Mistakes are rare but they do happen and whilst it is accepted that such mistakes are not usually intentional the resulting problems can have a devastating effect on a patient’s life.
Dianna Bamforth one of the directors at Ardent Law specialises in such claims and understands just how distressing and traumatic it can be to have to make a claim for Medical Negligence. Most people will agree that the medical profession provide an excellent service so it is understandable that poor medical treatment can be the source of a great deal of anger and frustration.
Medical Negligence claims can arise from any type of medical treatment whether provided by the NHS or privately, dental treatment or cosmetic surgery.
So what can you do? Claims for Medical Negligence are not as straight forward as merely proving you suffered an injury. In order to claim compensation you will have to prove that the medical treatment was negligent. At Ardent law we will give you an honest assessment as to whether or not your claim is likely to be successful. You don’t have to decide this yourself; you can rely on our expert professional advice so please let us help you.
We will try to make the process of obtaining compensation for you as simple and straightforward as possible but there are time limits – a claim must be brought within 3 years from the date of treatment or 3 years from the date on which you became aware that the treatment received earlier might justify a claim – so don’t delay.
How will your legal fees be met? We can offer you a number of different funding options and in most cases we will be able to offer a conditional fee agreement (No win no Fee).
We offer free initial consultations and are happy to visit you at home on a weekend and out of hours, whichever is the most convenient.
We would recommend that if you do have a complaint due to hospital treatment and the treatment was within the last year that you contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service. We would be happy to draft your initial letter of complaint to PALS should you wish us to do so.
Medical Negligence Case Studies
RW – v – DC:
Dianna acted for the claimant against Mr C, Consultant Urologist who had performed the operation on a private basis, the claim related to the issue that the surgeon ought to disclose that they were on their learning curve prior to operating, the operation resulted in a failed radical prostatectomy giving rise to complete urinary incontinence, had Mr W known that Mr C was on his learning curve he would not have proceeded with the operation. The case settled after joint statements from expert Urologist.
Damages in excess of £300,000 were agreed.
CB –v- York Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Dianna acted for a the claimant, 23 year old in the failure to diagnosis gall stone disease leading to pancreatitis, abdominal sepsis and severe complications including a complex form of diabetes.
The case settled prior to Trial.
T B v Northampton NHS Trust v Kettering NHS Trust
The case was led by Frank Burton QC, Dianna acted for the claimant, a 23 year old mother of three young children. Following an initial slipping injury and then delays in A&E which resulted in an above knee amputation.
The claim was valued at £1.7million. The matter was listed for trial in the High Court in 2016 but settled in December 2015.
C I v York Teaching Hospital NHS Trust
Dianna acted for the claimant who suffered destruction of vestibular system by being given a toxic dose of antibiotics. As a result, the claimant has little, if any, sense of balance and disturbed vision. The matter was listed in the High Court in 2016 for a 6-day trial.
The Claim settled in February 2016 for £850,000.
JM v The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Dianna acted for the claimant who at the time of the negligence was a minor with complex congenital conditions (club feet and bowed legs) which left the claimant severely disabled, the Trust admitted breach after proceedings were issued but the claim was complex because the claimant suffered from pre-existing disability.
The claim settled at a JSM for £370,000.