Medical negligence can occur at any stage when receiving medical attention, from consulting the GP to surgery and follow-up care. Medical professionals have a duty of care towards their patients and if that duty of care is breached the medical body should be held responsible.
It can happen in a number of different ways and here we’ll explore some of the most common in more detail.
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
Medical misdiagnosis, either by a wrong diagnosis or no diagnosis whatsoever, can lead to potential delays in treatment. This can lead to serious long-term injury, or in some cases a worsening medical condition. Misdiagnosis in cases of cancer can lead to the chances of recovery being seriously reduced. As a result, misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis is a serious area of medical negligence and levels of compensation will usually reflect this.
Negligent cosmetic procedures
Despite being a huge and growing market, cosmetic surgery is not as strictly regulated as other areas of healthcare. This means that patients can be at greater risk of negligent surgical procedures. When it occurs the results can be devastating, emotionally, physically and financially. Often money will have to be spent putting right the damage caused by negligence, and levels of compensation will usually reflect any costs incurred.
Mistakes during dental work
Dental negligence can be painful, traumatic and costly to rectify. In some cases it may require extensive dental work to put right the damage. It may include misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, as well as nerve injury and botched cosmetic dentistry.
Incorrect surgery
Errors during surgery can be intensely traumatic, painful and life-limiting. It occurs when a surgeon makes mistakes that leave you with further problems or injuries. Your surgery and aftercare should always meet certain professional standards. If it doesn’t you may be able to make a medical negligence claim.
Care home injuries
Care homes should be places of safety but sometimes accidents do occur. Sometimes errors can occur in the administration of medication, or injuries can be sustained through inappropriate lifting, avoidable falls or neglect.
Pressure sores
Prolonged pressure on certain parts of the body can result in ulcers developing, typically in areas where the bone is close to the skin such as the lower back, elbows and shoulders. Pressure sores are graded from 1 to 4, with 1 one being the least serious and consisting of skin discoloration, up to 4 which can be a very deep wound that may reach the bone or the muscle. They occur when a patient isn’t moved and is incapable of doing so themselves due to injury, they aren’t provided with a pressure-relieving mattress and their condition isn’t adequately monitored.
Birth injuries
If a woman giving birth isn’t given the appropriate care and attention, injury can be sustained both to herself and her baby. In both cases, this may constitute medical negligence and the consequences can range from temporary pain and discomfort to severe psychological trauma and life-changing injury.
These represent a snapshot of some of the medical negligence claims that can be made. At Mark Reynolds Solicitors. our specialist medical negligence services can provide confidential advice, assess the strength of your claim and help you achieve the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Call 0800 002 9577 or get in touch via our contact form.