Medical Negligence

Slee Blackwell have been working with Healthwatch Devon since 2016 in a bid to help improve local health services in Devon. Healthwatch Devon is the independent champion for people using health and care services. They listen to what people like about services and what they feel could be improved and share those views with those with the power to make change happen.  They essentially have six functions, being commissioned by Devon County Council to: gathering views and experience; making those views...

Failure to provide anticoagulants

Sophie Townsend of our clinical negligence team looks at compensation claims arising from failure to provide anticoagulants Anticoagulants, commonly known as “blood thinners”, are frequently provided  to patients with a high risk of developing blood clots that could lead to a stroke or a heart attack. Medical professionals often prescribe anticoagulants where: you have suffered from blood clots previously; you suffer from Deep Vein Thrombosis; you have recently undergone surgery which prevents you from moving around; you have an irregular heart beat; you have recently undergone an...

Dental negligence

Dental negligence compensation claims   The thought of going to the dentist can strike fear into even the toughest of people. In all likelihood you will probably spend more time in the waiting room than you will in the dentist’s chair, only to be told that everything is fine and off you go for another six months. It is nevertheless a daunting prospect. People go to the dentist for various reasons, and the variety of procedures available is increasing all the time. Advances in...

Sepsis compensation

Sepsis compensation claims can be pursued where a late diagnosis is made and the hospital is at fault. Clinical negligence lawyer Oliver Thorne looks at what is involved.   What is sepsis? Sepsis arises as a result of an overreaction of the immune system following an infection. The effects can be catastrophic, often leading to organ failure and death. It can be triggered by relatively minor injuries; a simple wound that becomes contaminated can be enough. There are an estimated 250,000 cases of sepsis in the UK...

Can I claim compensation from a GP?

Medical negligence lawyer, Oliver Thorne, is often asked, 'Can I claim compensation from a GP if a medical mistake is made?' The answer has always been ‘yes’, but a new scheme makes the legal position even more clear-cut. From 1st April 2019, NHS Resolution is operating a new state-backed insurance scheme for GPs in England. It is called the Clinical Negligence Scheme for General Practice (CNSGP). The scheme automatically covers all GPs for compensation claims made against them (or anyone working...

Claiming compensation for a mistake in diagnosing cauda equina syndrome

Clinical negligence lawyer Oliver Thorne, looks at claiming compensation for a mistake in diagnosing cauda equina syndrome. Cauda equina syndrome occurs when the nerves situated at the base of the spinal cord are compressed. This can be caused by a slipped disc or a disc prolapse. It can be a devastating condition if it is not swiftly diagnosed and treated, resulting in paralysis, incontinence and the loss of sexual function. Because the spinal nerves cannot be repaired, cauda equina should be treated as...

Hospital deaths: dealing with an inquest

Medical negligence lawyer Oliver Thorne considers whether a family should have professional legal representation at a hospital death inquest. If someone close to you dies while in hospital or as a result of medical treatment, an inquest may be required to formally establish how the death occurred. An inquest does not determine if anyone is to blame for the death. However, information is often disclosed during the inquest process which can assist in assessing whether the death was avoidable. So if legal proceedings for clinical negligence...

Bowel cancer: Screening, delay and misdiagnosis

Bowel cancer solicitors, Devon and Somerset Bowel cancer is very common and roughly 41,800 are diagnosed per year as confirmed by Cancer Research UK. Screening is offered to check polyps which could potentially turn in to cancer if untreated. Common symptoms relating to bowel cancer include abdominal pain, discomfort, feeling bloated, evidence of blood in your stools and a persistent change in bowel habit. Individuals within the UK only receive regular screening tests from the age of 60.  In some areas of the...

Diabetes amputation is on the rise

Over 26,00 people in England had an amputation due to diabetes last year. This represents an increase of 14% on the previous year. Below-the-ankle amputations are a particular threat to people suffering from diabetes, with foot problems accounting for the largest proportion of hospital stays among diabetes sufferers. Diabetes can restrict blood supply to the patient’s legs and feet and reduce the feeling in them. This can then lead to infections and ulcers which can be difficult to treat successfully. However, the...