Nationwide — If you have suffered injuries or loss as a result of someone’s negligence, you should pursue a claim to get compensation. To get compensation, you will have to prove that the other party did something wrong and that it is as a result of their negligence that you sustained the injuries. For negligence that resulted in the death of a loved one, you can pursue the case on their behalf. If the case is successful, you can be awarded both general and special damages. This article highlights three steps to consider when seeking compensation in 2019.
Have a Record
The first thing you should do is ensure you have a record of everything that happened that led to your injuries, or the injuries or death of a loved one. Write down details about the treatment and anything the doctors and other professionals said to you. It’s easy to forget things, especially when you are traumatised by an incident. Therefore, don’t assume you will remember – write them all down. The more comprehensive your record is, the easier it will be to prove negligence. If you have any receipts or written communication from the health professionals, or from the hospital, keep them safe as well.
Talk to a Medical Negligence Solicitor
Before you take any action, ask for advice and direction from a medical negligence solicitor. Compensation cases, especially medical ones, tend to be complicated because you are dealing with two industries. For you to win, you will require a great understanding of medical codes as well as legal procedures for pursuing claims. This is why most patients are advised to work with reputable and experienced medical professionals who have an in-depth understanding of the two.
When you choose to work with a solicitor, they will take up your case and gather all the evidence you need to prove negligence. Examples include test results, medical records, medical codes of practice, professional medical opinions, witness statements and guidelines from independent bodies.
Out of Court and In Court Settlement
After gathering the evidence, the next step is to prove negligence and get compensation. Another benefit of working with an experienced solicitor is that they can do this on your behalf. Also, an experienced solicitor will be in a position to identify the fairest compensation amount. Compensation for each case will be different. For instance, according to www.the-medical-negligence-experts.co.uk, compensation for a cerebral palsy claim should take into account physiotherapy and occupational therapy, special education costs, mobility aids and lost earnings if the parent has to quit work to become a caregiver, among many others.
When seeking compensation for medical negligence, note that you have to do it within three years from the date the incident occurred. After the three years, exceptions can only be given for children taking up the claim themselves, or for those who discovered the harm caused long after the negligence. Therefore, get started with your case as soon as possible. Finally, don’t forget to take good care of yourself or your loved one as you wait for the outcome.