Suing the NHS

[Rob17896]

Would you sue them for medical negligence?

In a massive organisation where thousands of human judgements are made every day under time pressure there are going to be mistakes. Àdmitting them is a legal issue. It is a tough one. Depends on the circumstances and long term consequence for the patient. Really hard one to judge

 

[Del-boy]

I think it would depend on the circumstances. Doctors and nurses are humans, mistakes happen.

I know legal action against the NHS can take years though.

 

[COYBL25]

I think it would depend on the circumstances. Doctors and nurses are humans, mistakes happen.

I know legal action against the NHS can take years though.

One of the reasons it takes so long, is amongst other things, it suits the Solicitors who specialise in " Med Neg " for it to be drawn out.

Every single thing from letters, to phone calls generates income for them.

If a Med Neg Solicitors firm can win a big "class action Med Neg " it can make the partners rich for life.

Someone has to represent the victims, but some of the firms involved in this field of law, aren`t really much better than the " where there`s a blame " mob.

 

[nsno-chris]

Gross negligence, yes

Because your obese son had his free gastric band surgery cancelled for the 10th time, no

 

[Deleted member 28206]

I’m conscious there are some sensitive issues, I appreciate your careful responses.

 

[bigbadjeff]

Not going into details but 3 gps, an a&e doctor and ultrasound technician all failed to spot something which nearly killed me. Am on medication for life now. Went to a solicitor who’s first words were ‘ how deep are your pockets? This is the NHS you are taking on it could cost you thousands and there’s no guarantee you’ll win ‘

 

[orly]

No, I didnt.

It's a tough one. Two friends of mine tragically lost their little boy due to individual and systemic errors. Pursuing the case was the only way to get a public apology and acknowledgement (plus subsequent review). There's an argument it can save others. Hand in hand with that goes the financial claim. It doesn't bring the lad back though...

I could have sued them twice, possibly 3 times over the years. I've always thought that doing so would be morally wrong. It doesn't help when you're sitting in A&E and all the advertisements on the walls are from ambulance chasing solicitors who specialise in medical negligence.

All fair, but if you take this position on it you should also inform the relevant statutory regulator to protect other patients.