Clinical Negligence / Medical Negligence

If you have been injured, either physically or psychologically, because of a health professional's negligence, you may be able to claim clinical / medical negligence compensation.

What if my problem was not caused by a doctor?

Medical negligence also known as clinical negligence does not just cover treatment provided by a doctor. You may have a claim for medical negligence against any health care professional who hasn't given you the right care or treatment, which has injured you. This includes for example:-

• Health Visitors
• Nurses
• Midwives
• Dentists
• Private Practitioners
• Physiotherapists or Osteopaths
• Opticians
• The Ambulance Service
  
  

What do I have to prove to claim compensation?

To make a claim for medical negligence compensation, you have to be able to prove two things. These are that:-

• the health professional acted in a way that no responsible or reasonable practitioner would have done ("negligence"): and
• you have suffered a physical or psychological injury as a direct result of the negligent act or acts ("causation")

You cannot claim compensation just because someone else has done something wrong. You have to be able to prove that this has caused you an injury .

How will we investigate your claim?

The main evidence you need for a medical negligence claim will come from independent medical experts. These are doctors or other health care experts who can give an expert opinion on your case. They will give their opinion on :-

• your medical records
• your statement about what has happened
• any other documents supporting your case.

If we cannot find any medical experts who will support your claim, your claim will not succeed.