The latest Ministry of Defence (MoD) Claims Report has revealed that the armed forces paid out £6.7 million for medical negligence during the financial year 2011/2012. This money was paid to servicemen and women whose treatment went so badly wrong that injuries that were already severe will now have a lifelong impact.
The biggest single payment of £1 million went to a soldier whose leg had to be amputated because of negligent treatment at the hands of the medics in whom he had placed his trust.
Of course, none of the damage done by the doctors and nurses in question was deliberate. Everyone makes mistakes, and errors of judgement do happen. But with medical negligence cases of all kinds constantly hitting the headlines, it’s a serious problem that’s happening all too often. Medical staff have a duty of care and if they fail in their obligations, the patient is entitled to claim compensation on the grounds of medical negligence.
As with the case of the amputee soldier, medical negligence can have catastrophic results. Birth injuries, brain injuries, cerebral palsy and permanent disfigurement are just a few examples of the severe and long-lasting effects that clinical and medical negligence can have. On top of the physical impacts, many patients also suffer psychological trauma as they try to come to terms with what has happened. The recovery process can be slow and painful and for many patients, life will never be the same again.
This is why medical negligence claims are so important. The compensation awarded will help the patient and their family pay for the extra treatment, care and support they need in the short or longer term. The money can’t undo the damage that’s been done, but it can make life more bearable by taking away financial pressures.
Injury Lawyers 4u can help with your medical negligence claim
As personal injury specialists, we have the experience and expertise to give you the right advice and guidance as you pursue your medical negligence claim. And we won’t rest until you receive every penny of the compensation you deserve. We work on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, so you know we’ll do our utmost to secure you the best possible compensation package, and you know that there’s nothing to lose by asking us to help.
Call us any time of the day or night on 0333 400 4445 or complete our simple online form and a personal injury lawyer will call you back.