The Public Spending Watchdog has warned that lengthening NHS waiting times could lead to a rise in clinical negligence claims.
Reports show that the elective care waiting list grew from 2.7 million to 4.2 million; between March 2013 and November 2018. The number waiting more than 18 weeks also grew from 153,000 to 528,000.
The public spending watchdog report states that almost 40% of clinical negligence claims against the NHS are related to failures; or delays in diagnosis or treatment. Unfortunately, this is a common allegation we come across when dealing with clinical negligence claims.
Considering Clinical Negligence
When considering clinical negligence cases there are two main elements to consider. Firstly we need to establish that the treatment provider’s care has fallen below an acceptable standard. This may be as a result of delayed treatment or misdiagnosis.
Proving Breach of Care
What to do if a breach of care can be proved? If a breach of care can be proved, the second-stage is to establish whether that breach caused harm to the client; which could have been avoided.
This can often be very challenging; and we rely on the opinion of a number of different medical experts in order to prove our case.
Remember, as with all claims for personal injury there are strict timescales involved. It is imperative that you contact a solicitor as soon as you become aware there may have been negligence.
Contact Rhian Lowe at Fisher Jones Greenwood for a free, no obligation consultation – call 01206 700113 or email [email protected].