Fatal Medical Mistake Claims
If you’ve lost a loved one or close family member to a fatal medical mistake, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your loss. No amount of money can ever replace the relationship you had with them. However, many bereaved families find comfort in establishing the full facts of the case and potentially helping others to avoid the same fate in future. As well as compensation, they may also seek a formal apology from the healthcare providers.
Whilst it may be distressing, we make the process as clear and simple as possible for you. Our specialist team provides expert legal advice in different languages to clients who have been involved in medical negligence claims, including fatal claims. They operate on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning that you won’t pay any fees unless your case is successful.
How can a fatal medical mistake arise?
There is an element of risk in any medical procedure and it is inevitable that some will result in a fatality. Sadly though, on very rare occasions avoidable deaths do occur. If this should happen to one of your family members you may be entitled to claim for compensation.
To do so, you must be able to prove negligence. All patients are owed a duty of care by medical practitioners and healthcare organisations, to ensure that they are treated in a safe and professional manner. Failing to meet this duty is usually a result of an error (such as an incorrect diagnosis or treatment) or an omission (such as failing to carry out necessary checks or tests) on the part of a practitioner.
Common examples include:
- Inaccurate or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Incorrect prescription of medication
Who can claim for a fatal medical mistake?
There are limits on who can claim compensation following a fatal medical mistake. Claimants can include:
- Immediate family, such as a spouse or child of the deceased
- A civil partner of the deceased who lived with them for at least two years prior to their death
- Other family members such as siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews or cousins
- Adopted children or anyone else considered by the deceased as a child in their family
- The deceased’s estate can bring a claim, which would be handled by their executors
How much compensation might I receive for a fatal medical mistake?
The amount of compensation you receive very much depends on your specific circumstances. That’s why we recommend that you get in touch with us promptly so that we can discuss the full details of your case. If necessary, we can involve independent medical specialists to support your claim for compensation.
Do I have a valid claim for compensation?
If you can answer yes to all three of the following questions, we recommend that you contact us to discuss your circumstances further:
- Was the negligent treatment within the last three years?
- Was someone else to blame for the death?
- Was the death a direct result of the incident?
Answering ‘yes’ to all three doesn’t mean that a successful claim is certain. However, these questions are key to the claims process. Answering yes to all three does indicate that you have a greater chance of being entitled to claim. Getting prompt, specialist legal advice could be beneficial.
Because of the three-year time limit, it’s important that you contact us promptly so that we can start the process for you.
How do I begin a compensation claim for a fatal medical mistake?
Call us on 0208 1111 911 or contact us through the website and we’ll discuss your circumstances with you. The first call typically takes about 15 minutes and in that time we can usually determine whether or not it’s realistic to pursue a claim for compensation.
