Will the NHS now be fair game for Medical Negligence Claims following the Mid Staffordshire NHS Scandal?
NHS hospitals may be facing an ‘explosion’ in medical negligence claims in the aftermath of the Francis Report into the Mid Staffordshire NHS scandal. At least 1,200 patients have died as a result of identified failures in hospital care in Stafford Hospital, the report says.
Many patients have traditionally been reluctant to bring claims against the NHS and medical negligence solicitors are often consulted almost as a last resort; even when the evidence of medical negligence strongly supports a claim for compensation. People often feel that somehow the NHS, paid for by their taxes, ought not to be pursued for compensation, even when doctors working within it have been negligent and caused harm as a result.
Many specialist clinical negligence solicitors believe this attitude may now change once the public reads about the Mid Staffordshire findings. If more patients feel that doctors ought to be held to account, there may be a significant increase in the number of enquiries made to medical negligence law firms about possible claims arising out of medical accidents – which in turn would probably lead to an increase in the number of viable compensation claims being brought.
There has been a steady increase in the volume of medical negligence claims brought against the NHS in the last decade, partly as a result of increased public awareness; people are more ready to question doctors and what they do, and the NHS is really no different to any other organisation whose employees sometimes get things wrong and cause damage.
What has happened in Staffs will only have serve to accelerate this trend and increase the number of like clinical negligence claims being made.
If you have suffered substandard medical care, whether in Mid Staffordshire or any other NHS establishment, then contact our specialist medical negligence team for a free consultation.
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.”