Common Types of Medical Negligence Claims
Some of the most common types of medical negligence claims include:
Misdiagnosis covers situations where a medical professional misses your diagnosis, delays your diagnosis or provides an incorrect diagnosis. If this applies to you, you may be able to make a claim; misdiagnosis can lead to a lack of appropriate treatment and your condition may worsen significantly or become life-threatening.
Research from the University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust published in 2021 found that Missed Diagnostic Opportunities (MDOs) occur in 4.3% of GP consultations, and when an MDO does occur, there is a 40% chance that the harm caused to the patient is moderate or severe.
While surgical procedures always entail a degree of risk, there is also the possibility of errors or mistakes that should not have occurred. These types of medical negligence claim often include delays to surgery that have resulted in prolonged recovery or requiring more extensive surgery, the wrong procedure being undertaken, or a lack of informed consent to a given procedure.
Avoidable surgical complications can have a lasting impact on both the patient and those around them. Read our surgery case studies to see how we have helped those with surgery claims.
- Pregnancy and birth injury
Birth injury cases can arise during pregnancy, during the birth and after the birth. Common types of medical negligence relating to pregnancy and birth include lack of informed consent about the pregnant person’s options throughout the pregnancy and birth, substandard care, failure to diagnose ectopic pregnancy, delays in treatment or wrongful birth.
An error in prescribed medication can mean either the wrong medicine has been prescribed, the wrong dosage has been applied, medications have been used together that should not be, or you have been prescribed medications to which you have a noted allergy.
The effects of errors with medication can vary from simply not treating the original ailment to causing new problems, depending on the prescribed medication. A study by The BMJ found that ‘237 million medication errors occur at some point in the medication process in England annually’, so the prevalence and significance of these medical negligence claims should not be underestimated.
Read our medication error case studies for more information.
If your loved one has passed away as a result of avoidable medical circumstances, you may be able to make a death by medical negligence claim for bereavement damages, funeral expenses and/or dependency claims. Of course, no amount of money can equate to the loss of a loved one, but compensation can help support those left behind and ensure that the case in investigated to avoid any further preventable deaths.
Working with Medical Solicitors
At Medical Solicitors, we understand how difficult it can be to undertake a medical negligence claim, especially if you aren’t feeling your best. Our specialist team is patient and compassionate, and will provide you with advice, support and representation throughout the claims process.
We have offices in Sheffield, York and Hull – please don’t hesitate to learn more about our team or get in touch today.
