Illness and Disease Claims

If you have suffered an illness or disease as a result of medical negligence on the part of a doctor, midwife or other healthcare practitioner, you are advised to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible.

If you ask us to represent you, we will start by taking details of the event and assess what has happened and who is responsible. We will put together evidence in support of your claim and contact the relevant health trust to advise them of the claim.

We will ask our medical experts to carry out examinations and write a report about the harm have suffered. This will form the basis of your case.

If the other side admits liability, we will negotiate with them to agree on the amount of compensation to be paid to you. Where they deny liability or the amount of compensation offered is not sufficient, your case will go to court. We will ensure that you have our support throughout and that you are represented by an expert medical negligence advocate.

Compensation can be awarded for a range of issues, including:

• Pain and suffering

• Reduction in quality of life, or being unable to enjoy normal activities

• Psychological damage

• Financial losses, such as loss of earnings

• Long-term care, for example, if you will need help throughout your life

The size of these types of compensation payments varies widely depending on the severity of what has happened. If you speak to us about your case, we will be able to give you an initial idea of the range of compensation that is generally awarded for the type of illness or disease you have endured.

We recognise that funding a compensation claim can be a concern. And so, we provide several financial solutions. These include,

• Legal Aid

• Legal expenses cover

• After the Event insurance (ATE insurance)

• Private payment

For an adult, there is a three-year time limit for bringing a medical negligence claim. This is known as the limitation period. It runs either from the date of the negligent incident or the date that you became aware of the injury you suffered.

In the case of a child, the three-year time limit runs from the date of their 18th birthday.