Medical error in hospital A&E departments
If you need guidance on making a compensation claim for a medical error in A&E or any other hospital department then call our free helpline on 0333 888 0412 or send an email to [email protected]
Medical error arises in all aspects of our healthcare system, but one area where it occurs more frequently is in Accident and Emergency.
Diagnostic errors are particularly common in hospital A&E departments where the consequences for the patient can be severe and occasionally life threatening. Diagnostic errors are in fact one of the commonest causes of complaints being made against A&E departments, with a higher than average percentage resulting in legal action being taken against the NHS.
Delays in making an accurate diagnosis are a particular concern. Delayed diagnosis can affect the patient’s recovery, increase operative risks and result in avoidable pain and suffering. Medical errors are also damaging to the NHS as they attract complaints, create bad publicity and, in serious cases, result in medical negligence compensation claims being made.
Our hospitals have therefore been working hard to reduce medical errors, especially those in an A&E setting, but the number of cases remains worryingly high.
One of the factors thought to create a higher risk of medical error within A&E departments is the fact that they are often staffed by very junior and inexperienced doctors. Furthermore, A&E is acknowledged to be a particularly “high risk” specialty within healthcare.
Studies looking specifically at diagnostic errors have identified failure to interpret radiographs correctly as the main cause, with bone fractures being most commonly missed. A key concern is that many of the fractures should have been obvious, even to a junior doctor, indicating that poor training in radiological interpretation may be responsible. In a significant number of cases the error was due to the wrong radiographs being requested.
If you have been the victim of a medical error in A&E or any other hospital department and your health has suffered as a result then our team of medical negligence solicitors is here to help. We offer a free case assessment service and work nationally on a No Win, No Fee basis. To find out if you have a claim contact our free helpline. Call 0333 888 0412 or send an email to [email protected]
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.”