If you or a loved one has suffered due to poor medical care in Frome, you may be entitled to compensation. At Marley Solicitors, we specialise in helping individuals and families affected by medical negligence hold responsible parties accountable. Our dedicated legal team understands the impact substandard care can have on your physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We are here to support you with expert legal advice and a compassionate approach throughout the claims process.
What is medical negligence?
Medical negligence, sometimes called clinical negligence, occurs when a healthcare professional fails in their duty of care, resulting in harm to the patient. This can take many forms, including misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, poor aftercare, and incorrect treatment. In legal terms, medical negligence involves two critical elements: a breach of duty by a medical professional and harm or injury that resulted directly from that breach.
Negligence can occur in NHS hospitals, private clinics, dental surgeries, GP practices, and even during mental health treatment or maternity care. If you suspect that your condition has worsened due to poor medical treatment in Frome, seeking legal advice early on is essential.
Examples of medical negligence claims
Medical negligence is a broad legal area. At Marley Solicitors, we have successfully handled a wide range of claims for clients in Frome and surrounding areas. Here are some common examples:
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
Failure to diagnose a condition correctly or promptly can lead to delayed treatment, complications, or, in severe cases, irreversible damage. This is particularly critical for illnesses, such as cancer, infections, or strokes, where timing is vital.
Surgical errors
Surgical negligence includes incidents where a procedure goes wrong, such as operating on the wrong body part, internal organ damage, or foreign objects being left inside the patient. Even minor errors during surgery can lead to serious infections, extended recovery times, and long-term health issues.
Prescription and medication mistakes
Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage can have dangerous, even fatal consequences. Other errors include failing to check a patient’s medical history for allergies or harmful drug interactions.
Birth injuries
Negligence during pregnancy or childbirth can result in serious harm to both mother and child. This might involve failure to monitor foetal distress, mishandling of delivery tools, or delays in performing a necessary caesarean section.
Dental negligence
Mistakes made by dental professionals can include nerve damage, unnecessary procedures, or failure to diagnose serious oral conditions. Marley Solicitors can also support clients in Frome with dental negligence claims.
Inadequate aftercare
Post-operative care is just as important as the procedure itself. Failing to monitor a patient’s recovery, missing signs of infection, or releasing a patient too soon can all be grounds for a claim.
Healthcare services in Frome
To enhance local relevance and demonstrate your connection to the area, it’s important to recognise the healthcare institutions serving the Frome community:
- Frome Community Hospital: Operated by the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, this hospital offers outpatient care, physiotherapy and minor injury services. While it is a vital resource for the local population, no facility is immune to errors.
- Frome Medical Practice: Located at the Frome Medical Centre on Enos Way, this large GP practice serves thousands of patients across the town and surrounding villages. Issues with diagnoses, referrals and prescriptions can all lead to potential negligence.
- Somerset NHS Foundation Trust: This trust oversees many healthcare services in the region, including Frome and surrounding towns. Cases of negligence involving community or mental health services may involve this trust.
- Frome Dental Access Centre: Located on Manor Road, this NHS dental clinic provides care for urgent and complex cases. Dental negligence can sometimes arise due to rushed or incorrect treatments.
These facilities strive to offer the highest standard of care, but mistakes can and do happen. When they do, it’s essential to know your rights and how to pursue compensation.
Who can bring a claim for medical negligence?
You may be eligible to file a claim if you meet the following criteria:
- Suffered physical or psychological harm due to substandard medical care
- Are the next of kin of someone who has passed away due to negligent treatment
- Are a legal guardian or parent acting on behalf of a child or person lacking capacity
Claims must typically be brought within three years of the incident or the date you first became aware that your injury was linked to negligent care. There are some exceptions for children and those who lack mental capacity, so it’s best to speak with a solicitor as soon as possible.
What you can claim for
Compensation for medical negligence is designed to put you back in the position you would have been in if the negligence had not occurred. A claim may include:
- General damages: For the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by the injury
- Special damages: For financial losses such as lost income, travel costs, private treatment or adaptations to your home
- Future losses: Including long-term care costs, rehabilitation or loss of future earnings
Every case is different, and compensation is calculated based on the specific impact the negligence has had on your life.
Our approach at Marley Solicitors
Marley Solicitors has built a strong reputation for successfully handling complex medical negligence claims. We are committed to supporting clients in Frome with:
- A free initial consultation: We offer a no-obligation assessment of your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
- A no win, no fee service: You won’t pay any legal fees unless your claim is successful, reducing the financial risk to you.
- Tailored legal advice: We take the time to understand your experience and tailor our advice to your circumstances.
- Expert medical opinions: We work with independent specialists who can provide evidence to support your case.
- Regular updates: We’ll keep you informed at every stage and explain the legal process in clear, straightforward language.
What is the process of making a claim?
The process for making a medical negligence claim with Marley Solicitors is simple and transparent:
- Initial consultation: We discuss your case in detail, reviewing your medical history and what happened.
- Case investigation: We gather evidence, including medical records and expert reports to support your claim.
- Letter of claim: A formal letter is sent to the healthcare provider, outlining your allegations and the impact of the negligence.
- Response: The provider must respond within a set timeframe, admitting or denying responsibility.
- Negotiation: If the other party accepts liability, we negotiate a fair settlement.
- Court proceedings (if necessary): If a settlement cannot be reached, we may issue court proceedings. Most claims settle before reaching trial.
We aim to resolve claims as efficiently and compassionately as possible, keeping your best interests at heart throughout.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim for a medical mistake in Frome?
Yes. If you received substandard treatment at a local hospital, GP surgery or dental clinic and suffered harm as a result, you may be entitled to make a medical negligence claim. The first step is to get in touch for a free consultation to discuss your circumstances.
How much compensation can I get for misdiagnosis?
The amount of compensation depends on the nature of the misdiagnosis, the harm it has caused, and how it has affected your quality of life. For example, failing to diagnose cancer early may result in significantly higher compensation than a minor condition. Our solicitors will assess your situation in full to give you an accurate estimate.
Speak to our medical negligence solicitors in Frome today
If you believe you have been the victim of medical negligence in Frome, do not suffer in silence. Our expert legal team at Marley Solicitors is ready to help you get the answers and compensation you deserve. We are proud to offer a free initial consultation and a no win, no fee service so you can pursue justice with confidence.
Contact Marley Solicitors today to speak with a specialist medical negligence solicitor who understands your local healthcare system and your legal rights.
