Hospital negligence, in short
Hospitals should be places of care. If negligent treatment in a public or private hospital caused you harm, we can help you claim compensation. United Legal is a Canberra firm based in Fyshwick. We work on a No Win, No Fee basis and your first conversation is free.
Hospital Negligence: what you need to know
Most hospital care is excellent, but mistakes happen. Delays in treatment, failures to monitor patients, medication errors, infections and falls on the ward can all cause serious harm.
Public and private hospitals can both be responsible for negligent care by their staff. We obtain your records and an independent expert opinion to work out whether the care fell below the accepted standard and caused your injury.
Hospital negligence we see
- Delays in diagnosis or treatment in emergency departments
- Failure to monitor a patient's condition
- Medication errors
- Hospital-acquired infections that should have been prevented
- Falls and pressure injuries on the ward
- Discharge too early
When hospital care falls short
Hospital negligence includes delays in treatment, missed test results, medication errors, falls on the ward, infections caused by poor practice and failures to monitor patients. Both public and private hospitals can be responsible.
Not every bad outcome is negligence. The question is whether the care fell below what a competent health professional would have provided, and whether that caused you harm. An independent medical expert reviews your records to answer that.
What you can claim
If a doctor, hospital or other health provider fell below the accepted standard of care and that caused you harm, you may be able to claim compensation for pain and suffering, past and future loss of earnings, medical and treatment costs and care and assistance. Every claim needs an independent medical expert to review what happened.
Read more about medical negligence claims.
Evidence that helps your claim
You do not need to have everything before you call us, but these records make a medical negligence claim stronger. Keep copies of anything you have:
- Your medical, hospital and test records
- Notes of what you were told and when
- Receipts for treatment and medication
- Names of the doctors and staff involved
- Any complaint letters and responses
How much could a hospital negligence claim be worth?
Every claim is different. The amount depends on how serious the harm is, your past and future medical costs, the care you need, your lost earnings, and how strongly the expert evidence supports the claim. We give you an honest estimate once we understand your situation, and we prepare every claim to get its full value rather than settling early.
Why people choose United Legal
- Three lawyers on every case. Your claim is checked by more than one experienced lawyer, start to finish.
- A local Canberra firm since 2004. We know the ACT schemes, insurers, doctors and courts.
- No Win, No Fee. No upfront costs, and you get a written costs agreement before we start.
- Serious injury experience. Our results include a $20m+ settlement and a $1.4m workers compensation claim.
Watch: hospital negligence
What to do now
- Write down what happened, when, and who treated you.
- Ask for a copy of your medical records, or let us request them for you.
- Keep receipts for treatment, medication and travel.
- Talk to a lawyer before you sign any release or accept an offer.
Hospital negligence: FAQs
Can I claim against a public hospital?
How do I get my hospital records?
Should I make a complaint before a claim?
Can I get my hospital records?
How much does a medical negligence lawyer cost?
Is there a time limit?
Find out where you stand.
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