What is Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence is a type of personal injury law that covers cases where a medical professional provides inadequate care, resulting in injury to the patient.  

Medical negligence claims are complex, and it is crucial to understand the different areas of medical negligence law that could apply to your situation. Some examples of medical negligence include injuries sustained during birth, misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis, failure to refer for investigations, specialist advice or emergency treatment, surgical errors, defective medical products, anaesthesia errors, injuries sustained as a result of medical care overseas, prescription and medication errors, cerebral palsy claims, and breast examination delay in diagnosis. 

If you have suffered an injury due to medical negligence, it is essential to understand your legal rights and the compensation you may be entitled to. The compensation for medical negligence in Queensland includes factors such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, past and future medical expenses, past and future professional care costs, loss of past earnings, loss of earnings into the future, and the commercial value of care and assistance provided by loved ones. It is essential to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine the amount of compensation you may be entitled to, as the amount will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have on your life. 

The first step in pursuing a medical negligence claim is to gather evidence that supports your claim. This may include medical records, expert opinions, witness statements, and photographs of your injuries. Your lawyer can help you to obtain this evidence and ensure that it is presented effectively in court. 

It is crucial to understand the time limits for filing a medical negligence claim in Queensland. A claim begins through the process of serving a Notice of Claim, which must be completed nine months from the day of the incident which arose the personal injury. Therefore, it is important to get advice from a solicitor as soon as possible. 

When pursuing a medical negligence claim in Queensland, you must also be aware of the potential for contributory negligence. This refers to cases where the injured person contributed to their own injuries in some way. In these cases, the amount of compensation may be reduced depending on the degree of fault of the injured person. 

Another important aspect of medical negligence law in Queensland is the duty of care owed by medical professionals. Medical professionals have a duty to provide care that meets the standard of a reasonable and competent medical professional in their field. If a medical professional breaches this duty of care and causes injury to a patient, they may be liable for medical negligence. 

If you believe that you have suffered an injury due to medical negligence, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you to understand your legal rights, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for your injuries. 

In conclusion, medical negligence is a complex area of personal injury law in Queensland that covers a range of issues. If you have suffered an injury due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. To pursue a medical negligence claim, it is essential to gather evidence and seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer. Understanding your legal rights and the compensation you may be entitled to is crucial to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.