How Do I Prove NHS Negligence?

While the vast majority of healthcare professionals within the NHS deliver excellent care, instances of negligence can occur. When patients believe they have experienced NHS negligence, the process of proving such claims can be complex. This article aims to shed light on how individuals can navigate the challenges of proving NHS negligence.

Understanding NHS Negligence:

NHS negligence, also known as medical negligence within the healthcare system, occurs when a healthcare professional or institution fails to provide an acceptable standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. To establish a case of NHS negligence, certain criteria must be met, including demonstrating a breach of duty of care, causation, and the resulting harm.

Common areas of NHS medical negligence:

• Fails to diagnose your condition, makes a mistake treating you or referring you for the treatment that you need.
• Surgical errors: negligent mistakes made before, during or after an operation leaving patients with injuries, disabilities, infections or the need for further surgery.
• Hospital and Nursing Care Negligence: Poor care provided to patients during a hospital inpatient can lead to pressure sores and medication issues as well as delays in diagnosis and falls, all of which can make the condition or problem that you were in hospital for worse rather than better.
• A&E: Negligent errors made upon presentation to Accident and Emergency. Regardless of how busy medical staff are, a duty of care is owed to each patient. Being too busy or short staffed is no excuse for making negligent errors.
• Failure in the treatment of an ongoing condition which causes ongoing pain and suffering or even avoidable death.
• Errors in the administration of medication and making an appropriate timely referral.
• Misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis of a medical condition. A failure to diagnose a condition, such as Cancer or Cauda Equina syndrome can have life changing consequences.
• Nurses & Care workers: Poor care provided to you or your loved ones whilst in a care home or nursing at home or in hospital. Examples of negligent mistakes include: failures to carry out the appropriate assessments relating to the risk of falls, nutritional needs, hydration, infection and sepsis and failures to refer on to specialist clinics when dealing with diabetic foot or eye issues.

Gathering Evidence:

Proving NHS negligence necessitates the collection of comprehensive evidence to support the claim. Key pieces of evidence may include medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, and any relevant documentation related to the treatment received. It is crucial to meticulously document the details surrounding the incident, including dates, times, and the names of healthcare professionals involved.

Establishing a Breach of Duty of Care:

A crucial element in proving NHS negligence is demonstrating that the healthcare professional or institution breached their duty of care. This involves showing that the standard of care provided fell below what is considered reasonable by the standards of the medical profession. Expert opinions from qualified healthcare professionals often play a significant role in assessing whether a breach of duty of care occurred.

Causation:

Proving a direct link between the breach of duty of care and the harm suffered is essential. It must be established that the negligence directly caused the injuries or worsening of a medical condition. This requires a thorough examination of the medical records, expert opinions, and any other relevant evidence connecting the negligence to the harm suffered.

Seeking Legal Advice:

Navigating the complexities of proving NHS negligence often requires legal expertise. Consulting with a solicitor specialising in medical negligence can provide valuable insights into the strength of the case and guide individuals through the legal process. Solicitors can help assess the evidence, obtain expert opinions, and advise on the best course of action.

NHS Complaints Procedure:

Before pursuing legal action, individuals are encouraged to utilise the NHS complaints procedure. Filing a formal complaint triggers an internal investigation, providing an opportunity for the NHS to address the concerns raised. While the complaints procedure does not result in financial compensation, it can lead to an apology, an explanation, or changes in policies to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Time Limitations:

It is crucial to be aware of the time limitations associated with medical negligence claims. A claim must typically be brought within three years of the date of the negligence or the date the individual became aware of the negligence. Exceptions may apply, especially in cases involving minors or individuals lacking mental capacity.

Conclusion:

Proving NHS negligence requires diligence, comprehensive evidence, and legal expertise. Individuals who believe they have experienced substandard care within the NHS should document the details of the incident, gather relevant evidence, and consider seeking legal advice. Understanding the criteria for establishing negligence, utilising the NHS complaints procedure, and adhering to time limitations are crucial steps in pursuing justice and, where applicable, obtaining compensation for harm suffered due to healthcare negligence.

Our team has decades of combined experience in successfully advising and representing clients in Medical Negligence Claims.

If you would like to discuss an issue, please get in touch to arrange a free no obligation consultation. We’re available by email or phone.