Medical negligence claims against the HSE

Medical negligence claims against the HSE

We never expect medical negligence to occur, but when it does, you may want to make a claim. If you have suffered as a result of an error by a medical professional, get in touch with one of our solicitors dealing with medical negligence claims against the HSE.

Attending the doctor or undergoing surgery can be quite a stressful experience, but patients put trust in their doctors and expect to receive competent and professional care. Most of the time, this is exactly what happens. But when something goes wrong due to carelessness or a lack of skill, it can have terrible effects on your health and wellbeing.

How does medical negligence occur?

Incidents of medical negligence can happen in many different circumstances, such as during surgery or while seeking treatment from a GP, dentist, consultant or the A&E department.

Medical professionals may be at fault if they:

  • Fail to diagnose a patient correctly
  • Make a mistake during treatment
  • Miss symptoms of a serious illness.

Negligence can occur because of a new doctor’s lack of experience or, perhaps, because of a senior doctor’s lack of familiarity with new practices and procedures. Sometimes it can simply be caused by administrative problems or a lack of communication.

Negligence can also occur in cases where diagnosis and treatment has been carried out correctly. If medical staff failed to explain the risks and side effects of a treatment or didn’t disclose an error they made, you may be entitled to make a claim.

Who do I make a claim against?

Though a doctor may have acted negligently, you might be reluctant to make a claim against them. In other situations, for example where an administrative error occurred, it may not be clear who is to blame. For these reasons, patients make medical negligence claims against the HSE or the relevant hospital. As most nurses and doctors in Ireland work for the HSE, claims of medical negligence are usually taken against it.

Unfortunately, claims against the HSE are on the rise and the annual claim cost figure is expected to grow significantly in coming years. According to The Irish Times, catastrophic birth injuries are currently the most high-cost claims made against the HSE. While issues around the Cervical Check programme led to a rise in claims related to this and other screening programmes.

How do I make a claim?

Medical negligence claims can only be made in cases where you have been harmed in some way and someone is to blame for this. To make a successful claim, you need to be able to attribute liability and negligence. This can be tricky to prove, but one of our medical negligence solicitors will be able to advise you.

Contact Ferrys Solicitors LLP Personal Injury and Accident Solicitors now. Our team will help you receive adequate compensation for your injuries and seek out an explanation for what happened.

The Ferrys Personal Injury Team
The Ferrys Personal Injury Team
info@ferrysolicitors.com

Ferrys Solicitors LLP are leading Personal Injury Solicitors and can help you process your Accident Claim. If you have been in an accident or had a personal injury and wish to make a claim, or just need more information you can contact our Personal Injury Solicitors today.