Medical Negligence Solicitors

Expert Medical Negligence Solicitors in Dublin

When you place your trust in healthcare professionals, you expect to receive competent, safe medical care. Unfortunately, medical errors, misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, and substandard treatment can cause serious harm or even death. At Gary Matthews Solicitors, our medical negligence claim solicitors specialize in holding healthcare providers accountable and securing compensation for victims of medical negligence.

Medical negligence claims are among the most complex areas of personal injury law, requiring specialized knowledge of both legal principles and medical practices. Our experienced medical negligence solicitors have the expertise, resources, and determination to handle even the most challenging cases.

What is Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence (also called clinical negligence or medical malpractice) occurs when a healthcare professional or medical facility provides substandard care that causes harm to a patient. To establish medical negligence, three elements must be proven:

• Duty of Care - The healthcare provider owed you a duty of care
• Breach of Duty - The standard of care fell below what would be expected from a competent professional in similar circumstances
• Causation - The breach directly caused your injury or worsened your condition

Types of Medical Negligence Claims We Handle

Our medical negligence solicitors have extensive experience with all types of medical negligence cases, including:

Hospital Negligence:

• Surgical errors and complications
• Wrong site surgery
• Anesthesia errors
• Post-operative infections and care failures
• Hospital-acquired infections (MRSA, C. difficile)
• Emergency department negligence
• Inadequate monitoring

GP and Primary Care Negligence:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
• Failure to refer to specialists
• Prescription errors
• Failure to order appropriate tests
• Inadequate follow-up care

Surgical Negligence:

• Wrong site or wrong procedure surgery
• Surgical instruments left inside patient
• Damage to organs or nerves during surgery
• Inadequate pre-operative assessment
• Post-surgical complications due to poor care

Birth Injuries and Obstetric Negligence:

• Birth trauma and injuries to baby
• Cerebral palsy due to oxygen deprivation
• Erb's palsy and brachial plexus injuries
• Failure to perform timely cesarean section
• Maternal injuries during childbirth
• Failure to monitor fetal distress

Cancer Misdiagnosis:

• Delayed cancer diagnosis
• Failure to investigate symptoms
• Misinterpretation of test results
• Incorrect cancer staging
• Delays in treatment commencement

Medication Errors:

• Wrong medication prescribed
• Incorrect dosage
• Failure to check for drug interactions
• Failure to consider allergies
• Pharmacy dispensing errors

Other Medical Negligence:

• Dental negligence
• Cosmetic surgery negligence
• Psychiatric care negligence
• Nursing home negligence
• Radiology errors
• Laboratory errors

Compensation for Medical Negligence

Medical negligence can have devastating, life-changing consequences. Compensation in medical negligence claims can be substantial and may include:

General Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of amenity and quality of life
• Psychological trauma and mental anguish
• Loss of life expectancy

Special Damages:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Home modifications and adaptations
• Medical equipment and aids
• Care and assistance costs
• Lost earnings and loss of earning capacity
• Travel expenses for medical treatment
• Medication and ongoing treatment costs

The Medical Negligence Claims Process

1. Free Initial Consultation
Contact us for a confidential discussion about your case. We'll listen to your experience, review any medical records you have, and provide an honest assessment of whether you have grounds for a claim.

2. Medical Records Review
We'll obtain your complete medical records and have them reviewed by independent medical experts who specialize in the relevant field. This expert review is crucial in determining whether the care you received fell below acceptable standards.

3. Expert Medical Opinion
We work with leading medical consultants across Ireland who provide expert opinions on whether negligence occurred and how it affected you. Their reports form the foundation of your claim.

4. Letter of Claim
We'll send a detailed letter of claim to the healthcare provider or hospital, outlining the negligence and its consequences. They typically have three months to investigate and respond.

5. Negotiation
Many medical negligence claims are settled through negotiation. Our solicitors are skilled negotiators who fight for maximum compensation without the stress of court proceedings.

6. Court Proceedings
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we'll issue court proceedings and represent you throughout the litigation process. We have extensive courtroom experience in medical negligence cases.

Why Medical Negligence Claims Are Complex

Medical negligence cases are significantly more complex than standard personal injury claims:

• Medical Expertise Required - Understanding complex medical issues and procedures
• Expert Witnesses Essential - Need for independent medical experts to review care
• Extensive Documentation - Voluminous medical records must be obtained and analyzed
• High Defense Standards - Healthcare providers and their insurers defend these claims vigorously
• Causation Challenges - Proving the negligence caused the harm can be difficult
• No PIAB Process - Direct court proceedings require experienced litigation solicitors
• Time-Intensive - These cases often take several years to resolve

This complexity makes it essential to choose medical negligence solicitors with proven expertise in this specialized field.

Why Choose Gary Matthews Solicitors?

• Medical Negligence Specialists - Dedicated expertise in this complex field
• No Win, No Fee - Zero financial risk for pursuing your claim
• Network of Medical Experts - Access to leading consultants across all specialties
• Proven Success - Substantial compensation secured for medical negligence victims
• Compassionate Approach - We understand the emotional impact of medical negligence
• 24/7 Availability - Always here when you need us
• Litigation Experience - Extensive courtroom success in medical negligence cases
• Maximum Compensation - We fight for every euro you're entitled to
• Regular Updates - Clear communication throughout your case

Common Questions About Medical Negligence Claims

Q: How do I know if I have a medical negligence claim?
A: If you believe you received substandard medical care that caused you harm, contact us for a free consultation. We'll review your case and obtain expert medical opinions to determine if you have grounds for a claim.

Q: Will making a claim affect my future medical care?
A: No. Making a legitimate medical negligence claim will not affect your access to healthcare or the quality of care you receive in the future.

Q: How long do medical negligence claims take?
A: Medical negligence cases are complex and typically take 2-4 years to resolve, though some settle sooner through negotiation.

Q: What if the negligence resulted in a loved one's death?
A: Family members can pursue wrongful death claims for medical negligence. We handle these sensitive cases with compassion and determination.

Medical negligence can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered due to substandard medical care, you deserve answers, accountability, and compensation. Contact Gary Matthews Solicitors today for expert legal representation.