At Marley Solicitors, we are committed to supporting individuals in Rye who have experienced negligent medical treatment. If you or a loved one has suffered due to substandard healthcare, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding your rights and how to make a claim is the first step toward achieving justice and financial recovery.
This blog post explains what negligent treatment is, how it affects patients, the process of making a claim, and how our experienced solicitors in Rye can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What is negligent treatment?
Negligent treatment, often referred to as medical negligence or clinical negligence, occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide care that meets acceptable standards, resulting in harm to the patient. This could involve errors in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, aftercare, or the management of a medical condition.
Examples of negligent treatment include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical mistakes
- Incorrect medication or dosage
- Failure to obtain informed consent
- Inadequate postoperative care
- Birth injuries
- Delayed referral to a specialist
Not all medical errors count as negligence. To bring a successful claim, it must be shown that the care provided fell below the standard expected of a competent professional and that this failure directly caused harm.
Why people in Rye seek compensation for medical negligence
Medical negligence can have serious and lasting consequences. For people in Rye and the surrounding areas, the impact of negligent treatment can range from physical pain and disability to emotional distress, financial loss, and a reduced quality of life.
Compensation is not just about money. It is also about holding healthcare providers accountable, helping patients access specialist care, and making it easier to rebuild their lives. In many cases, financial compensation can help with:
- Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Loss of earnings and future income
- Care and assistance at home
- Specialist equipment or adaptations
- Travel expenses
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
Our Rye-based solicitors work with medical experts and experienced legal professionals to ensure every aspect of your case is considered.
Who can make a negligent treatment claim?
Anyone who has suffered harm due to negligent medical treatment may be eligible to make a claim. This includes patients treated by the NHS or private healthcare providers. If the person affected has died or is unable to claim due to mental incapacity, a close family member or legal representative may be able to bring a claim on their behalf.
Children who suffer negligent treatment can also be represented by a parent or guardian. In these cases, claims can usually be made up until the child’s 18th birthday, after which they have three years to take legal action.
Is there a time limit to claim compensation?
In most cases, a claim for negligent treatment must be brought within three years of the date of the incident or the date you became aware that your injury was caused by negligent care. This is known as the “date of “.
There are some exceptions to this rule, including:
- Claims on behalf of children (time limit starts at age 18)
- Claims for individuals who lack mental capacity (no time limit until or unless capacity is regained)
- Claims where the injury was discovered much later
Even if you are unsure whether you are still within the time limit, we encourage you to speak with our team in Rye as soon as possible.
How the compensation claim process works
At Marley Solicitors, we guide clients through every stage of the claim process. We understand that pursuing legal action can feel daunting, particularly when you are already dealing with the consequences of a medical injury. Our team ensures your claim is handled with care, sensitivity, and professionalism.
- Free initial consultation
We offer a no-obligation consultation to assess your case. During this meeting, we will listen to your experience, discuss the details, and advise on whether we believe you have a valid claim. - Gathering evidence
If we take on your case, we will start collecting relevant medical records, statements, and expert opinions to support your claim. This evidence is essential in proving both negligence and the harm you suffered as a result. - Medical expert review
Independent medical experts will review the care you received and provide reports on whether it fell below an acceptable standard and whether this led to your injury. - Notifying the defendant
We will send a formal letter of claim to the healthcare provider responsible, setting out the allegations and giving them an opportunity to respond. - Negotiation and settlement
Many claims are settled without going to court. We will negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible outcome. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to represent you in court.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Rye?
When it comes to medical negligence claims, experience matters. Marley Solicitors has built a strong reputation for achieving positive outcomes for clients across Rye and the wider region. Here are just a few reasons why individuals and families trust us with their claims:
- Local knowledge: Our team understands the unique needs of Rye residents and the healthcare landscape in the area.
- Specialist expertise: We focus on complex medical negligence claims and work with top medical experts to strengthen your case.
- Compassionate service: We know how deeply personal these cases can be. Our approach is always sensitive, confidential, and respectful.
- No win, no fee: Most of our claims are handled on a conditional fee basis, meaning you only pay legal costs if your claim is successful.
- Clear communication: We keep you informed at every stage, with straightforward advice and honest expectations.
Common questions about negligent treatment compensation
Can I claim against the NHS?
Yes. The NHS is one of the largest healthcare providers in the UK, and unfortunately, mistakes do occur. If you received negligent treatment from an NHS hospital, GP, or another NHS service, you may be entitled to claim compensation through NHS Resolution, the organisation that handles such claims.
Will filing a claim impact my continued medical care?
Your legal claim should not affect the care you receive. NHS and private healthcare providers are legally required to treat all patients fairly and professionally. If you have concerns, we can advise you on how to navigate the process while maintaining access to necessary care.
What if I am not sure whether it was negligence?
You do not need to be certain before speaking to a solicitor. Part of our job is to help assess whether your situation qualifies as medical negligence. If you have doubts about the care you received and believe it led to harm, we recommend getting in touch.
How much compensation can I receive?
The amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of the injury, its impact on your life, and any financial losses you have incurred. Claims may range from several thousand pounds for minor issues to hundreds of thousands (or more) for serious, life-changing injuries. Our team in Rye will work to accurately calculate your damages and pursue the maximum amount you are entitled to.
Take the next step with Marley Solicitors
If you believe you have suffered as a result of negligent medical treatment, do not suffer in silence. Our team of expert solicitors in Rye is here to help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve. We offer compassionate legal guidance, clear communication, and strong representation throughout your case.
To arrange a free consultation or to find out more about how we can help with negligent treatment claims in Rye, contact Marley Solicitors today. Let us support you on the road to recovery.