Mercury Legal calls for clampdown on medical negligence as compensation pay-outs soar
(PRWEB UK) 24 September 2013 -- Personal injury firm Mercury Legal Solicitors is calling for a clampdown on medical negligence as worrying figures from the NHS Litigation Authority show health trusts in London paid out damages totalling £172 million for such cases last year (i).
The figure is an increase from £166 million the year before and is accompanied by a rise in claims, which have increased from 1,123 to 1,211 in the past financial year.
These statistics cover 41 health trusts in London with an increase in medical negligence compensation pay-outs also seen elsewhere in the UK (ii).
More than half of the pay-outs in London were for mistakes made on overstretched maternity units. Hospitals and healthcare trusts settled £89 million in obstetrics claims, which includes cases where babies were left severely disabled at birth. Other cases include mistakes that have left patients disabled, misdiagnosis and cases where patients have died because of errors by hospital staff.
The figures also take into account lengthy legal battles that have been running for a number of years.
Chris Woods, Partner and Head of Medical Negligence at Mercury Legal Solicitors, said “These figures are very sad to see. Maternity units in particular have been issued a stark warning here and it is clear that these departments need to be reviewed as a priority.
“Hospitals and healthcare trusts are currently under immense pressures but patient safety must come first.”
i. standard.co.uk/news/health/nhs-pays-out-470000-a-day-for-medical-negligence-in-london-8811250.html 12 September 2013
ii. theargus.co.uk/news/10667355.__25m_compensation_paid_out_by_Sussex_Hospitals_in_one_year/?ref=nt 11 September 2013
About Mercury Legal:
Mercury Legal is a Personal Injury law firm specialising in compensation claims for clinical negligence, industrial disease, cosmetic surgery and accident claims.
About Chris Woods:
Chris Woods is a Partner at Mercury Legal and specialises in Medical and Clinical Negligence claims. As well as being the Head of Medical Negligence at Mercury Legal, Chris has also featured in the Daily Mail Online, The Mirror and The Post for recent issues and concerns around sunbed regulation.
Chris Woods, Gallium Legal LLP, http://www.compensation.co.uk, +44 8001223130, [email protected]
Share this article