Medical Negligence

What to do if you think you have been mistreated medically

Everybody who undergoes medical treatment is entitled to certain standards of care, which, if these standards are not met, leaves them entitled to make a complaint. Nobody wants to believe that they, or a member of their family, may be the victims of failures in the standard of medical care - as this can have serious consequences. At best, poor medical care can result in minor but inconvenient and unpleasant health consequences; at worst it can lead to initial illness or injury being seriously exacerbated, to the point where it becomes life-threatening, or even fatal. This is why medical negligence is taken seriously.

If you feel that either yourself or a member of your family has been mistreated medically, the first thing you should look to do is make a complaint to the relevant health authority or NHS Trust. Despite the fact that this is such a serious issue, many people are reluctant to pursue complaints based on medical treatment received. Partly this is down to the fact that they may be in no condition, health-wise, to pursue the issue, and partly it is due to lack of knowledge concerning their rights in these matters. The fact is that a person has every right to complain about the standard of medical treatment they, or a third party, have received and it is the responsibility of the health authority or NHS Trust involved to investigate any such complaint quickly before offering a response.

If possible you should seek to resolve complaints of this nature amicably through this process and - even were you to seek the advice of a reputable legal firm specializing in such matters, for example Alexander Harris - they would be likely to provide similar advice. If you do seek such advice, the firm will deal with the authority and the individuals liable in the matter, on your behalf - which may be less stressful. However, should such an attempt at resolution fail, you will likely be advised to consider making a negligence compensation claim.