Why make a medical negligence claim?

Some people just want an apology, an explanation or a better understanding of what may have caused a disability. In this case you should make a complaint to the hospital or care service, following their complaints procedure. You might want to bring about improvements to clinical practice and reduce the likelihood of a similar incident happening to other people. This may be achieved by making a complaint. It may also be the result of making a claim but it should not be the reason for making a claim.

The aim of making a claim is to seek financial compensation to help pay for the extra support and care required as the result of the disability.

The first stage is to consult a solicitor, who should enable you to:

• gain access to medical records
• obtain independent and unbiased expert medical opinions about what might have caused a disability
• establish whether or not you have a potential claim for negligence and the possibility of an award of compensation

If you are unable to establish a negligence claim, this preliminary investigation should at least give you an improved understanding of what may and what may not have happened to cause your or your child's disability.