Although the majority of operations are problem-free, mistakes and issues do occur, whether due to human error or negligence, among other reasons. If your operation does go wrong, and you believe that this was due to medical negligence, there are steps which you can take to ensure that you receive the response and compensation that you are entitled to.
· Hire a Solicitor
If you want to take legal action against a hospital for medical negligence, the first thing you’ll want to do is speak to specialists for advice – learning more about Gadsby Wicks will be beneficial to you if you are looking to claim compensation, and hiring a reputable solicitor would be a good first step in this process. Medical negligence solicitors can help you to arrange the appropriate evidence, discuss the strength of your case, and guide you through the next legal steps on your way to take legal action. For a medical negligence solicitor based in Leeds, Minton Morrell Solicitors can represent you during proceedings to help to achieve the best result possible.
· Speak to a Doctor
Firstly, you should speak to your doctor or hospital attendant to ensure that what happened during the operation was not expected, and that it was not included in the possible risks that would have been described by your doctor prior to the operation. Additionally, talking to a doctor will enable to you to dismiss any known side effects that would definitely be caused by the operation and not by medical negligence. Additionally, your doctor can ensure that you are well cared for after the operation, or refer you to the hospital for after-care.
· Make an Official Hospital Complaint
Firstly, you should make an official complaint to your hospital. Many hospitals may waive fees for never-events. If you are covered by Medicare, you can also make an official complaint through your State’s Quality Improvement Organization or Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO), which work on behalf of Medicare to ensure that healthcare is of a high-quality at all times. You could also file a complaint with the Joint Commission, which looks after patient’s rights and the standards of hospital care. If you want to complain against a specific doctor, you can contact your State Medical Board, who will investigate your complaints. If you would like to raise awareness of your case, you may also consider contacting the press.
· Take Legal Action
Once you have found a solicitor, you may discuss with them the viability of taking legal action. Through suing your hospital for medical negligence, you can get anything from $1000 to $200,000 in compensation depending on the severity of your individual case. This compensation can be given the assuage the cost of your pain, to pay for current treatment, your loss of earnings and any adaptations you have to make for your condition, such as changes to your house.
Operations can be a stressful time, and there is nothing worse than your operation going wrong. However, there are steps that you can take to ensure that you can get your life back on track and claim the compensation that you deserve. Although it may seem daunting, by following these steps, you will be able to garner the support that you need to make a solid claim against your hospital, whether that be legal or purely on a complaints basis.
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