Experiencing illness or injury is stressful enough without having to worry about mistakes in medical treatment. Yet, for some people, errors made by doctors, nurses or other healthcare professionals can cause more harm than the original condition itself. This is known as medical negligence, and if it has affected you or someone you love, you may be entitled to take legal action.
In this blog, we explain what medical negligence means, how it can affect patients, and what steps you can take if you believe your care was not up to standard. Whether you are based in Morecambe or elsewhere in the North West, this guide will help you understand your legal rights as a patient.
Defining medical negligence
Medical negligence refers to situations where a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, and that failure leads to injury, harm, or the worsening of a condition. It is not just about something going wrong but about whether the outcome was avoidable and caused by substandard care.
To bring a claim, your solicitor will need to show:
- A duty of care existed between you and the medical professional
- That duty was breached through poor treatment or mistakes
- The breach directly caused injury or loss
It is important to note that not every poor outcome qualifies as negligence. The treatment must be proven to have fallen below the level that a competent professional would reasonably be expected to provide.
Real-life examples of medical negligence
There are many ways negligence can occur in a clinical setting. Some common examples include:
- Failure to diagnose a condition or the wrong illness
- Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong area
- Prescribing incorrect medication or dosage errors
- Inadequate monitoring after procedures
- Neglect during childbirth, which can affect both the mother and baby
- Lack of informed consent, where a patient was not properly told about the risks of a procedure
Each case is different, and negligence can occur at GP surgeries, hospitals, care homes, and even during cosmetic treatments.
The effects of poor medical treatment
When healthcare goes wrong, the consequences can be serious. Some patients experience additional pain, delayed treatment or even long-term disabilities. Others may be left unable to work or face the cost of extra care and support. In the most severe cases, negligent treatment can result in death, leaving families with grief and unanswered questions.
Aside from the physical damage, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Patients often feel confused, angry or mistrustful towards the healthcare system. Pursuing a legal claim can help bring clarity, accountability, and, often, financial support for your recovery.
Your rights as a patient in Morecambe and beyond
If you are treated by a healthcare provider in the UK, whether through the NHS or a private clinic, you are legally entitled to a certain standard of care. You also have the right to make a complaint, access your medical records and seek compensation if you have been harmed due to negligence.
These rights are protected under UK law, and you are not expected to face the system alone. A solicitor with experience in medical negligence will be able to assess your case and advise you on the next steps.
Building a strong claim for compensation
Bringing a claim involves more than just proving something went wrong. You must show that the care you received directly caused your injury and that it had a measurable impact on your life. This can be a complicated process, but your solicitor will support you throughout.
The typical process involves:
- Obtaining your medical records to assess what happened
- Instructing medical experts to provide independent opinions
- Gathering evidence of how your life has been affected
- Calculating financial losses, such as lost earnings or treatment costs
- Negotiating with the other party or pursuing court proceedings if necessary
Every case is assessed on its individual merits. A well-prepared claim with expert evidence will carry more weight during negotiations.
How much compensation could you receive?
The amount of compensation awarded depends on the severity of the harm and how it affects your daily life. Broadly speaking, the payment will reflect:
- Pain and suffering caused by the negligent treatment
- Loss of earnings, especially if you have had to stop working
- Costs of further treatment or rehabilitation
- Home adaptations or care support, if needed long-term
- Emotional distress or loss of quality of life
An experienced solicitor will help you understand what you may be entitled to and how long the process might take. Most claims are resolved through negotiation rather than going to court.
How long do you have to make a claim?
In England and Wales, the usual time limit for starting a medical negligence claim is three years. This period begins either:
- On the date the negligence occurred, or
- When you first became aware that your injury was caused by negligent care
There are exceptions. For example, if the injured person is under 18, the three-year limit starts on their 18th birthday. If the person lacks mental capacity, the time limit may not apply until or unless their capacity returns.
Acting quickly helps protect your right to claim and makes it easier to gather strong evidence.
Why patients in Morecambe choose Marley Solicitors
At Marley Solicitors, we understand how distressing it can be when medical treatment goes wrong. Based near Morecambe, our team has helped many local clients who were affected by clinical negligence.
We offer:
- Clear, compassionate advice from your first enquiry
- Specialist legal support from experienced solicitors
- A no win, no fee approach, so there is no upfront cost to start your case
- Local knowledge, giving you access to the support you need close to home
We treat every case with care, and we believe that patients deserve answers and accountability. If you think your medical care was unacceptable, we are here to help you explore your options and seek the justice you deserve.
Taking the first step
If you are unsure whether what happened to you counts as medical negligence, the best thing to do is speak to a solicitor. An initial conversation can provide clarity and direction, even if you decide not to pursue a claim.
You may want to:
- Gather your medical records
- Keep a written account of what happened
- Note any financial losses or additional support needs
- Reach out to a legal expert for advice
You don’t have to face this alone. Support is available, and understanding your rights is the first step toward resolution.
Contact our medical negligence solicitors in Morecambe
At Marley Solicitors, we are proud to serve individuals and families across Morecambe and the wider Lancashire area. If you believe you have received negligent medical care, we can offer honest advice, legal expertise and dedicated representation.
Get in touch today to arrange a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you move forward with confidence.
