What Is Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence, or clinical negligence, happens when a healthcare provider fails to provide the expected level of care. This can lead to harm for a patient. This failure can lead to injuries, illness, the aggravation of existing conditions, or even death.
Medical negligence claims are usually complex. They need an understanding of both law and medicine. A medical negligence solicitor can help achieve this.
Are you concerned about making a claim against the NHS? Claims are typically managed by NHS solicitors. Your local hospital or doctor does not handle them.
Types Of Medical Negligence Claims
All doctors, nurses, and other medical workers must take care when diagnosing and treating their patients.
Medical negligence can take many different forms, and this includes:
– Hospital negligence, including claims against NHS hospitals and private institutes
– Poorly managed pregnancy and labour that result in birth injuries or injuries to the mother
– Delayed diagnosis that can cause ailments to get worse, or even cause death
– Infections caused whilst staying at a hospital, such as sepsis
– Mis diagnosis of medical conditions that lead to incorrect medical treatment
– Medication errors and prescription error claims
– Care home claims because of neglect or abuse
– Claims against negligent GP’s
– Inquests investigating deaths caused by medical negligence
– Cancer claims due to delayed or mis diagnosis
Medical malpractice is severe and extremely rare. However, when it does happen it can be life changing, devastating and stressful. Our team of medical negligence experts want to hear your story and offer you the correct support possible.
Fill out an assessment form or call us on 0114 2496 611 to book your free assessment today.
No Win No Fee Medical Negligence Claims
We believe that everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of their financial circumstances. Our no win no fee agreement, also known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA), helps you take legal action. You don’t have to worry about upfront costs.*
In most cases, if accepted on a no win, no fee basis, you won’t pay a penny upfront for our legal services*. The basis of a CFA is that you will not be required to pay our legal fees if the compensation claim is unsuccessful. Meaning, you will not pay any fees to us unless we win your case for you*.
You can find more information on our no win no fee medical negligence page. It includes a full list of terms and conditions.
*There are circumstances where you would be asked to pay any outstanding costs even if you don’t win your case.
You may need to pay for services from Howells Solicitors in certain situations. These include being dishonest, not giving your solicitor instructions, or rejecting an offer against their advice. Other examples are the death of the claimant, cancelling your claim, and moving without telling your solicitor.
In these cases, you might also have to cover the defendant’s costs. Client’s may be asked to pay disbursements up front or must stand to the cost of a medical report if a second opinion is obtained. In some instances, you may need to pay for medical reports or other third-party payments upfront. We would discuss this with you before making any decision.
Free Medical Negligence Initial Appointment – Step by Step
Step 1 – Book Your Free Consultation
Contact our medical negligence team by completing our online form or by calling 0114 2496 611. We’ll arrange a free appointment at a time that suits you, including during lunch breaks or after work.
Step 2 – Share Your Story
During your initial telephone appointment, our friendly solicitors will listen to your concerns with care and compassion. We’ll ask for some basic details about what happened and how you’ve been affected.
Step 3 – Get an Initial Assessment
We’ll let you know quickly whether we can help with your medical negligence claim. Our team handles all types of cases, whether large or small.
Step 4 – Understand the Process
Your solicitor will explain the medical negligence claims process in simple terms, guiding you step by step at your own pace.
Step 5 – Case Investigation
If we believe your claim requires further investigation, we’ll open a case and discuss your next steps, including funding options and legal costs.
Step 6 – Ongoing Support
From your first appointment onwards, our medical negligence solicitors will provide expert advice, compassionate support, and clear guidance to help you secure the compensation and rehabilitation you deserve.
How to Make a Medical Negligence Claim – Step by Step
Step 1 – Free Consultation
Contact Howells Solicitors on 0114 2496 611 or complete our online form. During your free consultation, we’ll ask for some basic details about what happened and how you were affected.
Step 2 – Initial Assessment
Our specialist medical negligence solicitors will review your case and let you know if further investigation is needed. We’ll explain your funding options, including No Win, No Fee agreements.
Step 3 – Case Investigation
If your claim proceeds, we’ll collect and review your medical records. Our expert solicitors will work with independent medical professionals to identify errors in your treatment and the impact on your health.
Step 4 – Letter of Claim
Once evidence is gathered, we will formally start legal proceedings by sending a Letter of Claim to the Defendant (hospital, GP, or healthcare provider).
Step 5 – Interim Payments
Where possible, we will secure interim compensation payments to help cover immediate care, rehabilitation, or financial needs while your case continues.
Step 6 – Settlement or Court
We aim to resolve claims through negotiation or mediation, helping you achieve a faster and less stressful outcome. If necessary, we’ll represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve.
Flexible Appointments
We understand that dealing with medical negligence matters can be stressful, and finding time to attend in-person appointments isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer our full range of medical negligence services remotely, offering a more efficient and convenient service. We can offer our medical negligence legal support via telephone or secure remote online meetings.
This approach allows you to access expert legal advice from the comfort of your home, without the need to travel or rearrange your schedule. If your case requires a court hearing, many procedural matters are now handled remotely too, ensuring your legal journey is as smooth and accessible as possible.
Our remote services are designed to be just as personal and confidential as in-person consultations, with clear communication and full transparency every step of the way. Remote appointments are offered throughout the case, and most correspondence can be handled by email and Howells secure Client Portal.
Whether you’re dealing with sensitive medical negligence/personal injury matters or simply seeking guidance, we ensure a smooth, stress-free experience that puts your needs first. Whilst we appreciate that remote services offer convenience, they may not be suitable for everyone. If you do wish to meet us face to face, you can book an appointment at one of our offices in Sheffield, Barnsley or Rotherham.
Free Medical Negligence Initial Appointment
Do you think you have a medical claim? Our medical negligence team in Sheffield offer a free initial appointment on all types of potential compensation claims, regardless of the size.
The medical negligence team are friendly and compassionate and will discuss your concerns with you. They will let you know as soon as we can whether we can help. We will first ask you to provide some basic information about what has happened and how.
We will then take you through the medical negligence process step by step, at your own pace. If we feel your claim warrants further investigation, a case will be opened, and your solicitor will go through your claim options with you.
Your initial appointment will be made by telephone, offering you complete flexibility. The appointment can be arranged to fit around lunch breaks or work commitments.
Fill out an appointment form or call us on 0114 2496 611 to book your free appointment today.
Medical Negligence Sheffield Frequently Asked Questions
How long do medical negligence claims take?
The length of medical negligence claims varies considerably. They are quite often affected by external factors, such as waiting for medical records to be provided and for experts to complete their reports.
It can also depend on how complex the case is. Issues will need to be investigated, and there may be lots of evidence to gather. In all appropriate cases, we will apply for interim payments.
The duration of a medical negligence claim is largely influenced by the defendant’s actions. Claims can be resolved before reaching court; however, if the defendant disputes liability, the process could be significantly prolonged.
Even when liability is acknowledged, rushing a settlement is not advisable. The full impact of injuries might only become clear after several years. Therefore, it is crucial that your medical negligence solicitor keeps you informed about your case’s progress and advises on whether additional time is necessary before your claim can be accurately valued and settled.
How long do I have to make a claim?
There are strict time limits for medical negligence claims in the UK. All claims involving medical negligence are subject to a three-year time limit. The time limit starts from the date of negligence or when you first knew your injury was caused by the poor care. Three years isn’t a long time, so if you’ve experienced medical negligence, contact a solicitor right away.
Will I have to go to court?
Many medical negligence cases either settle before court or are discontinued. Your solicitor will usually try to settle the case before going to court, so you don’t have to testify.
Our medical negligence solicitors have a reputation for using dispute resolution options and are known for working to resolve claims without going to court. This helps keep costs low and can speed up the claims process. It also reduces stress on the family involved. If your case does go to court, our solicitors will be with you every step of the way.
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