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Posted on 16th July 2024
While no amount of money can erase the harm you’ve been subjected to, compensation can help secure the treatment and ongoing assistance you need to move forward.
If you’ve suffered due to medical or clinical negligence, you might be wondering what compensation could do to put things right. While no amount of money can erase the harm you’ve been subjected to, compensation can help secure the treatment and ongoing assistance you need to move forward. This article explores how a successful medical negligence claim can financially support your recovery and future well-being.
Understanding medical negligence
Medical negligence, also known as clinical negligence, occurs when a medical professional breaches their duty of care to their patient(s). This can involve:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a harmful condition or disease
- Surgical errors
- Medication errors
- Failure to obtain proper informed consent prior to administering treatment/medication
If this negligence results in injury, illness, or any other form of lasting harm, you may be eligible to make a medical negligence claim.
Compensation for treatment and ongoing care
A significant portion of medical negligence compensation goes towards covering past, present, and future medical needs arising from the negligence. This can include:
- Necessary medical treatment: Compensation can cover the costs of ongoing treatment, consultations with specialists, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Private medical care: If the NHS cannot provide the level of care you require, compensation can fund private treatment to get you the best possible outcome.
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy: These therapies can help regain mobility, improve daily living skills, and manage pain.
- Psychological support: Medical negligence can take a significant emotional toll. Compensation can cover therapy costs to help manage anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Compensation for lost earnings and future loss
Medical negligence can significantly impact your ability to work. Compensation can cover:
- Loss of past earnings: This compensates for income lost due to time off work while recovering from the negligent treatment.
- Loss of future earnings: If your injury reduces your earning capacity, compensation can account for the projected loss of income throughout your working life.
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Living expenses and care costs
Depending on the severity of your injury, you might require additional support with daily living. Compensation can cover:
- Cost of care: If you need assistance with daily tasks due to your injury, compensation can help pay for carers, home modifications, or residential care.
- Loss of amenities: This covers the loss of enjoyment of life activities you can no longer participate in due to your injury.
- Travel expenses: Compensation can cover travel costs for medical appointments, rehabilitation sessions, or specialist care.
- Adapting your home: If your home requires modifications to accommodate your needs due to your affliction(s), compensation can cover these costs.
Blackwater Law medical negligence solicitors acted for Mr L in a medical negligence claim in the High Court after he was misdiagnosed. The misdiagnosis meant he went on to suffer a serious stroke-causing life-limiting disability.
Seeking legal advice for medical negligence claims
Making a medical negligence claim can be complex. A specialist medical negligence solicitor can:
- Evaluate your case and help you understand the likelihood of making a successful medical negligence claim.
- Gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records and expert opinions.
- Negotiate with the healthcare provider’s insurer on your behalf to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Making a medical negligence claim
If you believe you have suffered due to medical negligence, consider contacting a medical negligence solicitor to discuss your options and explore the possibility of making a claim.
