Closing the medical ranks?

Almost everyone will need to be treated by a branch of the medical profession at some time in their lives. 

We expect the treatment or advice to be appropriate, accurate and competent. Usually it is - but things can go wrong. When this happens, what can we do about it? We can complain and sometimes an explanation and an apology is all that is needed. When that is not enough, or when a medical mistake has resulted in substantial financial loss, the law can help us to recover financial compensation. Money can never make up for suffering but more people are discovering that, through the law, it is possible to find some relief from the financial consequences of negligent treatment

Once, the doctor's word was "law", he knew best. If things went wrong explanations were unlikely to be offered and the wronged patient would have to accept the situation not least due to the closure and protection of the medical ranks.

Today, television documentaries on medical matters and multi-media coverage of high profile claims have made us aware that we have a legal right to an adequate standard of care. We know that a doctor, nurse or other medical professional may make a mistake, since they are only human. When that mistake amounts to sub-standard care we have the right to be financially compensated.

Compensation is not a bonus, like a lottery win. There can be an enormous financial burden on patients and their families who have had their lives ruined by negligent treatment. 

Damages for negligence are compensation for pain and suffering and past and future financial loss. You may be compensated for loss of earnings whilst you were unable to work and for being unable to work in the future. You may need specially adapted housing and 24 hour care for the rest of your life; or you may just need a few gadgets, such as an electric can opener, to make life more comfortable.

Large awards and settlements in medical negligence cases grab the headlines, but not all claims are worth a fortune. Most are between £3,000-£10,000 and success is not guaranteed. 

Taking legal action against the medical profession is undoubtedly complicated and expensive. Funding an action may be a problem. It is no longer easy to obtain Legal Aid your solicitor will explain different funding arrangements