Fatal Claims
If the loss of a loved one was a result of a medical mistake or error, then you may be able to pursue a fatal claim on you and your family’s behalf.
Many of our clients who have lost a family member because of medical negligence contact us to:
What Sort of Mistakes Result in Fatal Claims?
Medical mistakes can occur in many situations and unfortunately sometimes this may result in death.
We have been involved in numerous fatal claims, where we represent families at an inquest and then also during the civil action.
Who Can Take a Fatal Claim Following the Death of a Loved One?
A claim can be taken by a ‘dependent’ of the person who died.
A dependent includes:
The civil action claim will include the cost of funeral expenses and inquest fees as an item of expense in the claim.
We are well known as being experts in fatal claims and inquests. We provide compassionate and professional advice and support throughout the fatal claim and inquest.
Medical Negligence Inquests
Medical professionals are obliged to report a death to the Coroner where a death occurred because of medical negligence. This covers situations where an unexpected death occurred in a hospital or where a person has been transferred to a hospital from a nursing home.
The Coroner must be notified in cases of death because of a healthcare acquired infection, maternal or late maternal death, any stillborn child, death intrapartum or infant death.
If family members suspect medical negligence and they are concerned about the standard of care given to the deceased person, they can communicate this concern to the Coroner.
Quite often when our office investigates a fatal claim, we notify the Coroner of our concerns in relation to potential medical negligence and this can result in an inquest being held in relation to the death.
In cases where the death occurred as a result of a medical or surgical procedure, regardless of when the death took place, the Coroner will commence investigations once a question arises as to whether or not the procedure contributed to the deceased person’s death.
What is an Inquest?
(a) The identity of the deceased;
(b) The place of death;
(c) The time of death;
(d) How the deceased died.
Who can participate in the Coroner’s investigation?
Properly interested persons can participate in the Coroner’s investigation and these may include:
- The family and next of kin of the deceased;
- Personal representatives of the deceased;
- Representatives of a board or authority in whose care the deceased was at the time of death, for example, hospital;
- Those responsible for the death in any way.
- Representatives of insurance companies;
- Properly interested persons under the provisions of the Safety Health & Welfare at Work Act 1989; and
- Others at the discretion of the Coroner.
The Coroner’s service is a public service for the living, which, in recognising the core value of each human life, provides a forensic and medical legal investigation of sudden death, having regard to public safety and health epidemiology issues.
The Coroner must consider issues, which if left unremedied, might lead to further deaths. This is where our expertise becomes essential in circumstances where, based on our experience of representing families at inquests for a considerable number of years, we endeavour to ensure that recommendations are made so as to try and avoid further deaths occurring in hospitals where a death has occurred as a result of medical negligence.
For more information about how we can help you with medical negligence claims, please contact Rachael Liston on 01-9123240 or email info@rachaelliston.ie
Types of Medical Negligence Claims
Brain Injury Claims
Brain injuries can have a devastating effect on an individual and their family, particularly if the injuries are as a result of medical negligence. Brain injuries can be catastrophic and result in traumatic and life-changing injuries.
Stroke Misdiagnosis Claims
A stroke can occur when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off or reduced, preventing the brain tissue getting the oxygen it needs. Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential.
Birth Injury to Mother Claims
Unfortunately, when something goes wrong or where negligence occurs, before, during or after childbirth, it can result in very serious physical and psychological injuries.
Birth Injury to Baby Claims
Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Claims
Gynaecology Claims
Gynaecologists are doctors who specialise in investigating, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the female reproductive system.
Misdiagnosis Claims
Misdiagnosis occurs when a doctor or medical professional fails to accurately diagnose a patient. It can arise when there has been a incorrect or delayed diagnosis of a medical condition such as cancer, meningitis, diabetes, heart disease or head injuries.
A&E Negligence Claims
A&E departments deal with many different types of medical emergencies. These departments are highly pressurised and emergency care can sometimes go wrong and cause serious injury to the patient. Accident and emergency claims can arise where negligent delay or incorrect medical treatment results in the patient suffering from illness or injury, which would not have occurred but for the negligent care.
Dental Negligence Claims
If your dentist has made a mistake or an error whilst treating or diagnosing a dental issue then you may have a claim for dental negligence.
Fatal Claims
Cauda Equina Claims
Cauda Equina Syndrome is a medical emergency and needs to be treated urgently to avoid long-term irreparable neurological damage. If your doctor has failed to recognise the symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome and failed to refer you for emergency treatment, then it is possible that you have a claim for medical negligence.
Surgical Injury Claims
Surgical negligence claims arise when mistakes occur during surgery which result in the patient being injured.
Spinal Injury Claims
Defective Medical Device Claims
Despite strict standards and rigorous testing of medical devices, sometimes products are defective and can cause serious personal injury. This may require a patient having to undergo further surgery to remove and replace the defective medical device.
Nursing Home Claims
Some of the most vulnerable in society reside in care homes and nursing homes and whilst most people who reside there receive an excellent level of care. There are exceptions, however, where failings in care by the staff who are responsible for caring for the vulnerable and elderly results in poor care and medical treatment which leads to injury and can tragically lead to death. This can result in a claim for medical negligence.
Covid 19 Claims
If you have suffered from unnecessary illness or harm because of a delay in accessing the required medical care, then you may have a claim for medical negligence.
GP Claims
GP’s play an important role in ensuring that patients are assessed appropriately, prescribed the correct treatment, and referred on for specialist care without delay.
If a GP makes a mistake which causes a patient to suffer unnecessary pain and financial loss, it may be possible to pursue a claim for medical negligence.