Medical negligence solicitors

Every claim is different, but the amount of compensation you could get will take two things into account: the seriousness of your illness or injuries and to what extent they impact your day-to-day life and future prospects.

Here are just a few examples of the compensation we have successfully recovered for our clients:

• Over £8.6 million for a child with cerebral palsy.
• £1.5 million for a man who suffered a stroke due to negligence following a heart bypass procedure.
• £500,000 for a child who suffered brain damage after a GP failed to refer her to hospital with symptoms of dehydration.
• £750,000 for a man who suffered a stroke following his GP failing to treat high blood pressure.
• £220,000 following a delay in diagnosing and treating malignant melanoma on the knee.
• £425,000 damages for the widow of a man whose GP failed to refer him to hospital with an abnormal ECG, which led to him suffering a heart attack and premature death.

The time it takes to settle your medical negligence claim will depend on many factors. Complex, high value claims can take a long time whereas simpler claims where the Defendant accepts liability can take around 12 months.

However, no matter how complex your claim, it’s vital that your settlement is carefully considered to ensure your lifelong needs will be fully provided for, regardless of how long this takes to determine.

Where appropriate, we will apply for interim payments so that you can fund the treatment and/or care you need while your claim is progressing.

It’s vital to seek legal advice as soon as possible after the medical treatment that resulted in you suffering an injury. All medical negligence claims must be brought within three years of the negligent treatment. This means that Court proceedings must be commenced by issuing a claim form at Court within three years.

If you weren’t aware that you suffered an injury as a result of the treatment until later, the three years will run from the date you became aware.

These time limits are set by statute and are rigidly applied. It is very rare for a Court to allow a claim to be brought after the three-year period.

If a claim is brought on behalf of a child, they will have three years from the age of 18 to start Court proceedings (i.e. until they are 21).

Pursuing a medical negligence claim can be expensive. Luckily, there are different funding options available to either limit or entirely remove the cost from you.

For example, you may have an existing insurance policy that will cover the cost, or we may be able to act for you under a no win, no fee agreement. If your claim is for a birth injury, you might be eligible for Legal Aid, provided you meet the qualifying criteria.

Your solicitor will talk you through the funding options available at the outset of your medical negligence claim, to make sure you find the best solution for your circumstances.

With Clarke Willmott, you can rest assured your medical negligence solicitor will be committed to achieving the best possible compensation for you, as well as all the support, rehabilitation and aftercare you need, for as long as you need it.

We’ll listen carefully to you, so we understand what you’ve been through and whether you have a valid claim. If you do, we’ll talk you through the claims process, how much compensation you may be entitled to and how long your claim may take.

Key to proving your claim will be finding the correct medical expert to investigate the evidence. Our extensive experience of complex medical negligence claims means our solicitors can call on some of the most respected, independent experts in their field, who have the specialist knowledge of your treatment and injury, and experience of the litigation process.