Medical care is something we all rely on when we are at our most vulnerable. Whether it’s a visit to the GP, a stay in hospital or a specialist procedure, we trust medical professionals to provide safe and competent care. Unfortunately, that trust is sometimes broken. If you or someone close to you has been injured due to a medical mistake in Camber Sands, you may have the right to pursue compensation.
At Marley Solicitors, we support individuals and families across East Sussex who have suffered as a result of poor medical treatment. This article explores how medical errors can cause harm, how claims work and what your options are if you are affected.
Understanding what counts as a medical error
A medical error occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide care that meets the appropriate standard, resulting in harm to the patient. This can happen in any clinical setting, including NHS hospitals, private clinics, GP surgeries, pharmacies and care homes.
Medical errors can involve actions that should not have been taken, such as prescribing the wrong medication or failing to act, like not recognising symptoms quickly enough.
Not every mistake is considered negligent, and not all poor outcomes mean that a medical professional is at fault. To make a legal claim, the care must have fallen below acceptable standards and have caused injury or worsened your condition.
Types of mistakes that may lead to compensation claims
Many different types of clinical errors can lead to injury. Here are some examples of where things might go wrong:
- Incorrect diagnosis – failing to spot a serious illness or misidentifying the condition
- Delayed treatment – causing illness to progress unnecessarily
- Surgical mistakes – including operating in the wrong area or leaving instruments behind
- Medication errors – incorrect prescriptions, allergic reactions, or dangerous drug combinations
- Poor aftercare – inadequate monitoring or rehabilitation
- Infection control failures – such as contracting MRSA in a healthcare setting
- Mistakes during childbirth – harming either the baby or the mother
In Camber Sands and surrounding areas, residents rely on both local NHS services and private health providers. Wherever the error occurred, you have the right to investigate and seek justice if harm was caused.
How injuries from medical mistakes can affect your life
The effects of clinical negligence can be life-changing. While some people experience temporary setbacks, others face long-term damage to their health, incomes, and independence. Physical injury is only one part of the impact. Many patients also suffer emotional distress, mental health issues, and disruption to family life.
Some examples of the consequences include:
- Long-term pain or permanent disability
- The need for further medical procedures
- Loss of income due to time off work
- Emotional trauma, anxiety or depression
- Additional care needs and expenses
- Impact on daily life and personal relationships
At Marley Solicitors, we help clients in Camber Sands recover compensation that reflects the full extent of their suffering, not just the immediate symptoms.
Do I have a claim for medical negligence?
To pursue compensation, three things usually need to be proven:
- Duty of care – The medical professional had a legal responsibility to treat you
- Breach – That duty of care was breached because their actions (or lack of action) fell below reasonable standards
- Causation – This breach caused you harm or made your condition worse
This can be a complex legal test, which is why it is important to speak to a specialist solicitor. We will assess your situation in detail and provide clear, practical advice on whether your case meets the legal threshold.
What can I claim compensation for?
If your claim is successful, you may receive compensation for a variety of losses. These are usually divided into two categories:
General damages
These cover the pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injury itself. This includes both physical symptoms and emotional distress.
Special damages
These refer to financial losses resulting from the incident, including:
- Lost earnings
- Cost of medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Travel expenses for treatment
- Care and assistance at home
- Home adjustments or equipment
- Future financial loss (such as inability to return to work)
The amount of compensation varies depending on the severity of the injury and the long-term impact. We work with medical experts to fully assess your condition and ensure no aspect of your claim is overlooked.
How long do I have to bring a claim?
In most cases, you have three years to begin a medical negligence claim. This time limit usually starts on the date the injury occurred or when you first realised that poor care may have caused your condition.
There are some exceptions:
- For children, the three-year time limit begins on their 18th birthday
- For individuals who lack mental capacity, the time limit may not apply until or unless they regain capacity
We strongly recommend getting legal advice as early as possible. Preparing a strong claim takes time, and acting early increases the chances of a positive outcome.
What happens during the claims process?
At Marley Solicitors, we support clients from start to finish with a straightforward and compassionate approach. Here’s how the typical claims process works:
- Free initial advice
We begin with a no-obligation consultation to understand your experience and assess whether you may have grounds to claim. - Evidence collection
We gather your medical records, statements, financial documents and expert reports. This helps us understand exactly what went wrong and how it affected you. - Letter of claim
Once we have a clear picture of the case, we notify the responsible organisation or individual. This formal letter outlines the details of the negligence and harm caused. - Response and negotiation
The defendant may admit or deny responsibility. If liability is accepted, we negotiate a fair settlement. If they contest the claim, we continue gathering evidence and build a case for court. - Court proceedings (if necessary)
Most cases settle before trial, but if required, we will represent you in court to fight for the outcome you deserve.
We make sure every client is supported at each stage and that you always know what to expect.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Camber Sands?
Choosing the right legal team can make a significant difference to the success of your claim. Marley Solicitors offers:
- A strong track record in medical negligence cases
- In-depth knowledge of healthcare systems across East Sussex
- Local understanding of facilities and treatment providers in Camber Sands
- Personal, approachable service with clear advice from day one
- No win, no fee arrangements available
We are committed to securing the best results for our clients while making the process as stress-free as possible.
How to begin your medical negligence claim
If you think you may have been injured due to poor medical treatment in Camber Sands, here’s what to do next:
- Write down what happened, including key dates and symptoms
- Keep any documents, including letters, prescriptions and appointment notes
- Ask for your full medical records – this can be done directly through your GP or hospital
- Speak to a specialist solicitor who can advise you on your options
At Marley Solicitors, we are ready to help you take the next step. We treat every enquiry with sensitivity and confidentiality, and there is no cost for your initial consultation.
Get in touch today
If a medical mistake has caused you harm, you should not have to suffer in silence. Our expert legal team is here to help you find answers, secure compensation and move forward.
To arrange your free consultation, contact Marley Solicitors today. We proudly support individuals and families across Camber Sands and East Sussex with clear, professional and compassionate legal advice.
