Medical Defense Union suggests solicitors are the reason for the rise in Medical Negligence complaints

Earlier this month, the Medical Defense Union, an organisation that defends the reputation of health care professionals, released a report which speculated on the primary reason for the steady growth in medical negligence complaints. The MDU suspects that the current no win no fee policy offered by clinical negligence solicitors is a key factor in the increase in medical negligence complaints.

The MDU’s head of claims, Jill Hardings, commented “While we have been aware of the increasing number of claims, we cannot know all the reasons behind the individual patient’s decision to bring a claim after an adverse event.” Harding comments on what she believes to be reasons for the growth in medical negligence complaints. “The availability of the no win no fee by soliciting firms encourages individuals to take legal action with no financial risk. “Harding also adds, “The current economic climate may also be a contributing factor for the increase in medical negligence claims.”

If that is so then it is nothing but a good thing and a sign that society is prepared to support those who are concerned they have been injured by negligent medical treatment says Richard Money-Kyrle, a medical negligence solicitor at Darbys Solicitors.

Patients tend only to turn to the legal profession when there has been a complete breakdown of communication with the treating medical professionals or when there has been a serious life changing injury.

A legal system which allows patients to investigate their care with the help of independent medical experts and a society which allows injured patients to keep all of their compensation should be encouraged.

The Government’s intention to change a system which is now working for patients is deplorable. Evidence shows that medical professionals and defence organizations are starting to accept responsibility for their mistakes at an early stage and so keep legal costs to a minimum. The planned changes to the system will replace it with one which requires the injured patient to lose some of his necessary compensation and prevent patients being able to afford to take their complaints through the Courts.

According to numerous studies, failures in communication between health care professionals and their patients is a significant factor in a patient’s decision to make a medical negligence claim. It is by concentrating on treatment, explanation, and relationship that the costs to individuals, the NHS, and public at large of medical negligence mistakes can be reduced. Not by penalising the patient who has received negligent medical treatment.

If you have been a victim of medical negligence and require advice regarding your claim or would like further information, please contact Darbys Solicitors LLP. Darbys Solicitors is a UK leading firm with expert solicitors that provide broad range of legal services. Please visit the company’s dedicated medical negligence website: http://www.darbysmedicalnegligence.co.uk/index.html or phone 0800 524 4349.

Contact Information

Richard Money-Kyle

Medical Negligence Solicitor

Darbys Solicitors

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