Legal Advice for Medical Negligence Claims 

Most people receive a high standard of care from doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. However, mistakes can happen, and when they do, the consequences can be serious and long lasting.

Our medical negligence solicitors advise clients in Holywood, Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland on claims involving misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, birth injuries and negligent treatment by hospitals, GPs and dentists.

We understand how distressing it can be when treatment that was meant to help you has caused further harm. We can explain your legal position and guide you through each stage of the claims process.

What Is Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence, also known as clinical negligence, occurs when a healthcare professional provides care that falls below the standard expected of a reasonably competent professional in their field, and this causes injury or makes an existing condition worse.

A claim can be made against healthcare providers in the public or private sector, including Health and Social Care Trusts, hospitals, GP practices, dentists, pharmacists and private clinics.

Not every poor outcome will amount to negligence. Our medical negligence solicitors can assess what happened and advise whether you may have grounds for a claim.

Types of Medical Negligence Claims

We advise on a wide range of medical negligence claims, including:

• Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis: missed, late or incorrect diagnosis of conditions such as cancer, stroke, sepsis or fractures
• Surgical errors: avoidable mistakes during or after surgery, including wrong-site surgery, nerve or organ damage and anaesthetic errors
• Medication and prescription errors: the wrong drug or dose prescribed or dispensed, or allergies and interactions overlooked
• Birth injuries: injuries to mother or baby during pregnancy, labour or delivery
• Hospital and GP negligence: failure to refer, failure to act on test results, poor nursing care, infections or falls in hospital
• Dental negligence: undiagnosed gum disease or oral cancer, nerve damage or poorly carried out dental work
• Failure to obtain informed consent: not being told about the material risks of a treatment or the reasonable alternatives

How a Medical Negligence Claim Is Assessed

To succeed in a medical negligence claim, it must usually be shown that the care provided fell below an acceptable standard and that this caused the injury or loss suffered.

This normally requires a detailed review of your medical records and independent evidence from medical experts in the relevant field.

We will work to support and advise you throughout the claim, from obtaining your medical records and arranging for you to see specialist medical consultants, to negotiating a settlement and ensuring you have legal representation in court if your case requires it.

What Compensation Can Be Claimed?

Compensation in a medical negligence claim is intended to reflect the pain and suffering caused by the injury and any financial losses that have resulted from it.

This may include loss of earnings, the cost of private medical treatment, rehabilitation, care and assistance, travel expenses and adaptations to your home or vehicle.

Where an injury has a long term effect, a claim can also include future losses and the cost of ongoing care.

Time Limits for Medical Negligence Claims

In Northern Ireland, a medical negligence claim must generally be brought within three years of the date of the negligence, or within three years of the date you first became aware that you may have suffered an injury as a result of negligent treatment.

Different rules apply to children, where the three year period does not usually begin until their eighteenth birthday, and to people who lack the mental capacity to manage their own affairs.

Medical negligence claims can take time to investigate, so we recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible.

Making a Complaint to a Health and Social Care Trust

Many people choose to make a complaint to the healthcare provider before, or alongside, considering a claim.

A complaint can provide an explanation of what happened and an apology, but it will not result in compensation and does not stop the time limit for bringing a claim from running.

Where a complaint is not resolved, it may be referred to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman. Our medical negligence solicitors can advise on how a complaint may fit alongside a potential claim.

Fatal Medical Negligence Claims

Losing a loved one as a result of medical negligence is devastating. Bereaved family members may be able to make a claim for compensation, including for funeral expenses and the loss of financial support.

There may also be an inquest to establish how the person died. We can advise families on their rights and support them through the inquest process and any claim that follows.

Funding Your Medical Negligence Claim

From the outset, our experienced litigation team will advise on how your claim may be funded and whether you are eligible for Legal Aid.

If you are entitled to Legal Aid, the Legal Services Agency Northern Ireland may cover all or part of your legal fees. If you do not qualify, you may find that your home insurance includes legal expenses cover.

Hunt Solicitors will work to achieve the payment of compensation with your legal costs being met by the other party.

Medical Negligence Solicitors in Holywood and Belfast

At Hunt Solicitors, we recognise that every medical negligence claim is different and that the effects of an injury can reach far beyond the individual patient.

We take the time to listen, understand what happened and provide clear advice throughout the process. Medical negligence claims can be complex, and we will keep you informed at every stage so you know where your claim stands.

Contact Our Medical Negligence Solicitors

If you believe you or a family member has been harmed by negligent medical treatment, contact Hunt Solicitors to discuss your circumstances.

Our solicitors can help you understand whether you may have a claim, explain the options available and advise on the most appropriate next steps.

We advise clients in Holywood, Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland and offer a free initial consultation to help you decide whether to take your claim forward.