Medical neglect is frequently used as an alternative term for medical negligence or a medical mistake.
All patients in the UK are entitled to receive an acceptable standard of medical care, whether they are being treated under the NHS or privately. If the standard of that care falls below a level that is regarded as acceptable within the healthcare sector AND the patient suffers harm as a direct result, then they are likely to be eligible to claim compensation for medical neglect.
Instances of medical neglect are not always immediately obvious and patients are advised to obtain specialist guidance from a solicitor who is experienced in medical negligence law at the earliest stage. Our team of medical negligence lawyers are not only highly experienced, but they are also recommended by the independent Legal 500 guide to the legal profession.
Occasionally it is necessary for lawyers to seek the opinion of an independent medical expert, especially when opinions differ within the medical profession about how patients should be treated for particular healthcare needs. In general terms, if there is a reputable body of healthcare professionals who believe that the care was not substandard then a compensation claim is unlikely to succeed. It is therefore important to consult experienced solicitors who have access to a range of independent medical experts throughout the UK.
If medical neglect can be established then the patient will be entitled to recover compensation for the physical and psychological harm they have suffered as a result. In addition, a claim can be made for the financial consequences of the medical neglect. This would include compensation for loss of earnings, for instance, or the costs of caring for someone.
Some people are put off making a claim because they are worried about paying legal costs. However, we operate a very popular No Win, No Fee scheme which means that fears about legal fees should no longer prevent people from seeking justice and recovering the compensation they deserve.