Medical negligence solicitors

What's the difference between a medical negligence solicitor and other types of lawyer? 

Most lawyers have a specific field of expertise, with knowledge and experience of certain case types - for example, those involving family law, criminal or tax law. 

This is the same for medical negligence lawyers. Our expert panel of no win no fee solicitors is trained to specialise in all types of cases involving people who've suffered from negligence at the hands of medical professionals. They are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve as you make your recovery.

What type of claims do medical negligence lawyers handle? 

Medical negligence covers a wide range of experiences, from incorrect or lack of treatment to surgical errors to clinical misdiagnosis and dental care negligence. Medical claims solicitors and legal teams handle cases that involve a variety of negligence types and experiences, including the examples listed below:

• Hospital negligence, including claims against private and NHS hospitals for illness caused by incorrectly dressed or cleaned wounds or the development of pressure sores.
• Hospice negligence, including injuries and incorrect medication.
• Dental negligence causing damage to the teeth, gums and jaw.
• Injuries during or after general surgery.
• Infections acquired during a stay in hospital.
• Misdiagnosis of a medical condition that can lead to incorrect treatment.
• Medication errors where the wrong medication has been given or prescribed.
• Birth injuries, including injuries to both mother and infant, whether it is during pregnancy (for example, pre-eclampsia, maternal diabetes), during labour (e.g. brachial plexus, cerebral palsy) or after the birth (including hip dysplasia).
• Care home claims involving the elderly who are particularly vulnerable.
• Claims against a negligent GP.
• Negligent or poorly framed medical advice that prevents the patient making an informed choice.
• Failure to warn patients about the risks of a procedure or treatment.

For more information about whether we can help you, call [Medtel] and speak with one of our friendly personal advisors to discuss your experience. Alternatively, provide your details using our callback form and we'll be in touch.

Do medical negligence solicitors handle medical malpractice cases?

Surgical ‘Never Events' are also known forms of medical negligence. These are elementary mistakes in surgery deemed so serious - and so avoidable - that they should never happen. They include incidents like:

• Performing the wrong operation on the right person and vice versa.
• Operating on the wrong part of the body.
• Accidentally leaving a surgical item or other foreign body inside the patient's body.
• Avoidable post-operative infection.
• Accidental perforation of internal organs.
• Cosmetic procedures causing avoidable scarring or other disfigurement.

Medical malpractice is severe and extremely uncommon and most cases are submitted as medical negligence. But, in the rare situation that a case does fall under medical malpractice, a medical negligence lawyer would handle the claim appropriately.

Medical mistakes, whether they are surgical or otherwise, can have serious and long-lasting consequences. Common cases can include spinal injuries, brain injuries, orthopaedic injuries, amputations or even misdiagnosis of cancer, so we know how important it is to help make it right when starting a claim if something has gone wrong.

How do I choose the best medical negligence solicitor?

When you make a medical negligence claim with National Accident Helpline, there is no need to worry about choosing the best solicitor for your case. 

After your initial consultation with one of our friendly advisors, we'll connect you with a medical negligence specialist and legal team who will get you the help you need and seek the compensation you deserve. 

How can I find out if a medical negligence lawyer is a specialist? 

Similar to choosing the best medical negligence solicitor for your case, this is something you needn't worry about when making a medical negligence claim with National Accident Helpline. 

The network of solicitors we work with are specialists in handling a wide variety of cases involving all types of medical negligence, so you can be sure you'll receive the best advice for your claim.

How much do specialist medical negligence lawyers cost? 

As every case is different, it is difficult to give an exact idea of how much the fees, charges and overall costs for your medical negligence claim would be. 

Do medical negligence solicitors work on a no win no fee basis?

Many of our cases are undertaken on a no win no fee basis. In fact, we specialise in ‘no win, no fee' agreements (also known as conditional fee agreements) which means you'll only pay a fee if your claim is successful.

Before proceeding with a no win no fee claim, you'll typically take out a no-up-front-cost insurance policy which is designed to protect you from additional costs such as court fees and legal expenses. If your claim doesn't succeed and you stick to the terms and conditions of your agreement, you won't be left having to pay legal fees or expenses.

Our friendly advisors will give you more details about our no win no fee agreements when you get in touch about your claim.

There are exceptional circumstances in which you may be unable to make a no win no fee claim. Rest assured, we will advise you before proceeding if this is the case, so you have the option of whether to continue with your claim.

How do lawyers for medical negligence assess cases?

There are a variety of steps that medical negligence solicitors and legal teams take to assess a claim. These might include:

• Reviewing the details of your case including the timeline.
• Reviewing medical records and other evidence.
• Speaking to medical professionals.
• Referring to the Judicial College guidelines to determine the value of your claim.

How does a medical negligence lawyer gather evidence?

A medical negligence solicitor and legal team usually gathers evidence by reviewing medical records, consulting with independent medical experts to evaluate the standard of care and collecting witness statements from the patient and any other relevant parties.

They may also obtain evidence of the patient's injuries, such as photographs, medical bills and treatment plans. Specialist medical negligence lawyers might also collaborate with healthcare experts to assess whether negligence occurred, and to what extent this impacted someone's health and wellbeing. All evidence is used to build a strong compensation case.

Can I get a free assessment before committing to making a claim?  

Absolutely. We understand that when you're thinking about making a claim, or simply wondering if you may be entitled to make a claim, you'll have questions to ask and will be hoping for friendly, helpful advice. 

Our team will provide the advice you need, answer your questions and help you understand whether you can make a claim before you decide whether to proceed or not. All for free. Beyond this, we will never push you to move forward - the next steps are up to you.

When you're ready, call and speak with one of our friendly personal advisors, or use our callback form to set up a chat with us.

What should I do before speaking to a medical negligence lawyer? 

When you speak to us, you can explain how you've been affected by the medical negligence you've suffered. We can then explore your options moving forward. 

During this free, impartial chat, we will try to gain a better understanding of your circumstances. If you have any potential evidence that could support your claim, then let us know as this could help your claim if you decide to proceed. 

Is there a time limit for starting a claim with a medical negligence solicitor? 

Yes, as with most types of accident or personal injury claims, there is a time limit for starting a claim. 

Usually, for a medical negligence case, you have three years from when you first noticed a condition caused by your experience, or from when it was first diagnosed. You'll need to begin court proceedings within those three years. However, there are the following exceptions: 

• If the claimant has suffered a serious brain injury that impaired their mental capacity, there's no time limit, unless they regain mental capacity, even for a brief period of time. If this happens, the usual three-year limit then applies from that date.
• A parent, or legal guardian can make a claim for a child at any time until they reach 18 years old. If no claim has been made up to that point, the child has until their 21st birthday to begin court proceedings or settle a claim.

How can I find the best medical negligence solicitors near me? 

We understand you might be keen to avoid having to travel long distances to speak with a medical negligence lawyer, especially if you're suffering as a result of medical negligence or are still receiving treatment.

This is why we work with a wide network of medical negligence solicitors from around the UK. We'll put you in touch with the best professional for your case.

How much compensation could I get if I claim using a medical negligence solicitor? 

Because each case is different, it's difficult to give an exact figure of what you could claim in compensation. Your pain, suffering, medical expenses and any loss of income are examples of some of the factors that will be considered when determining any settlement. You can use our compensation calculator below to get an estimated figure.

Are medical negligence lawyers regulated? 

National Accident Helpline and all our partner solicitor firms are fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This is the independent governing body of The Law Society that regulates the professional conduct of personal injury solicitors in England and Wales. Our legal partners in Scotland are regulated by the Law Society of Scotland (LSS).

Why should I choose National Accident Helpline? 

We have over years_since  years' experience in investigating medical negligence cases and getting people the support, help and compensation they deserve.

As we take most claims on a no win no fee basis, you have peace of mind knowing you can make a low-risk claim.