We may be seeing increased numbers of NHS delay compensation claims as figures released by the National Audit Office paint a worrying picture.
A lot of the medical negligence compensation claims we represent people for involve delays to diagnosis and delays to treatment. In some cases, a delay can be the difference between life and death, and patients can suffer further pain and complications when they’re not treated properly – and quickly – enough.
With almost half of medical negligence claims related to delays in treatment and diagnosis, this is a real concern.
Potential for rising NHS delay compensation claims
We may see rising NHS delay compensation claims in the wake of worrying statistics released by the National Audit Office. They said that NHS waiting lists have grown from 2.7 million in 2013 to 4.2 million in 2018.
And it may be set to keep rising unless more funding is injected into the NHS soon.
Two of the key areas identified were delays in cancer care and delays in non-urgent and elective surgery. The dangers of cancer treatment and diagnosis delays are obvious, and that’s an issue that must be addressed as a matter of urgency. In terms of planned operations, we could see patients suffering for longer than they should do, and some may suffer additional complications as well.
Can you claim for NHS delay compensation?
You may be eligible to claim NHS delay compensation if your diagnosis or treatment has been delayed and this has led to increased suffering and / or the development of complications.
In an ideal world, we would not have patients suffering from delays, but with these incidents happening, patients deserve justice. Some of the suffering and complications that can be caused by delays can lead to lifelong problems and permanent damage. It’s important for victims of medical negligence to be able to make a claim for personal injury compensation.
The losses alone from being off work (or never working again) can be substantial, and people must have the right to be able to recover those losses.
No Win, No Fee help
Where you have suffered as a result of medical negligence, we may be able to help you claim on a No Win, No Fee basis.