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‘Clinical’ or medical negligence is a term used to describe a scenario where your treatment or surgery has caused you harm. If your medical practitioner can be shown to be guilty of poor practice then you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries.

Many procedures will routinely bring up complications – such as major heart surgery. However, even minor surgeries can include complications and you may be asked to sign a waiver saying that you accept certain complications can occur and are not necessarily the fault of the medical practitioner. Medical negligence is not an unavoidable complication but something that happens when proper standards of care are lacking.

Clinical negligence can also occur through inaction. If a doctor fails to make a proper diagnosis or give you treatment and you suffer as a result, then you may have a case. It can also be applied in cases where you were not asked for your consent before the administering of a certain treatment

If you can’t afford to pay for a medical negligence solicitor, there are other options that you have. The UK government now offers less legal aid to those in need than it has in the past but it’s always worth checking in with your local advice bureau to see what you’re entitled to. You might also be entitled to help from your trade union. Your claim might also be covered via an insurance policy so make sure that you check your plan.

Another option is to look for ‘no win no fee’ agreements with lawyers. However these cases usually require really strong evidence before lawyers will take them on. This might work out pricey as you will have to spend a lot of money on collecting evidence before you can bring the case.

Medical lawsuits are certainly stressful, but a bit of careful financial planning will help with the overall stress of bringing such a case to court. Make sure that debt is not added to your pile of worries!