Medical Negligence Solicitors Leeds
Seeking medical treatment sometimes means putting your life in the hands of a professional, which can be stressful even when things go smoothly. However, when you receive substandard medical care in these cases, it can lead to serious consequences and a combination of and physical trauma. For some people, negligent treatment leads to permanent symptoms with life-changing outcomes, while for others it's also associated with significant financial losses.
If you've been injured by poor quality medical treatment, our expert medical negligence solicitors in Leeds are ready to help. Switalskis was founded in Wakefield and has retained strong ties to the Yorkshire area for more than 30 years. We have a strong record of success in securing compensation and holding medical professionals to account for mistakes that have caused lasting harm.
No matter the negligence you have experienced, we can help. Our experience includes everything from patients who experienced allergic reactions when prescribed the wrong medication, to infants who suffered lifelong brain injuries because they were not monitored properly during childbirth. Contact Switalskis today to learn more about whether you're entitled to compensation and how we can help.
Call us on 0800 138 0458 to get started, or send a message via the form on our site.
Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling
0800 1380 458, or contacting us through the website.
At Switalskis, our specialist medical negligence solicitors in Leeds provide expert legal representation to clients throughout Yorkshire and beyond. With decades of experience, we handle a wide range of medical negligence claims, including complex cases involving major local healthcare providers such as:
We act on all types of medical negligence claims, regardless of where the care took place. If you can’t get to our office in Leeds city centre, we can arrange to meet you at a location that’s more convenient. We can also handle your case remotely via phone, video calls and email.
Every clinical negligence claim is different, as we must prove that the treatment you received fell below the required standards and evidence how much compensation you should be owed. With that said, the claims process itself is generally structured around the same key stages in each case.
The process begins when you call us for a free initial consultation. Our medical negligence solicitors in Leeds will discuss your experiences and the injury or illness you suffered as a result. From there, we can advise you on whether you're entitled to claim compensation and evaluate the strength of your case. You can then decide based on our advice, with no obligation to proceed, whether you wish to pursue a medical negligence compensation claim.
If you decide to move ahead, our clinical negligence solicitors will start to gather the evidence to prove that you received substandard medical treatment and demonstrate the effects on your life. We'll ask independent medical experts to review your medical records from the time of your treatment to identify any failings in your care, and estimate your needs moving forward. Other types of evidence, including witness statements, photographs and receipts for expenses will also be compiled.
With a strong case built, we'll send a letter of claim to the party we believe was responsible - usually an NHS Trust or private hospital. In the letter, your solicitor will present the evidence we've gathered and explain the compensation you're seeking. The hospital or NHS Trust will have a few months in which they can investigate the circumstances and determine whether or not they believe they are responsible.
Medical negligence claims usually proceed to negotiations at this stage. The other party accepts its liability for the negligent treatment you received at the hands of a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional, and we can discuss your compensation. If they deny liability, or we can't agree a fair compensation settlement, we'll issue court proceedings.
We'll continue trying to negotiate while the court arranges a hearing. If no agreement is reached, your solicitor will present the evidence to a judge and have them make the final decision on whether or not you're owed compensation.
Finally, you'll receive your compensation when the claim is successful. This may be a lump sum, or a series of payments over time if you're likely to need lifelong support. If you claimed under a conditional fee agreement (also called a no win, no fee agreement) your legal fees will be paid at this stage as a success fee. Switalskis may also try to secure interim payments for some medical negligence claims, which means you'll get a portion of your compensation before the claim is fully resolved.
Throughout the claims process, our team of medical negligence lawyers is by your side, explaining each stage, answering your questions, and providing the support and advice you need. At Switalskis, we believe that legal jargon should never be a barrier to justice, and we're committed to keeping you informed and confident every step of the way.
There is no standard payment for a medical negligence claim, as compensation is calculated based on your specific circumstances. Compensation aims to return you to the position you would have been in without the negligence, which means it will depend on everything from the injuries you experienced to your future prognosis, and any associated financial costs.
Medical negligence compensation is calculated based on two main categories:
Our Leeds-based medical negligence lawyers have a wealth of experience in calculating compensation based on each client's specific needs, and we'll push to secure the maximum amount of compensation for you after you received negligent treatment.
In most cases, Switalskis offers representation in medical negligence claims on a no win, no fee basis. This means you can claim with limited financial risk, as there are no legal fees to pay if your claim is unsuccessful. If we secure compensation for you, you'll pay us a pre-agreed percentage as a success fee. This arrangement is known in legal terms as a conditional fee agreement.
Sometimes, home and car insurance policies will include legal expenses cover that can be used to cover the costs of legal services. Our expert medical negligence solicitors can discuss your circumstances with you to determine a suitable approach to funding your claim.
There is a strict three-year time limit in which you must begin a medical negligence claim to be guaranteed the chance to pursue compensation. However, while it's important to act in a timely manner, this doesn't mean it's impossible to claim if more than three years have passed since the negligent treatment you received. If you did not experience symptoms until later, the time limit may begin from the date that you realised (or should have realised) that your injury or illness was connected to substandard medical care.
For medical negligence claims involving individuals lacking mental capacity to claim for themselves, there is not usually a time limit. If they regain their mental capacity, the three-year time limit will begin from this point. In cases involving children, there is no time limit to claim on their behalf as a litigation friend. Once the child turns 18, the three-year time limit begins and they will have until they turn 21 to claim on their own behalf.
At Switalskis, our medical negligence solicitors in Leeds can advise you of any relevant deadlines and act quickly on your behalf to preserve your right to claim. Get in touch as soon as possible to find out more.
Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.
At Switalskis, our dedicated team offers a professional service that goes beyond the legal formalities, to take the stress out of the process and allow you to focus on your recovery. We take the time to understand your needs, to make the process as simple as possible and represent your interests effectively. Our approach to medical negligence compensation claims is underpinned by the following principles:
Medical negligence cases often include a combination of legal and clinical terminology that can be difficult to decipher. We're committed to breaking things down and offering clear communication that lets you know exactly what to expect from the process and where your case is up to.
Making a medical negligence claim while dealing with recovery from an injury or illness can lead to a lot of emotional strain without the right support. Switalskis will stand by your side and offer emotional support alongside our excellent service and legal advice.
Our solicitors have a thorough understanding of both the legal and medical aspects of a clinical negligence claim, which means we're adept at gathering evidence and assessing your needs. Our strong track record of success means we're well-placed to deliver the best possible outcome for you.
When poor medical care, a delayed diagnosis or a surgical error lead to harm, patients have the right to pursue compensation and justice for their injuries. Switalskis will make sure your voice is heard during this process and protect your rights throughout your legal journey.
For definitions of terms used in these FAQs, visit our Glossary page
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At Switalskis, our medical negligence solicitors in Leeds can help clients across the country to take action and secure the compensation they're owed. We have secured settlements from NHS Trusts and private hospitals throughout the region on behalf of those who have suffered harm, usually on a no win, no fee basis.
To learn more about making a medical negligence claim, or to start the process, contact us today. Call 0800 138 0458 to speak to our clinical negligence team, or use the form on our website to send us a message.