CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE COMPENSATION

Female Sterilisation

Inept surgical practices relating to female sterilisation account for more clinical negligence compensation claims than in any other area of medical practice. Legal action, including litigation, is typically due to a failed operation which results in an unwanted pregnancy however there are also occasional problems relating to inadequate consent for certain surgical procedures.

Negligent Treatment

The outcome of failed sterilisation for the patient can be extremely expensive, emotionally painful, physically stressful and psychologically damaging. Our solicitors help the victims of failed surgical procedures to reap maximum clinical negligence compensation for mistakes that have affected their lives so negatively. There are time limits within which you should begin legal action. If you think you have a claim because of mistakes by a healthcare professional you should take qualified advice as soon as possible

Keyhole Or Open Surgery

Due to recent scientific improvements in the techniques and surgical equipment available, most female sterilisations are undertaken by laparoscopy which may otherwise be referred to as ‘key hole’ surgery. The typical techniques used with a laparoscope are the application of clips or silastic rings and the technique of Diathermy coagulation (when specific directed heat is used to cut and seal the fallopian tubes and thereby sterilise the patient) which is less common due to a relatively high rate of failure when compared to the other available techniques.

Relative Failure Rates

It is an unfortunate fact that failed sterilisation is far more likely when using laparoscopy techniques or keyhole surgery than when the considerably more invasive and risky method of open abdominal surgery is undertaken. Relatively inexperienced NHS surgeons, effectively learning their trade ‘on the job’, cause a majority of these surgical mistakes.

Common Surgical Error

It can be difficult to take that first step in a clinical negligence compensation claim for failed sterilisation. This particular problem is the most common surgical failing by healthcare professionals and our approachable professionals are sensitive to this issue having dealt with very many similar previous cases. We put no pressure on you to do anything and leave you to make all your decisions – however we empower you with the knowledge needed to make these decisions from an informed basis. Let our expertise in this area help you make the right decision, whatever that decision may be.

The Limitation Act 1980

There are time limits for taking legal action for personal injury. Medical negligence claims must either have been settled or legal proceedings must have commenced in a court of law within three years of discovery of the injury failing which the opportunity to claim compensation may have been lost. There are some exceptions to the three year rule and the court does have a rarely exercised discretion to extend the time limit.

Free Legal Advice

If you would like free legal advice on your options regarding failed sterilisation just complete and send the contact form and a solicitor will call you. If after talking to us you decide to proceed no further then that is your right and you will not be charged for our initial advice which is given without further obligation.