Medical Negligence Multi Party Actions

If you are unlucky enough to suffer a condition as a result of negligent medical treatment, it is possible that you may be able to bring a claim for compensation.

Some clinical negligence cases arise in circumstances where many others have been injured in the same or similar circumstances. Examples of this are cases where a number of people have all had inadequate dental treatment or obstetric treatment, and so on.

In such cases, the courts will coordinate the legal action and appoint lead solicitors to represent the claimants and / or deal with one or more of the legal issues.

The court will usually specify a date by which all claims in the multi party action must be submitted, so it is, as ever, important not to delay in seeking legal assistance. However, even if you have missed the cut off date it may still be possible for action to be taken on your behalf.

As with all claims for personal injuries, in order to be awarded compensation, you first have to show, on the balance of probabilities, how you were injured, and that you were injured as a result of negligence or breach of duty, and that the negligent treatment was responsible for the adverse outcome you have suffered or at least part of it. In clinical negligence cases you also have to show that the treatment was such that no reasonable doctor or clinician would have treated you in this way

If you are successful, you will then be awarded compensation for the injuries caused by the accident or disease.

If you have suffered personal injury in circumstances where a claim can be made, it is essential to obtain specialist advice. Your lawyer will obtain statements, formulate the claim for you and obtain all the evidence to pursue it, including medical and technical evidence as necessary. He will calculate your losses and expenses on your behalf, recommend whether court proceedings are necessary and negotiate to obtain the best possible result.

In many cases after a claim has been made, the insurers will agree to a reasonable settlement. In other cases, the insurers may refuse to negotiate or otherwise delay, and in these circumstances it is essential that your lawyer pursues the case (where there are reasonable prospects of success) by way of court proceedings.

Some cases can be concluded within a matter of months. Others, particularly where court proceedings are involved and where the evidence is disputed will take longer, sometimes years.

Clear Answers specialist clinical negligence personal injury lawyers have huge experience in handling multi party claims and assisting in the complex legal processes involved. They will be able to advise you whether a claim for compensation is possible, give guidance and assistance on how the claim can be pursued and ensure that all the correct evidence is obtained to secure the best result for you in the least possible time.

If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Clear Answers to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury. Telephone us now on 0800 783 9019 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.