Experiencing poor medical treatments can be distressing, painful, and confusing. When a medical professional makes a mistake or fails in their duty of care, the consequences can have a lasting impact on your health, well-being, and finances. If you or a loved one has suffered because of substandard medical care in Brighton or anywhere in Sussex, Marley Solicitors can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of making a claim for medical negligence compensation.
What medical negligence means
Medical negligence occurs when a doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional provides treatment that falls below accepted standards and causes avoidable harm. This can happen in NHS hospitals, private clinics, GP practices, care homes or even during at-home care. Negligence does not mean that every mistake leads to a claim, but where the duty of care has been breached and you have suffered injury, illness or a worsening of your condition, you may be entitled to take legal action.
Examples of medical negligence cases
People often think of surgical errors when they hear the term ‘medical negligence’, but it covers a much wider range of situations. Common examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis that leads to a condition becoming more severe
- Errors during surgery or post-operative care resulting in injury or infection
- Medication mistakes, such as prescribing the wrong drug or dosage
- Birth injuries affecting mother or baby due to poor monitoring or delayed intervention
- Negligent dental work causing damage or prolonged pain
- Failure to obtain informed consent before treatment
- Inadequate follow-up care or poor record keeping that leads to complications
Each case is unique. What matters is whether the treatment you received fell below the expected standard and caused you harm that could have been avoided.
How making a claim can help you
A successful medical negligence claim can provide compensation to cover:
- Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
- Loss of earnings if you have had to take time off work
- Care costs and home adaptations if your injury has left you with additional needs
- Psychological support or therapy
Compensation cannot undo what has happened, but it can ease financial pressures, help you access better rehabilitation and hold healthcare providers accountable for failings.
Proving a medical negligence claim
Medical negligence claims rely on two key elements: breach of duty and causation. Breach of duty means showing that the care you received was below the standard expected of a competent professional in the same situation. Causation means proving that this substandard care directly caused or significantly contributed to your injury or worsening condition.
At Marley Solicitors, we work with independent medical experts who can review your records, assess the treatment you received, and provide professional opinions on whether your duty of care was breached. This evidence, combined with your own account and supporting documents, forms the basis of your claim.
Time limits for bringing a claim
In most cases you have three years from the date of the negligent treatment or from when you first realised that your injury or illness was linked to negligence to start your claim. For children, the time limit runs from their 18th birthday; the time limit might not be applicable until mental capacity is restored if it is lacking. It is always best to seek legal advice as soon as possible so that evidence can be gathered while it is still fresh.
Local insight in Brighton and Sussex
Brighton has several NHS and private healthcare facilities, from the Royal Sussex County Hospital to smaller specialist clinics and dental practices. While the vast majority of staff work hard to deliver excellent care, mistakes do happen. Our team has experience dealing with claims arising from treatments in local hospitals, GP surgeries, mental health services, and care homes across Brighton, Hove, and the wider Sussex area. We understand the local healthcare landscape and how to obtain the necessary records and expert input to progress your claim.
No win no fee medical negligence claims
Many people worry about the cost of taking legal action. At Marley Solicitors we offer no win no fee agreements for most medical negligence cases. This means you do not pay any legal fees upfront, and you only pay if your claim is successful. Our funding options will be explained clearly so you know exactly what to expect before proceeding.
Steps in the claims process
Although every case is different, the process usually follows these stages:
- Initial consultation – We discuss what happened, review your medical records where possible and advise on whether you have grounds for a claim.
- Funding and agreement – We set up a no win no fee agreement or other funding arrangement to protect you from financial risk.
- Investigation – We obtain your medical notes, commission expert reports and gather evidence of your losses.
- Letter of claim – We send a detailed letter to the healthcare provider setting out your allegations.
- Response – The defendant has a set period to respond, admitting or denying liability.
- Negotiation – We try to reach a fair settlement without court proceedings.
- Court proceedings – If settlement is not possible, we issue proceedings and prepare your case for trial.
During the process, we keep you informed and handle the complex paperwork so you can focus on your recovery.
Complex injuries and long-term effects
Some medical negligence cases involve serious and life-changing injuries. Examples include traumatic brain injuries caused by delayed treatment of meningitis, spinal cord injuries following surgical mistakes, or severe psychological trauma after negligent psychiatric care. These claims often require extensive evidence, multiple expert reports, and careful calculations of future needs, such as lifelong care or specialist accommodation. Marley Solicitors has the expertise to manage these complex cases and secure compensation that reflects the full impact on your life.
Support for families after fatal negligence
Sadly, medical negligence can sometimes lead to a loved one’s death. We provide sensitive support for families pursuing fatal claims, including inquests, dependency claims, and bereavement awards. We understand the emotional strain and will guide you with compassion while working to achieve accountability and financial security for those left behind.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
Choosing the right solicitor can make a significant difference to the outcome of your claim. At Marley Solicitors you will benefit from:
- A dedicated medical negligence team with experience across a wide range of cases
- Clear, jargon-free advice at every stage
- A local presence in Brighton and Sussex combined with nationwide resources
- A commitment to securing maximum compensation and rehabilitation support
- No win no fee funding so you can pursue justice without financial worry
Our focus is always on your wellbeing and your future, not just the legal process.
Taking the first step
If you believe you have suffered due to negligent medical care in Brighton or elsewhere in Sussex, contact Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your options and help you decide on the best way forward. Acting promptly can protect your rights and increase your chances of a successful outcome.