When you have to be in hospital, whether due to an accident or an illness, expecting professional and expert treatment is your right. Medical care in the UK, either through the NHS or other medical professionals, mainly delivers great experiences to patients.
Medical negligence, however, is an unfortunate situation that can occur when something goes wrong, often resulting in lasting effects to those affected. In extreme cases, medical negligence resulting in death can be severely traumatic for families.
What is Considered a Fatal Medical Accident?
Medical negligence can be represented in many different ways, as the complexities of medical care can be fatal for some patients and not for others. Although some rarer causes of medical negligence can occur, there are some common issues that arise:
- Surgical errors such as the unintentional organ perforation (which typically leads to bleeding or organ failure)
- Mistaken or slow reaction to critical medical situations
- Delayed diagnosis of potentially fatal conditions, such as sepsis or cancer
- Incorrect aftercare or undertaking of cosmetic procedures leading to death
- Incorrect prescription of medication
Fatal Medical Accidents Compensation Claims
There are a few different, general categories associated with medical negligence resulting in death. Both the severity and the circumstances of the medical situation will be the determining factors in the amount awarded. Expert medical negligence claims professionals will help advise you about which main category your claim falls under:
- Vicarious liability. This refers to cases in which a claim is made against an organisation, often regarding to institutional failure.
- Comparative negligence. In these cases, the victim of fatal medical negligence is found partly responsible for the events leading to their death.
- Contributory negligence. In these cases, unfortunately, the victim is found to be responsible for their death due to failing to follow medical instructions. Compensation isn’t attributed.
- Gross negligence. Considered to be the most serious category of negligence, medical professionals can lose their medical license. In these cases, they are found to have ignored protocols and rules, resulting in the patient’s death.
Who Can Claim a Fatal Medical Accident?
Dependants and family members can potentially file a claim, in which your legal representative will aid you. You will also be advised on how to receive the full compensation for expenses and costs related to suffering, pain, and trauma that the negligence caused. Medical expenses such as those incurred before, during, and after the victim’s death and funeral expenses are also examples of what can be claimed.
Losing someone close to you can be traumatic, especially if you believe that their death could have been avoided. Making a claim will help you alleviate any financial difficulties that were caused through gross negligence.
Should you be thinking of taking legal action about a fatal medical negligence case, our experts are here to advise you in a compassionate and caring way. Our no win no fee policy guarantees that you have no extra expenses. Simply get in touch with our team on 01772 562084 to know more.