Medical Negligence Solicitors London
There may be no more difficult experience than receiving substandard care from a doctor or hospital. Negligence in these situations can have serious consequences, ranging from illnesses getting worse before they get better to lifelong injuries or conditions that could (and should) have been avoided. There are also financial side effects associated with poor quality medical treatment, whether that means paying for a corrective procedure or the cost of a carer for the rest of your life.
In these cases, it's important to consider making a legal claim for medical negligence compensation. This is an opportunity to seek justice and an acknowledgement of what happened, while the compensation can cover any financial needs or costs associated with your treatment. When you work with the right solicitor, a medical negligence claim can also give you access to the best possible treatment and maximise the potential outcomes from your recovery. Choosing a local medical negligence team also means you can access your solicitor when you need support, and that they'll understand the nuances of the specific NHS Trust you're dealing with.
The specialist medical negligence solicitors at Switalskis understand the emotional and physical strain that negligent treatment can place on you, and we know that a claim may be the last thing on your mind. Our experienced team can take your claim forward while you focus on your recovery, and provide financial relief that accounts for your specific needs as you move on from the incident. We'll take on the bulk of the legal responsibility for your claim, so you can focus on the things that matter to you.
Contact our London solicitors today by calling 0800 138 0458 , or get in touch via the form on our website .
Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling
0800 1380 458, or contacting us through the website.
Our London office is based on Coleman Street in the centre of the City of London. It's a short walk from the Underground stations at Moorgate, Bank and Liverpool Street, and can also be accessed via bus or other transport links. If necessary, we can hold an initial consultation remotely for clients who cannot travel.
Our London office is conveniently situated in the heart of the City of London, close to Moorgate, Liverpool Street and Bank Tube stations.
The legal process for medical negligence compensation involves building a strong case and then working with the liable party - or sometimes launching court proceedings - to secure a fair settlement. While every medical negligence claim is different and depends on the specific circumstances of the negligence and its effects, the process typically needs to follow the same key stages.
The process starts with a free initial consultation with the Switalskis clinical negligence department, where we can talk about the negligent treatment you suffered and the impact on your health. During this conversation, our specialist medical negligence lawyers can evaluate whether you're eligible to claim compensation and determine what evidence you'd need to gather for a strong case.
Clinical negligence cases rely on a range of evidence, and if you decide to move ahead we'll start to build the strongest possible case. We'll have an independent medical professional review your medical records to identify whether your treatment met the expected standards or whether negligence occurred. We may also need witness statements, photographic evidence and records of expenses or financial losses to claim these back.
When we've gathered the evidence we need, we'll send a letter of claim to the NHS Trust or private hospital where the incident occurred, and sometimes to the medical or healthcare professionals responsible. The letter explains that you're seeking compensation, how much we believe you're owed and the evidence we've collected. The other party will have a few months to investigate your claim and decide whether to accept or deny liability.
In most medical negligence claims, the defendant accepts liability for the injury or illness and we begin to negotiate a fair compensation settlement, taking into account the full effects of a surgical error, medical accident or delayed diagnosis on your health and your prognosis for the future.
If we cannot secure a fair settlement or the other party denies your compensation claim, we'll move to court proceedings. Your solicitor will present the evidence to a judge, who will make a decision on whether to award compensation or not. We'll continue negotiations until the court date to try to resolve the claim as soon as possible.
When your claim is successful, you'll receive the compensation you're owed as a lump sum or in instalments, depending on your needs and the agreement we've made. We may seek interim payments in some cases, particularly if you have urgent financial needs to address. If you've made a no win, no fee medical negligence claim with Switalskis, you'll pay your legal fees at this stage.
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.
The compensation awarded for a medical negligence claim depends on the specific injury or illness you suffered, the nature of the negligence that occurred and your needs moving forward. There are two aspects to a compensation award: special damages and general damages.
General damages are awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. This will take into account:
Guidelines published by the Judicial College provide a range of recommended awards for different types and severities of injury, and our skilled team will work to calculate the maximum amount of compensation you could be owed for a medical negligence case based on the full extent and severity of your injuries.
Special damages compensate you for actual financial losses and expenses incurred as a direct result of the negligence. They include both costs already incurred and those expected in the future:
Serious injuries such as brain injuries that affect mental capacity (or lead to in babies) will result in more compensation overall, simply because the person will have lifelong needs that must be met. Injuries from which you will fully recover will deliver less compensation, but our specialist solicitors will calculate the financial aspects of your claim carefully to make sure we deliver the maximum compensation possible in your specific circumstances.
It's often possible to make a medical negligence claim under a no win, no fee agreement. In a no win, no fee medical negligence claim, you don't pay any legal fees upfront, and you don't pay them at all unless your claim is successful. This allows you to recover compensation without financial risk and helps many people to seek justice after medical care falls short of the necessary standards. Contact our medical negligence experts today to find out more about making a claim or the compensation you could be owed.
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.
Seeking medical negligence compensation at a time when you're already recovering from an illness or injury can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. At Switalskis, we specialise in helping medical negligence clients and we know how to manage the process on your behalf. We'll take on the bulk of the responsibility for your claim so you can focus on your recovery while the legal proceedings move forward. Our medical negligence services are designed around our clients' needs and are founded on:
The combination of legal language and clinical terms used in medical negligence cases can be complex. We aim to make the claims process as simple as possible to understand, by breaking down the language and explaining anything you don't understand. We want to make sure you know what's happening at all times when you make a medical negligence claim.
Falling ill or suffering a physical or injury because of negligence can be frustrating and upsetting. Whatever you're dealing with after a clinical or medical negligence incident, we'll stand by your side with emotional support and be ready to help.
Our expert medical negligence solicitors have represented many people in situations like yours to secure compensation. We know the evidence you'll need to build a compelling case and how to push forward a medical negligence claim to deliver the maximum compensation.
You have the right to the best possible treatment from medical professionals, whether in a private hospital or surgery, or through the NHS. We'll protect your rights by helping you to take action, seek justice and avoid any financial losses after you've suffered medical negligence.
For definitions of terms used in these FAQs, visit our Glossary page
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To speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor in London, get in touch with Switalskis today. No matter the mistakes made in your medical treatment or the harm you suffered, we'll fight for the justice you deserve.
Call our expert clinical negligence team today on 0800 1380 458 or use the form on our site to get in touch and learn more about how we can help.