No one goes to a hospital or doctor's office expecting to be harmed, but unfortunately, medical negligence happens more often than we would like to admit.
In Northern Ireland, the impact of medical negligence is not just about physical injury; it’s about the emotional toll it takes on victims and their families.
If you’ve experienced harm due to a healthcare professional's mistake, it’s essential to understand whether you have a valid case.
Medical negligence is a term used to describe a situation where a healthcare provider makes an error that causes harm or injury to a patient.
In Northern Ireland, medical negligence cases have been rising steadily, with millions of pounds paid out in compensation each year.
If you are unsure whether you have a case, this blog will guide you through the signs that you may have suffered from medical negligence.
Understanding the reasons behind medical negligence is key to recognising when it has occurred. Medical negligence can happen due to various reasons, such as human error, inadequate training, lack of resources, and sometimes, systemic issues within the healthcare system.
In Northern Ireland, these issues are often compounded by the challenges facing local health services, including staff shortages and underfunding.
Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional or facility fails to meet the standard of care expected in the medical field, leading to harm or injury.
The standard of care refers to the degree of attention, skill, and caution a reasonable healthcare professional would use in similar circumstances.
If this standard is not met, and a patient suffers as a result, this can constitute medical negligence.
While the terms "medical negligence" and "medical malpractice" are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two.
Medical malpractice refers to professional misconduct or improper practice by a healthcare provider, which may include negligence.
Medical negligence is simply the failure to meet the expected standard of care, which may or may not result from intentional harm.
It can be difficult to know whether you have a valid claim for medical negligence, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how the law works.
Here are the top five signs that you may have a case.
One of the most common forms of medical negligence is a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. When a doctor fails to diagnose a condition or misdiagnoses it, it can lead to severe consequences, including unnecessary treatments or delayed medical intervention.
A misdiagnosis occurs when a healthcare provider incorrectly identifies a patient's illness or condition.
For example, if a doctor diagnoses a patient with the flu when they actually have pneumonia, the patient may not receive the necessary treatment, leading to worsening symptoms or even death.
In Northern Ireland, misdiagnosis is a leading cause of medical negligence claims.
The Belfast Trust has faced significant public scrutiny for its diagnostic errors in recent years.
If you believe your diagnosis was delayed or incorrect, it may be worth consulting with a personal injury lawyer.
In 2021, a woman in Northern Ireland was misdiagnosed with a non-serious illness, leading to a delay in cancer treatment.
By the time the correct diagnosis was made, her cancer had spread significantly. This case resulted in a significant settlement, proving that even small diagnostic mistakes can have huge consequences.
Surgical errors are a severe form of medical negligence and can have lasting consequences on a patient’s health. These errors can include
A surgical error refers to any mistake made during surgery or another medical procedure.
For example, a surgeon may unintentionally cut a blood vessel, causing serious bleeding, or they may perform the wrong procedure altogether.
In Northern Ireland, surgical errors have resulted in several high-profile medical negligence cases.
If you’ve suffered a surgical error, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim. Be sure to seek legal advice as soon as possible to determine your options.
Informed consent is a critical part of medical practice. Before undergoing any medical procedure, healthcare providers must explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient. Failure to do so can be grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Informed consent is when a patient is given all the relevant information about a treatment or procedure, allowing them to make an educated decision about whether to proceed. This information should include
If you underwent a medical procedure or treatment without being fully informed, and you suffered harm as a result, you may have a case for medical negligence.
For example, if a patient is not informed of the risks of surgery and experiences complications, this could be considered a breach of duty.
Medication errors are another common form of medical negligence. These errors can occur in several ways, including
A healthcare provider prescribes the wrong drug or dosage.
A pharmacist provides the wrong medication or dosage.
A nurse administers the wrong medication or wrong dosage to the patient.
If you’ve been harmed by a medication error, you may experience
In Northern Ireland, the Health and Social Care Trust has acknowledged medication errors as a significant issue, leading to increased attention on patient safety. Medication errors are preventable, and if you’ve suffered due to one, you may be entitled to compensation.
Aftercare is crucial to ensure that patients recover properly after surgery or treatment. Failure to provide adequate aftercare can lead to further complications, including infections or the worsening of symptoms.
Aftercare includes all the steps taken after a medical procedure or treatment to ensure the patient is healing properly. This can include
If a healthcare provider fails to provide the necessary aftercare, you may suffer complications that could have been avoided. For example, if a surgeon does not monitor your recovery closely after an operation, you could develop an infection that goes untreated.
If you believe you have been a victim of medical negligence, it’s important to consult a legal professional who can assess your case. Kearney Law Group is experienced in handling medical negligence cases in Northern Ireland and can help guide you through the claims process.
Many people hesitate to seek legal help, either because they don’t know their rights or because they don’t feel they have a strong case.
The reality is that most medical negligence cases are more complicated than they appear.
By consulting with an experienced lawyer, you can better understand your legal options and the strength of your case.
When you reach out to Kearney Law Group, our team will review the details of your case thoroughly. We’ll gather all the evidence needed to support your claim and work with medical experts to build a strong case. We provide free consultations so you can explore your options without any initial cost.
If you’ve experienced any of the signs listed above, it’s important to take immediate action. Seeking legal advice can help you understand your rights and give you the best chance of receiving compensation for your injuries.
No matter if you’ve suffered from a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or medication mistake, Kearney Law Group is here to help you navigate the legal process.
Medical negligence is a serious issue, but with the right legal support, you can secure the compensation you deserve.
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Kearney Law Group specialises in legal services relating to Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. We are committed to achieving the best results for our clients.
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