subject: How Can a Medical Negligence Solicitor Help Me? [print this page] How Can a Medical Negligence Solicitor Help Me?
If you feel like you have received substandard treatment, or even you were not offered any treatment when you should have been then you may have a claim for medical negligence. Although sometimes an apology will suffice, in more serious cases it is just not enough. The first step you should take is contacting a specialist medical negligence lawyer.Do you feel confused? How can you find help? Who can advise whether your case is worth the extra worry and energy? If your suffering is minor and only requires a formal complaint, there are a few easy steps you might want to consider following.You know you weren't treated fairly, or felt ignored when you were ill. Although this is a type of medical negligence (also known as clinical negligence) it is probably not that serious, this is particularly the case when a further discussion with your GP could solve the issue. The quickest and most economical option here is to write a letter to the doctor, nurse or dentist. Ask for an explanation and remember to keep a copy. You'll probably be called for an informal meeting where you'll be able to discuss the situation. You must consider however that even if the professional apologises, this does not mean you have a claim for negligence that you could litigate.If you find an apology and explanation enough, you may have avoided a case of medical negligence. This can actually make the relationship with your team of doctors and/or nurses better, especially if the matter is carried out in a professional and amicable way. Don't forget that you are able to leave comments on the hospital's website, whether these are good or bad.But what happens if you follow this and still feel there's something wrong and not resolved at the end? Should you really take the legal route and consult a medical negligence solicitor? It is advisable to contact the hospitals PALS department (Patient Advisory Services). PALS is the replacement service to that which was provided by the CHCs (Community Health Councils) these used to look at your case and refer you to a solicior where necessary. At the present time it is not 100% clear if PALS will do the same thing.If you are considering taking your case further, this is the time you need to talk to your clinical negligence solicitor. Medical negligence cases like this involving compensation are often complex, however your solicitor will take you through it step by step.
