Hospital Negligence - Compensation?

[suzyann]

I recently gave birth, normal no complications initially - However following the birth due to negligence of the hospital concerned I was discharged unaware that I had both womb and Kidney infection - Nett effect was I was very ill for a number of weeks - having to have my husband take additional time off work , incurring the cost of additional GP visits and get help from family in order to be able to look after our children as I needed help to look after myself let alone a new baby. I was later readmitted to the same hospital to control the infections , where it was confirmed that the infection had initially been identified but untreated.


We have started complaint procedings with the hospital and have since recieved communications requesting us to attend a meeting with Senior staff/ Director to discuss the case further.
Looking for advise on what to expect and how to proceed if anybody has been in a similar situation

Thanks

 

[Ravima]

What do you want? An apology with out of pocket expenses reimbursed, or do you want more? If apology and expenses, make a note of the expenses and bring them to the meeting asking for them to be paid.

If you are looking for a lump sum of top of that, then you should probably talk to a solicitor.

 

[argentina]

I would be very wary of taking on something like this. Can you actually prove that they failed to carry out specific tests or ignored your concerns? Having given birth twice privately (not that this should matter at all) in one of the biggest Maternity Hospitals in the country I cannot recall any postpartum checks that would test for such complications. I presume both yourself and the baby are ok now? - Irish Maternity Hospitals are stretched to the limits and I think it would be very difficult to prove there was negligence unless you have hard evidence. Trying to claim for loss of earnings for your other half may seem like a bit extreme. Anyway would be worth talking to a Legal expert who should be able to guide you better.

 

[Slim]

I recently gave birth, normal no complications initially - However following the birth due to negligence of the hospital concerned I was discharged unaware that I had both womb and Kidney infection - Nett effect was I was very ill for a number of weeks - having to have my husband take additional time off work , incurring the cost of additional GP visits and get help from family in order to be able to look after our children as I needed help to look after myself let alone a new baby. I was later readmitted to the same hospital to control the infections , where it was confirmed that the infection had initially been identified but untreated.


We have started complaint procedings with the hospital and have since recieved communications requesting us to attend a meeting with Senior staff/ Director to discuss the case further.
Looking for advise on what to expect and how to proceed if anybody has been in a similar situation

Thanks

What you can expect is that the hospital staff will explain what the care given was, what is contained in the notes (ask for a copy of your full file BEFORE the meeting under Freedom of Information legislation, it simply requires a letter from you stating so and there is no fee). You may receive an apology or qualified apology. Hospital is unlikely to admit anything which will create a liability for them. You can then decide to request a formal response in writing to your complaint after which you can request a review by the HSE. If you remain dissatisfied you can refer the matter to the Ombudsman or, at any time, consult a solicitor. I would think the chances of a successful legal case would be slim or too expensive to be worthwhile, given the relatively 'minor' nature of the complication.

You should itemise the costs and request these and retain that for the Ombudsman who may negotiate a reimbursement with the hospital. Good luck.

 

[suzyann]

Thanks for the responses. As stated above in unchartered waters , recieve a copy of the file in advance of the meeting is a good idea.

 

[Slim]

Thanks for the responses. As stated above in unchartered waters , recieve a copy of the file in advance of the meeting is a good idea.

Don't forget, you can bring someone with you to the meeting. Preferably, someone who will remain calm and remember what was said. Not a solicitor though as that will put the hospital on guard even more. It's ok to take notes at the meeting but it would be unlikely you will be permitted to record the meeting.

 

[Guns N Roses]

Don't forget, you can bring someone with you to the meeting. Preferably, someone who will remain calm and remember what was said. Not a solicitor though as that will put the hospital on guard even more. It's ok to take notes at the meeting but it would be unlikely you will be permitted to record the meeting.

I disagree. I think bringing a solicitor is perfectly acceptable.

I've previously brought a solicitor to meetings a lot less important than this.

 

[Slim]

I disagree. I think bringing a solicitor is perfectly acceptable.

I've previously brought a solicitor to meetings a lot less important than this.

Sure, but the hospital will go turtle. Nothing of any substance will be said and that is if the meeeting goes ahead at all. Medics will refer to their medical insurance companies and the hospital to the State Claims Agency. OP can always involve a solicitor at a later stage if she wishes.

 

[suzyann]

My preference would be not to get legal involvement . Just wanted to understand what to expect at these meetings and understand what we want to get out of it.
Thanks