Medical negligence: Mistakes can happen, but they’re not your fault

The National Health Service (NHS) recently turned 70 years old – a fantastic achievement.

Since that momentous moment in July 1948, it has been there for millions of people every year, helping them overcome a myriad of health problems ranging from minor issues to life-changing and life-saving specialised care.

The NHS is, unquestionably, the envy of much of the world, and deservedly so.

However that world, and the UK specifically, is a vastly different place these days and with that comes added complexities and added demands on the NHS as it continues to evolve to meet expectations and demand.

While few would argue that the talented and dedicated workforce that makes up this crucial and much-loved national institution are anything other than first class, it is also fair to say that the NHS is under ever-increasing budgetary and resource pressures.

And with such pressures, mistakes are unfortunately inevitable – we are all human after all.

There are many reasons why there appears to have been an increase in medical negligence claims in recent years, with some of the most common causes relating to:

• Understaffing
• Breakdown in communication between departments and staff
• Individual human error
• Misdiagnosis
• Societal changes – such as a growing and ageing population

There are many more reasons for medical and clinical errors but what binds all of the above together is one theme – and that is that none of these reasons are the fault of the individual that suffers from a mistake. Those on the receiving end of medical errors, whatever mitigating circumstances there may be, should not have to personally pay the price without being adequately compensated for the physical and mental ramifications of such errors.

Common causes of medical negligence

It’s also important to recognise that while the NHS is the most utilised health-related institution in the United Kingdom, medical and clinical mistakes can happen in many different areas – and are most certainly not exclusive to the NHS.

While the vast amount of medical and clinical mistakes are honest ones, this is little comfort to those subjected to them. It also takes nothing away from the pain, stress and possible consequences as for many, the results can have long-lasting effects not just on them but also on their families and loved ones.

Often, the process of considering and potentially making a claim can feel daunting, acting as a barrier to the justice an individual may be entitled to.

However, providing you are dealing with a professional, competent and compassionate legal professional – willing to take on your case on a no-win-no-fee basis to protect you against any costs – this process can be surprisingly straightforward.

The results could ensure closure for an individual, as well as peace of mind and the financial compensation that could help an individual and those close to them move on in a positive way with their lives.

Hopkins Solicitors’ experienced, friendly and dedicated medical negligence team can help you if you have experienced issues in a wide variety of medical practice and/or procedures including – but not limited to – medication errors, surgical errors, defective surgical implants or replacements, dental errors, poor aftercare, care home claims, birth-related errors and cosmetic surgery errors.

What’s more, we can offer you an absolutely free 30 minute consultation to discuss your specific issue and explain whether we can help – if we do feel you have a claim we will act on a no-win-no-fee basis.

So if you’ve experienced medical and clinical negligence and want the compensation that may be owed to you, why not get in touch with us today so that we can help to set you on a path to a brighter future.