approach capturing attention is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a method designed to… Read more: What ART Therapy Is Doing for Chronic Pain Sufferers in Arizona
- Everything to Know About Alcohol Addiction Treatment in ChatsworthAt least 78% of people in the US aged 12 or older report having consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime. Additionally, 84% of US adults aged 18 or older drink alcohol. (Source: niaaa.nih.gov) Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in the country. Yet, the fact that it is legal to drink can… Read more: Everything to Know About Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Chatsworth
- Coastal In-Home Care: Enhancing Daily Life with Beachside SupportA soft sea breeze, sunlight shimmering on the water, and the soothing sound of waves set a peaceful scene for daily life. Many people want to remain in their seaside homes as they age or recover from illness, yet still want support that respects their routines and independence. As more families search for flexible help… Read more: Coastal In-Home Care: Enhancing Daily Life with Beachside Support