While all surgeons are required to meet high clinical standards, things do sometimes go wrong. When this occurs the patient should seek expert legal guidance on claiming compensation for surgical negligence.
What is surgical negligence?
Surgical negligence takes various different forms and may include:
- The surgeon performing the operation on the incorrect body part.
- The surgeon leaving medical instruments/equipment in the body.
- Infection resulting from poor surgical hygiene.
- Issues relating to consent, for example, where a surgeon fails to explain or inform you of all the potential risks associated with the surgery.
- Issues relating to anaesthetic.
- Nerve damage/injury to organs as a result of the surgery.
Claiming compensation for surgical negligence
If you are the victim of surgical negligence it can have an impact on your physical and mental health, while also having detrimental effects on your personal and working life. Compensation for surgical negligence is available to cover the costs of dealing with the effects of the negligent surgery, including:
- Care and treatment.
- Physical and mental therapy.
- Additional surgery to repair any damage.
- Travel expenses.
- Loss of earnings.
- Medical aids and home modifications.
In addition, you will also be entitled to receive compensation for your ‘pain and suffering’.
Time limits to be aware of
If you are claiming compensation for surgical negligence you will usually have three years to make the claim. This is calculated as running from either:
Or
- The date on which it is discovered that surgical negligence caused the injury.
There are a few exceptions in regard to the above time limits. For instance:
- A claim can be brought on behalf of a child any time before they turn 18. Once the child has turned 18 they can make their own claim until they are 21.
- Where someone lacks the mental capacity to bring a claim, there is no time limit in regard to making a claim on their behalf.
You should not delay in seeking expert legal advice from specialist solicitors.
How we can help you
If you have been the victim of surgical negligence then please call our helpline on 0333 888 0412 or email brief details of your case to us in complete confidence at [email protected]. We will investigate your case free of charge and provide details of No Win, No Fee funding.
What our clients say about us
We have over 1,200 reviews and an overall five-star rating on the independent legal review website, ReviewSolicitors.
Here is just a short selection of some of the reviews that our clients have left for our clinical negligence team:
Maddy Lawrence
“With the premature death of our eldest daughter, as it turned out, by clinical negligence, we were facing a very difficult journey both in proving fault and keeping heart and soul together. That we were able to, in terms of the fault element, was down to our professional legal team. They provided clear, calm and compassionate advice which got us through a horrendous inquest and subsequent legal maneuverers. They, in short, were magnificent and we are extremely grateful that we had them on our side.”
Great firm!
“I had an experience with Oliver Thorne who was nothing but helpful with settling my claim. He was very patient and professional as well as making sure I was happy and content throughout the whole process! Would highly recommend him if you’re looking for a solicitor!”
Compassionate, thorough, and outstanding legal support thus far
”Jade was incredibly friendly, taking the time to ask all the right questions and thoroughly investigate our case. Unlike previous solicitors, who dismissed us, Jade and the team at Slee Blackwell delved deeper and gave us renewed hope. We are extremely grateful for the dedication and professionalism in fighting for us. I would recommend Slee Blackwell to anyone in need of legal assistance.”
Mesh claim
“I cannot thank the team enough there understanding and empathy and the knowledge is outstanding. Caroline has been supportive every step of the way, she has informed me and kept me updated how the claim has progressed she has also had great understanding around my mental health and the physical damage I have occurred. I cannot thank the team enough. The team made this experience easier for me to deal with my emotional distress and pain.”
Thank you
“On behalf of all of us, we would like to thank you for your guidance, professionalism, humanity and kindness you have shown us all throughout this process. You have explained everything to us in clear and concise terms throughout and we are extremely grateful. We would have no hesitation recommending you and using your services in future. Thank you.”
Exceptional Service
“I have received expert advice throughout my case, the attention to detail is second to none. Their professional outlook and relatability means that I always recommend the firm. When I was unclear of any information or possible outcomes they took the time to speak with me on a personal level, confirming our conversation through email, I feel supported and understood and most of all they are empathetic, something that is often missing from large firms.”
Friendly, professional, knowledgeable.
“Oliver assisted me in the aftermath of my father’s sudden death in hospital. He helped me to draught my initial letter of complaint to the health authority, represented me and my mother at the inquest and ultimately succeeded in bringing a successful claim. I always felt I could approach Oliver with any questions and he would explain the legal processes in an understandable way. I would not hesitate to recommend him should anyone find themselves in a similar unfortunate position.”
Excellent solicitor
“I cannot recommend this firm highly enough and especially Caroline who is professional approachable and thorough, she works tirelessly and is a real credit to the firm, you are not made to feel like just a number as with other firms, it’s a pleasure to have such an excellent solicitor to represent you when you have gone through so much she is so understanding and knowledgeable.”