When we visit a doctor, hospital, or healthcare professional, we place enormous trust in their expertise. Most of the time, this trust is well-founded. But sometimes mistakes happen, and can have devastating consequences. Medical negligence can leave patients in Blackburn facing long-term health problems, emotional distress, and financial hardship.
Should poor medical care cause you or a loved one to suffer, you may have the right to pursue a compensation claim. Marley Solicitors represent clients across Blackburn and Lancashire, offering clear guidance and strong support in the complex area of medical negligence law.
What is medical negligence?
Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional provides treatment that falls below the expected standard and that failure causes harm to the patient. It is not enough to prove that something went wrong; it must be shown that the care was substandard and that this directly led to your injury or worsening condition.
Examples of medical negligence include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of serious conditions
- Surgical mistakes, such as leaving equipment inside a patient
- Medication errors, including wrong dosage or incorrect drugs
- Failure to obtain informed consent before a procedure
- Negligent antenatal, childbirth, or postnatal care
- Poor infection control leading to hospital-acquired illnesses
These mistakes can happen in GP surgeries, NHS hospitals, private clinics, or care homes across Blackburn and the surrounding area.
How medical negligence affects patients
The impact of medical negligence can be life-changing. For some, it may mean a longer recovery or avoidable pain. For others, it can result in permanent disability, loss of independence, or even the death of a loved one. The consequences often go far beyond the initial error:
- Patients may need additional surgery, rehabilitation, or medication.
- Families may face the emotional toll of supporting a relative through long-term illness.
- Individuals may lose income if they are unable to return to work.
- The financial costs of adapting a home or paying for private treatment can quickly escalate.
Compensation cannot undo the harm caused, but it can provide practical support to help rebuild your life.
Proving medical negligence
Medical negligence claims are often complex, requiring careful evidence and expert input. To prove a claim, three key points must be established:
- Duty of care – The medical professional or institution owed you a duty of care.
- Breach of duty – The treatment you received fell below the expected standard.
- Causation – This breach directly caused your injury or worsened your condition.
Independent medical experts are usually involved in giving their opinions on whether the care was negligent. Marley Solicitors handle these investigations, guiding you through the process step by step.
Time limits for bringing a claim
In most medical negligence cases, you have three years from the date of the negligence, or from the date you first realised that negligence had occurred, to start a claim. For children, the time limit runs from their 18th birthday, and there are exceptions for those lacking mental capacity.
It is always best to seek advice as soon as possible. Acting early means evidence is fresher, records are easier to obtain, and your solicitor has more time to build a strong case.
Types of compensation available
Compensation in medical negligence claims is designed to cover both the suffering caused and the financial impact. It usually includes:
- General damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Special damages for financial losses such as lost income, travel expenses, care costs, and future treatment.
For example, a Blackburn resident who suffers a delayed cancer diagnosis might receive general damages for the avoidable suffering, plus special damages to cover lost earnings and the cost of additional private treatment.
Common examples in Blackburn and Lancashire
Medical negligence can happen in any setting, from GP surgeries to large hospitals. In Blackburn, cases have included:
- Misdiagnosis of serious illnesses at local clinics, delaying urgent treatment.
- Surgical errors at regional hospitals requiring further corrective operations.
- Mistakes in maternity care leading to injuries for both mothers and newborns.
- Neglect in residential care homes causing avoidable harm to elderly residents.
These examples highlight how varied negligence cases can be, and why specialist legal advice is essential.
The claims process
Bringing a medical negligence claim typically involves:
- Initial consultation – We discuss your experience and assess whether you may have a valid claim.
- Investigation – Medical records are obtained, and independent experts are instructed to review your treatment.
- Letter of claim – A formal letter is sent to the healthcare provider, outlining the allegations of negligence.
- Response – The healthcare provider must reply, either admitting or denying fault.
- Resolution – Many claims are settled through negotiation. If not, proceedings can be issued in court.
Throughout, Marley Solicitors ensure you are kept informed and supported at every stage.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Blackburn?
Medical negligence cases require not only legal expertise but also compassion and understanding. Clients in Blackburn choose Marley Solicitors because we provide:
- A local service with strong knowledge of Lancashire healthcare providers
- Clear, jargon-free explanations of complex legal issues
- Experience across a wide range of negligence claims, from minor errors to life-changing injuries
- A commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for every client
We understand the strain that medical mistakes place on individuals and families, and we are here to ease that burden.
FAQs
How long will a medical negligence claim take?
The time varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether the healthcare provider admits fault. Some claims may be resolved in months, while others can take years. We will keep you updated throughout.
Can I claim on behalf of someone else?
Yes. If the person affected is a child, lacks mental capacity, or has died as a result of negligence, you may be able to bring a claim on their behalf.
Take action today
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence in Blackburn, do not face it alone. Marley Solicitors can provide the legal expertise and local support you need to pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact our team today to discuss your situation. With our knowledge of Blackburn and our dedication to helping clients rebuild after medical mistakes, you can move forward with confidence knowing your case is in safe hands.
