Date published: 16th October 2014

Claiming compensation 

“At Jackson Lees, you can be assured we have the experience and expertise to deal with the most catastrophic of injuries,” commented Fiona, a Solicitor in the Clinical Negligence department at Jackson Lees. “The NHS is not a soft touch, neither are the lawyers they instruct to defend these cases. If you don’t instruct solicitors with the level of experience and expertise that we have, you run the risk of your case failing (when it should not) or being under-compensated.”

Although the aim is to recover maximum compensation, it’s not about money, it’s about ensuring you or your loved one is looked after to a high standard for the rest of their lives. This is something which gives families great peace of mind.

Fiona went on to say “We are continually humbled by the dedication we see from families, particularly partners and parents who give such devoted care under demanding circumstances, often with little help from the state.”

As we all know, budgets are continually being cut and it is a horrible irony that the most in need have to fight for services. You may have seen in the press stories of big payouts from the NHS, which although no doubt factually correct, are misleading. No one should be put off from consulting a Solicitor if they have a niggle or a doubt that they or their child may have suffered injury because of an avoidable mistake.

It is the right of the injured person to be compensated. If you are a carer, it is your right to recover payment for the care and expenses you have incurred because of your loved one’s additional needs. You may have had to give up work.

What are the injured person’s needs?

We obtain reports from various independent experts who will identify what needs are required. Listed below are some examples of the typical needs which are met by a successful claim where someone has suffered a catastrophic injury:

  1. Adapted accommodation for the client and their family and carers (possibly including therapy/multi-sensory room and large bathroom with spa bath and wet room)
  2. Specialist aids and equipment including high specification wheelchair and replacements
  3. Specially adapted vehicle and replacements
  4. Technology aids
  5. Professional 24 hour care
  6. Occupational Therapy
  7. Speech and Language Therapy
  8. Physiotherapy
  9. Psychological therapy
  10. Educational needs
  11. Costs of a Case Manager who will source and manage all the above
  12. Costs of employing a Professional Deputy to manage the funds

We also recover damages for the injury itself known as “general damages” which aim to provide compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and may also be able to recover for loss of notional earnings where appropriate.

Jackson Lees have over 20 years’ experience of dealing with Clinical Negligence casesWith a team of Solicitors and Paralegals as well as staff with clinical qualifications, including a former Doctor, two nurses, a former midwife and a former practice nurse whom has a high level of experience in acute and respiratory medicine. Together we handle claims throughout the North West and beyond, priding ourselves on rigorous investigation and attention to detail, whilst treating our clients with the sensitivity that their cases demand.

To discuss your Clinical Negligence claim, you can contact our Liverpool and Wirral experts. Please click here for a call back or message us your enquiry.