Claiming Compensation for Surgical Site Infections: Your Rights Explained
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Surgical site infections (SSIs) can be a serious complication that can turn a routine surgery into a prolonged nightmare, often due to preventable medical errors.
The Medical Negligence Lawyers specialises in helping victims secure the compensation they deserve. In this guide, we will break down the essentials of claiming medical negligence compensation related to SSIs, empowering you with the knowledge to take action.
Surgical site infections can occur when bacteria enter the surgical wound, leading to inflammation, pain, and potentially life-threatening conditions like sepsis. These infections can be classified as superficial (affecting the skin), deep (involving tissues beneath the skin), or organ/space (impacting internal organs).
SSIs can affect surgical procedures generally, but many cases may stem from negligence—such as inadequate sterilisation of instruments, poor hand hygiene by staff, or failure to administer prophylactic antibiotics correctly. When negligence contributes to an SSI, it can breach the duty of care owed by healthcare providers.
Proving a breach involves gathering medical records, expert opinions, and evidence of substandard care. Common signs of negligence include infections developing despite standard protocols or delays in diagnosis that exacerbate harm. Victims may face extended hospital stays, additional surgeries, lost wages, and emotional distress, all of which can form the basis of a strong compensation claim.
Initiating a claim for medical negligence begins with a no-obligation consultation to assess your case. The Medical Negligence Lawyers can review your medical history, timelines, and any correspondence with the hospital to identify breaches in care standards.
Next, we can compile evidence, including witness statements and independent medical expert reports, to build a robust case. Under the UK’s pre-action protocol for clinical disputes, we can notify the defendant (usually the NHS or private provider) and aim for an out-of-court settlement. If negotiations fail, we may be able to prepare for litigation, where compensation can cover pain and suffering, future care costs, and financial losses.
Time limits apply—typically set years from the date of injury or awareness—so prompt action is crucial. Successful claims for SSIs can result in large awards.
To strengthen your medical negligence claim, focus on documenting everything from the outset. Keep detailed records of symptoms post-surgery, such as fever, redness, or discharge, and note any delays in treatment. Photographs of the wound site and correspondence with your surgeon can serve as vital evidence for negligent surgical site infections
Partnering with specialists here at The Medical Negligence Lawyers can ensure access to top-tier experts in infectious diseases and surgery, who can testify on how standards were breached. We also handle the case through “no win, no fee” agreements, meaning you can claim safely. This approach not only reduces your risk but also allows us to pursue maximum compensation tailored to your unique circumstances.
Ready to fight for the justice you deserve? Contact The Medical Negligence Lawyers today for a free, confidential case review.
Call us at 0800 634 7575 or visit our website to start your claim—do not let a surgical site infection define your future without compensation.
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