The Medical Defence Union say that claims against doctors has seen an unprecedented increase.
Claims against GPs have seen a significant increase and there has been a 56% increase in disciplinary cases against health professionals in hospitals and primary care sectors.
A sign that standards are deteriorating in medical care?
No, say the Medical Defence Union – they prefer to blame medical negligence lawyers and the existence of no win no fee arrangements that ensure patients have the option to bring claims.
Swain & Co. think that the statistics speak for themselves. Claims are up and the focus of the Medical Defence Union and health professionals should be on why and what to do, not seek to limit the ability to bring claims, but to prevent medical mistakes.
No patient or their family wants to be in receipt of a multi-million pound settlement from a hospital or NHS Trust, as this usually represents the need for lifelong care which likely follows severe brain injury and/or paralysis.
All too often these settlements are referred to like lottery wins, when in fact they represent devastated lives and severe medical negligence injuries.
There is a rise in claims against doctors because people are being injured and their lives affected.
If no win no fee arrangements were not available then the vast majority of patients that are injured could not bring claims against doctors or other health care organisations and professionals. The aim of no win no fee is to ensure that an organisation, such as an NHS trust, can be made accountable and that lack of funds will not prevent someone from bringing a valid claim.
Lawyers will only take cases with reasonable prospects of success.
Patients who wish to bring claims against doctors need the help and support of medical negligence lawyers as claims are extremely complex and technical.
In a democratic and free society people injured through no fault of their own should be able bring a claim.
If you have suffered as a result of medical negligence, then speak to Swain & Co. today. We can help you bring a claim to get the answers you need and the accountability for the injuries or suffering you have sustained.
We offer free initial advice to discuss the potential of bringing a claim as well as the funding options available, such as no win no fee and legal aid.
So call us for free on 0800 0351 999