Medical Negligence Solicitors Wakefield
When you need medical treatment, you have the right to expect the highest quality care at all times. When standards fall short, the results can be devastating. Negligence by medical staff can lead to life-changing injuries and even fatalities in the most serious cases, and to long periods of illness or painful injuries even in less severe circumstances. In these cases, making a medical negligence compensation claim can support your recovery.
At Switalskis, our Wakefield medical negligence solicitors have the legal expertise to pursue justice and compensation on your behalf. We provide advice and legal representation at all stages of the process, and we'll fight to make sure you receive fair compensation after a delayed diagnosis, surgical mistake or poor quality treatment. Our medical negligence team specialises in a range of claim types, so no matter what type of negligent care you received or injuries suffered, we can help you.
Our experienced team has a strong reputation for success in clinical negligence cases, and we've helped many people in cases similar to yours to recover the compensation they were owed. We'll take on the bulk of the responsibility for your claim so you can focus on your recovery. To find out more about whether or not you can claim, or get the process started, get in touch with Switalskis. Call us on 0800 138 0458 or use the form on our site to contact us today.
Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling
0800 1380 458, or contacting us through the website.
The Switalskis Wakefield office is on Cheapside, near to the Wakefield Westgate and Wakefield Kirkgate railway stations. It is near to Wakefield museum and accessible via public transport routes. We may also offer remote consultations for clients who cannot travel to our offices.
Our office is within easy reach of Wakefield's railway stations. It's easy to find and is a short walk from Wakefield Museum on Cheapside.
At Switalskis, our specialist medical negligence solicitors in Wakefield 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 on Cheapside in Wakefield, 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.
Negligence can happen in many different ways. The claims process is structured around the specifics of your injuries and the harm you suffered, along with the decisions that the liable party makes in response. While this means that every medical negligence case is different, there are key steps that must be followed in every negligence claim process to keep things moving forward towards the best possible outcome.
Your first step will be to call our experienced team of medical negligence solicitors. We'll discuss the treatment you experienced and the harm you suffered to assess whether negligence played a factor. If so, and you're eligible to claim compensation, we can begin the process on your behalf.
We'll start by gathering evidence that proves that the treatment you received was negligent, and that you suffered harm as a result. We'll ask an independent expert to review your medical records and any other medical evidence to determine what went wrong, and to assess your future needs if your injuries or illness will have lasting symptoms.
The evidence will indicate which medical professional, hospital, GP surgery or NHS Trust should be held responsible for the negligence. Solicitors at Switalskis will prepare a letter of claim, outlining your intention to claim and the evidence we've gathered, then send it to the party we believe was liable for your negligent treatment.
In most cases, the claim is settled at this stage. The defendant will have some time to investigate the circumstances of the claim, and will usually accept their liability based on the evidence we've collected. Our clinical negligence solicitors are experienced in negotiation and will proceed straight into discussions with the defendant to secure the compensation you're owed.
Sometimes, a medical negligence claim will need to go to court, especially if the other party won't agree a fair compensation amount or if they deny liability for your treatment. Your solicitor will represent you in court, present your medical notes and other evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation for you.
If your claim is successful, you'll receive your compensation at the end of the process, either as a lump sum or the first of a series of instalments. For claims made under a conditional fee agreement (also known as a no win, no fee agreement) you'll pay your legal costs in the form of a success fee. We'll oversee the process to make sure you receive the compensation you've been awarded.
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.
Compensation in clinical negligence claims is calculated based on the nature of the negligence and the specific harm you experienced. Two types of damages are typically awarded: general damages and special damages.
General damages cover the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the negligence. The amount depends on the severity and duration of the physical and harm you experienced, and its impact on your daily life and future. Guidelines from the Judicial College are used to establish fair compensation amounts for different types of injury.
Special damages account for financial losses and expenses related to the negligence. This can include:
Each claim is assessed individually, based on a combination of evidence and expert reports. Our solicitors work to secure the maximum compensation in such cases, to make sure your needs are taken care of. We want to put you back into the position you'd have occupied if the negligence had never taken place.
You generally have three years to bring a claim for clinical negligence. This three-year period can start from either the date the negligence occurred, or the date you first became aware that your injury or illness may have been caused by negligent treatment. The latter is known as the date of knowledge, and it allows for cases where the effects of negligent treatment are not immediately apparent. For example, if a surgical error is discovered months or even years after an operation, the three-year period would typically start from when the error was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
There are some exceptions to this rule. If the person affected was under 18 at the time of the negligence, the three-year limitation period does not begin until their 18th birthday. A litigation friend can claim on their behalf while they are still a child, or they will have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim for themselves.
If the injured person lacks mental capacity (due to brain injury or severe mental health condition), no time limit applies unless they later regain capacity. If capacity is regained, the three-year period starts from that point.
In rare cases, the court has discretion to allow claims to proceed outside the standard time limits, particularly if there is a compelling reason why the claim was not made sooner. However, you should not rely on this. Contact Switalskis at your earliest opportunity to learn more or get the process started and avoid missing any relevant deadlines.
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.
Making a medical negligence claim might be the last thing on your mind when you're dealing with an injury, but it's important to act quickly to avoid missing the relevant time limits. At Switalskis, we work hard to make things as simple and straightforward as possible, and we'll take on the bulk of the responsibility for your claim so you can focus on your recovery. Our excellent service is founded on the following:
The legal and medical language used in clinical negligence cases can be complicated, but our solicitors take the time to make things simple. We'll break down complicated terminology and make sure we're always available to answer questions. With Switalskis, you'll always know what's happening with your claim and what to expect next from the process.
We know that dealing with the aftermath of negligent treatment can have serious emotional and consequences, beyond the immediate physical effects. The medical negligence solicitors at Switalskis understand how difficult these circumstances can be and will work to offer whatever support you need.
Our Wakefield team has a strong track record of helping local people to take action against the medical practitioners and healthcare professionals who harmed them. We can build a strong claim to give you the best chance of success, and advise you on corrective treatment or other support during your recovery. We're well-versed in a range of injuries and types of negligence in medical care, so we're in a strong position to push your case forward.
When you are harmed by poor quality treatment, whether by a private healthcare provider, NHS hospital or GP surgery, you have the right to take legal action. Claiming compensation can protect your rights and our expert solicitors will stand by your side throughout to make your voice heard.
For definitions of terms used in these FAQs, visit our Glossary page
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Suffering medical negligence can have a significant impact on your life, but you don't have to face it alone. Claiming compensation can account for any long-term needs and is also an opportunity to seek justice, and prevent other people from facing similar mistakes in the future. Our Barnsley medical negligence solicitors are here to offer expert advice and secure the compensation you're owed.
Contact the medical negligence team at Switalskis by calling 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the form on our website.