When you go to a hospital in Stockport, you place trust in the doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who care for you. Most of the time, patients receive the treatment they need and recover well. However, mistakes can happen, and when those mistakes fall below the expected standard of care, the result is medical negligence. The consequences can be life changing, leaving patients with injuries, prolonged illness, or even permanent disability.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence in a Stockport hospital, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Understanding what counts as negligence, how claims are assessed, and the process involved can help you take informed steps towards securing justice.
What is medical negligence?
Medical negligence occurs when healthcare professionals fail in their duty of care and cause harm that could have been avoided with proper treatment. This is more than just an unfortunate outcome or a treatment that did not work as hoped. To qualify as negligence, the care provided must fall below the standard expected of a competent medical professional in the same situation.
Examples of medical negligence in Stockport hospitals can include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis that leads to harm
- Surgical errors, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving instruments inside the patient
- Incorrect medication or dosage being administered
- Inadequate monitoring of patients during treatment or recovery
- Failure to obtain informed consent before carrying out procedures
- Poor infection control resulting in preventable illness
These failings can take place in both emergency care and routine treatment. In each case, the impact on patients and their families can be profound.
The duty of care in Stockport hospitals
Hospitals in Stockport, whether NHS or private, owe every patient a duty of care. This means they must act in a way that protects your health and wellbeing, providing treatment that meets professional standards. If they fall short of this duty, and avoidable harm results, they may be legally liable.
It is important to recognise that not every poor outcome is negligence. For example, some illnesses may not respond to treatment, or risks may arise even with the best care. A solicitor specialising in medical negligence can assess whether your situation is likely to qualify as a valid claim.
Proving a medical negligence claim
Medical negligence claims are often complex. To succeed, you need to prove two things:
- That the care you received fell below the accepted standard
- That this failure directly caused harm or worsened your condition
This usually requires expert medical evidence. Independent professionals can review your records and provide an opinion on whether the treatment was negligent and how it affected your health.
Key evidence in a medical negligence claim may include:
- Medical records from your treatment
- Expert witness reports from independent specialists
- Testimony from family members about the impact of the negligence
- Documentation of financial losses, such as missed work or treatment costs
Types of harm caused by medical negligence
The harm caused by medical negligence can vary widely in severity. Examples include:
- Extended pain and suffering due to delayed treatment
- Worsening of conditions that could have been controlled with earlier intervention
- Permanent disability caused by surgical mistakes
- Psychological trauma from inadequate care or serious errors
- In the most tragic cases, loss of life
Compensation aims to address both the physical and emotional consequences of negligence, as well as the financial impact on you and your family.
How much compensation could you receive?
The value of a medical negligence claim depends on the circumstances of the case. Factors considered include:
- The severity of the injury or illness caused by negligence
- The extent of pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of earnings if you cannot work or have reduced capacity
- Costs of ongoing medical treatment, care, or rehabilitation
- Adaptations to your home or lifestyle needs
Every case is different, and compensation is assessed individually. A solicitor can give you a clearer indication of what your claim might be worth once they have reviewed your situation.
Time limits for making a medical negligence claim
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligence, or from when you first realised harm was caused, to start a claim. If the negligence affected a child, the three-year period begins on their 18th birthday.
It is always advisable to seek advice as soon as possible. Medical records and witness recollections are easier to gather while events are still fresh.
The claims process
Making a medical negligence claim involves several key stages:
- Initial consultation – A solicitor reviews your situation and advises whether you may have a valid claim
- Gathering evidence – Medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements are collected
- Pre-action protocol – A letter of claim is sent to the hospital setting out the details of negligence
- Response from the hospital – The hospital may admit fault or dispute the claim
- Negotiation – If liability is accepted, negotiations take place to agree on compensation
- Court proceedings – If no agreement is reached, the case may go to court for a decision
While some cases do reach trial, many are settled before this stage.
Local context: Medical negligence in Stockport
Stockport is served by Stepping Hill Hospital, as well as private clinics and specialist healthcare providers. Like any busy healthcare setting, errors can occur when staff are under pressure. Whether your treatment took place in emergency care, a surgical ward, or an outpatient clinic, you are entitled to expect a safe and professional standard of service.
Understanding the local healthcare system and how it operates helps solicitors build stronger cases. A Stockport-based legal team will also be familiar with the typical procedures and complaints processes in local hospitals.
FAQs
Can I still claim if the hospital apologised?
Yes, an apology does not prevent you from making a claim. Compensation is designed to address the harm caused and the financial impact, not just to recognise fault.
What if my condition was already serious before the negligence occurred?
You may still have a claim if negligent treatment made your condition worse or reduced your chances of recovery. The claim would focus on the additional harm caused, rather than the underlying illness alone.
Speak to Marley Solicitors about medical negligence in Stockport hospitals
If you or a loved one has been affected by medical negligence in a Stockport hospital, you do not need to deal with the situation alone. Marley Solicitors can provide clear, compassionate advice tailored to your case. We understand how stressful medical negligence can be, and we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Our team has experience handling claims for patients in Stockport and across Greater Manchester. We can guide you through every stage of the process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with hospital representatives.
Contact Marley Solicitors today to discuss your medical negligence claim in confidence and take the first step towards securing justice and financial support after treatment in Stockport hospitals.
