Addenbrooke’s And Cambridge University Hospitals Claims Guide

By Joanne Jeffries. Last Updated 17th September 2021. Welcome to our guide on Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims.

Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims

Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims

When you visit a hospital for any form of treatment, you have to put your faith in the medical professional who performs the treatment. You have to trust that they’ll carry out the procedure correctly and that the outcome will be positive. In many cases, that trust is completely warranted, and patients receive excellent treatment in hospitals all across the UK. However, in some instances, accidents or neglect do happen which can result in life-changing injuries for the patient and could meant they need to consider claiming compensation. In this guide, we’re going to look specifically at cases of Cambridge University Hospitals medical negligence claims. We’ll explain what medical negligence is and the types of mistakes by hospitals which could lead to a claim.

Here at Accident Claims UK, we have a team of specialist advisers who can assess road traffic accident claims and accident at work claims for free, but more importantly, they could assist with medical negligence claims too. If they think your claim is strong enough, they could introduce you to one of our medical negligence solicitors. To help make claims easier and less stressful, any claim they agree to take on is on a no win no fee basis. To talk to us today about your claim, please call 0800 073 8801.

If you’d rather find out more about claiming for Cambridge University hospitals clinical negligence before calling, please continue reading.

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A Guide To Medical Negligence Claims Against Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Addenbrooke’s hospital is the main hospital operated by the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS foundation trust. In this guide, we’re going to look at two case studies where the trust had to pay out large sums of compensation after admitting medical negligence. The first case is going to look at a payment made to a teenager because of a brain injury caused when they were born. The next is a study into the fact that Addenbrooke’s hospital negligence amounts were over £55 million during a 5-year period.

Of course, these are extreme cases showing the largest payments made because of medical negligence. In fact, most claims are much smaller. You could be entitled to compensation for any injury caused by the negligence of a medical professional. Also, you could be entitled to claim if you’ve been made ill or an existing condition was made worse because of the negligent treatment.

In this guide, we are going to concentrate a lot of childbirth negligence claims, but please do get in touch with us if you would like to discuss any other type of Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims. Our advisers understand that it can be quite distressing to discuss your injuries so are happy to work at your pace. There will never be any pressure on you to proceed.

What Are The Causes Of Birth Injuries?

When we talk about birth injuries that could lead to Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims, we’re talking about ‘avoidable injuries’ i.e. those that could have been prevented if something had been done differently.

In any form of medical negligence claim, a personal injury solicitor will always want you to show that:

  • A medical who owed you a duty of care was negligent or made a mistake.
  • Which caused you to suffer an injury or to become ill.

It is true that all medical professionals have a duty of care to any patient they treat. This means that they should follow the correct procedures, use the correct equipment and explain the risks, where possible, to the patient before treating them. Therefore, the main part of a claim is proving that the medical professional was negligent in some way.

It is possible to make a claim against doctors, nurses, paediatricians, anaesthetists, midwives and also pharmacists if it can be shown that their negligence was the cause of your suffering. The claims process doesn’t just cover compensation for pain and suffering though. It can also include financial costs linked to any injuries. In fact, for birth injury claims in the UK that lead to a long-term disability, a large amount of the compensation payment can be for the cost of care required. It can also include payments for modifications to the home and specialist equipment like wheelchairs and hoists.

Using a Personal Injury Solicitor

Claiming against a medical professional (or their NHS trust) can be a complex business. Some of the medical evidence required to prove negligence can be very complex. Therefore, our advice is that you let us provide you with a medical negligence lawyer to represent you when making Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims. They will understand the relevant legislation used to bring a claim and have the ability to present the evidence to try and ensure you receive the correct level of compensation for the injuries suffered by you or your child.

How Could Negligence During Childbirth Cause Injuries?

As we’ve already established, if a medical professional makes a mistake or is negligent during treatment, then the patient might be entitled to claim compensation for their injuries. So, in this section, we’re going to look at the types of negligence which could lead to a claim for avoidable injuries caused by negligence in childbirth. Remember, we’re talking about avoidable injuries rather than those that are beyond the control of those helping to deliver the baby.

Here are some examples of injuries to the baby that could lead to a claim:

  • Broken bones
  • Erb’s Palsy – Paralysis of the arm caused by the severing of nerves between the shoulder and arm. The most common reason is excessive pulling of the baby during birth
  • Stillbirth – This is when the baby is born dead after 24 weeks (otherwise it’s known as a miscarriage)
  • Lack of oxygen – This can lead to life changing brain injuries
  • Cerebral Palsy – A group of conditions which result in movement disorders from early childhood

Here are some examples of injuries to the mother that might lead to a Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims:

  • Perineal tears (3rd and 4th degree)
  • Infections caused by poor hygiene standards
  • Anaesthetic errors
  • Instruments or swabs being left inside the body following a c-section
  • Suturing errors leading to remedial surgery being required

If you would like to discuss claiming for any type of avoidable injury sustained during childbirth, please get in touch with an adviser today.

£3 Million Lump Sum Award And Six Figure Annual Payouts For Birth Related Brain Injuries

In the first of our case studies, we’re going to look at negligence which caused a baby to be starved of oxygen during childbirth. As a result, she now needs around the clock care.

The girl, who was in her late teens when the case was settled, was born at Addenbrooke’s hospital, part of the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The case was brought against the trust because the girl now suffers severe cerebral palsy. Solicitors for the girl and her family alleged that the hospital were negligent because the birth had been delayed. They also argued that the parents were never warned of the risks involved with continuing the pregnancy.

The case was settled in London’s high court. However, it was settled without the NHS trust admitting any liability. It was decided that the girl would receive a £3 million lump sum followed by £190,000 per year for the rest of her life. Her parents explained that the funds would be used to pay for her ongoing care.

The judge sympathised with the family and said, “I’m a parent, but I have no idea how I could cope with the situation in which you have found yourselves.”

Cases for children’s compensation must be approved by the court before settlement is finalised. In this case the judge approved the payment plan and went on to say, “You are to be commended to the skies for the way in which you have looked after your daughter, and I hope you have enjoyed your day out in London.”

This case shows how the cost of settlement can be very high for childbirth brain injuries. The impact on the child and their family is life-changing and the amount of compensation reflects the changes they’ve all had to make.

Source: www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/oxygen-starved-teenager-addenbrookes-hospital-15930165

How Much Compensation Is Paid By Cambridge University Hospitals Trust Each Year?

The amount of compensation paid out by the NHS each year for medical negligence can seem astronomical at times. That’s why management are taking steps to change the way in which they handle claims and also to learn from previous mistakes so that the same kind of negligence doesn’t lead to a payment if future.

In the table below, we’ve listed the amount of compensation paid in 2019/20 for Cambridge University Hospitals medical negligence.

Edit
Accounting Year Total Payments Made Number of Claims Settled
2019/20 18,415,290 66

Source: https://resolution.nhs.uk/resources/factsheet-5-trust-and-authority-claims-data-2019-20/.

It’s worth noting that although the payments were made in the years listed, the negligence claim could’ve been many years earlier. That’s because, as we’ve seen already, claims for a birth injury may take many years to settle due to the fact that the extent of the injuries aren’t fully understood until the child is older.

£55 In Damages Paid Out By Cambridge University Hospitals Between 2012 And 2017

In our next case study, we’re going to look at a report which highlighted the amount of compensation paid out for Cambridge University Hospitals medical negligence over a 5-year period.

The report announced that between 2012 and 2017, the NHS trust which operates Addenbrooke’s hospital, paid out over £55 million following mistakes by its staff.

It went on to explain how hospitals are covered for such claims. They pay a premium to a group called NHS Resolution. The amount paid is based on their expected payouts.  The report claims that around two-thirds of compensation paid out was due to mistakes made during childbirth. This ties in with the high payout discussed in our first case study earlier in this guide. NHS Resolution stated that maternity incidents result are the reason for around 10% of claims but make up around 50% of the compensation they pay out.

Another reason stated for the high payouts, was that some new cases that are being received, are actually decades old. As mentioned earlier, claims for children can be raised at any point before their 18th birthday.

A spokesman for NHS resolution said, “Whilst thankfully, these incidents are very rare, each one offers an opportunity for learning in order to prevent the same thing happening again.”

He went on to explain that a number of recommendations made in a report that they’d commissioned were widely welcomed by those involved in maternity care.

The Department for Health were quoted as saying, “Our relentless drive to improve patient safety, including an ambition to halve the rates of neonatal deaths, stillbirths, maternal deaths and brain injuries caused during or shortly after labour by 2025, will help to reduce traumatic and costly safety failings in the NHS and ensure better protection for patients.”

Source: www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/mistakes-negligence-hospitals-nhs-compensation-14159721

No Win No Fee Claims For Medical Negligence By Addenbrooke’s Hospital

As we’ve already mentioned, claims against a Cambridge University hospital maternity department can be quite complex. The cost of hiring a solicitor to make such a difficult claim might prove quite daunting. That’s why our solicitors offer a no win no fee service for any claim they take on.

We believe that you should be able to pursue Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims without worrying about the cost of doing so. By offering a no win no fee service, we believe more people can claim because the financial risk is reduced.

When you begin a claim, if the solicitor agrees to take it on, you’ll be provided with a conditional fee agreement (CFA). This is the legal name for a No Win No Fee agreement.

The CFA is important for you as it states clearly that you don’t have to pay the solicitor’s fees if they fail to win compensation for you. It also explains what success fee you’ll pay when you are compensated.

The success fee is the method used to pay the solicitor’s fees. It’s a fixed percentage of your compensation which is deducted by the solicitor before the rest is sent to you. That means that you don’t actually need to have the funds available to pay the solicitor yourself.

How Do I Claim If Harmed By Clinical Or Medical Negligence?

If you’ve decided that you’d like to claim for Cambridge University Hospitals medical negligence, then you might be wondering where to begin. First of all, you’re going to need some evidence to support your claim.

We’d advise that you write down what happened in as much detail as possible. Make a note of dates, locations, the advice you were provided with and what happened. Then look at when you identified something had gone wrong. Then write down the injuries that were suffered. Finally make a note of any financial impact the injuries have had on you or your family.

In the case of a birth brain injury, you could provide evidence such as videos of your child’s development over a period of time. You could also ask witnesses for a statement of what they saw happen.

It’s worth noting that there is a 3-year medical negligence claims time limit. That’s if you’re claiming for injuries you sustained yourself. This is either from the date of the negligent act against you or when you became aware of the injury.

However, in the case of children, you can begin your claim at any point before they turn 18. We’d recommend that you begin as soon as possible though because each step of a complex case can take some time. As we’ve seen in the case studies earlier, completely understanding the impact of the injuries can take many years, so the claim not be settled for a while. However, our solicitors could look for interim payments if the hospital admit liability so that you can support your child while the claim is processing.

Start Your Medical Negligence Claim Against Addenbrooke’s Hospital

Now that you’ve read this guide about Cambridge University Hospitals medical negligence claims, we hope you’d like to begin a claim today. If so, we can be contacted in a number of ways. These include:

When you get in touch, one of our advisers will listen to what’s happened and assess the evidence you have to support your claim. If they believe you have a strong enough case, they could introduce you to a no win no fee solicitor. If you’d like to know why you should let Accident Claims UK help you claim, here are some good reasons:

  • Our claims line is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week so you can start whenever it’s convenient.
  • We’ve received loads of great feedback from previous clients.
  • Our team of solicitors have been dealing with medical negligence claims for up to 30 years.
  • When our solicitors take on a claim, they always try to resolve them as quickly as possible.
  • Also, they’ll always try to ensure you receive a full and fair settlement amount.

Please get in touch today to find out more about the ways in which we could help you claim.

Our Panel Of Doctors Carrying Out Medical Assessments Close To Cambridge

When you make a medical negligence claim, your solicitor will require you to undergo a medical assessment. This will be performed by an independent doctor. This is done so that a report can be produced to outline what injuries you suffered, the severity of the injuries and whether there will be any long-term effect. The report can then be used to help workout how much compensation you will be claiming.

We have a panel of doctors across the UK, including the Cambridge University Hospitals area. Here are some that your solicitor could use:

Sajive Banshal
The Coach House clinic,
Maris Lane,
Cambridge, CB2 9LG.

Asef Zafar
Vison Park,
Chivers Way,
Histon,
Cambridge, CB24 9AD.

This list is just a sample. Your solicitor could arrange an appointment at these or others in the area depending on your location and their specialisms.

As well as making Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims, could I claim for a hospital data breach?

If you’re interested in making a data breach claim for a hospital data breach, we could help you. Should you be able to prove that the hospital acted wrongfully and this led to a breach of your data that caused you harm, you could be eligible to claim compensation. You would need to evidence that the breach caused you harm, either non-materially or materially. This could include incidents of identity fraud from the data breach, financial theft, reputational damage or even psychological injuries. For example, if you provided the hospital with your updated contact details, and they sent your medical records to your old address, this could represent a breach. While we recognise that this may not impact you financially, it could impact you mentally. You could feel as if your privacy has been violated and could suffer psychologically because of this. You might experience anxiety or even lose sleep over the breach.

When claiming compensation for a data breach, it could be wise to ensure you have an experienced solicitor, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, to help you. They could negotiate for the maximum compensation possible for your claim.

 

Could I make Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims for psychological harm?

If you have suffered birth injuries, for example, due to medical negligence, this could include not only physical injuries. Having a traumatic birth due to medical negligence could leave you with symptoms of PTSD, for example. PTSD could affect every aspect of your life and may even stop you working. Not only this, but you could suffer flashbacks and it could affect your relationships too. If you have suffered in this regard, you could be eligible to claim compensation on a no win no fee basis, with the help of our specialist solicitors. To find out more about such legal services, please call our team.

Claims Guides And Medical References

You’ve now come to the end of this guide about claiming for Cambridge University Hospitals medical negligence. To try and assist you further, we’ve provided some more useful links, guides and resources below.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Inspection Report – The latest inspection by the Care Quality Commission.

Addenbrooke’s Hospital – The website of Addenbrooke’s hospital providing the latest news and information.

NHS Complaints Process – This page, from the NHS, explains the process to go through if you’d like to raise a formal complaint.

Hospital Negligence Claims – A guide that explains about claiming compensation for hospital negligence, not just for Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims.

Personal Injury Compensation Calculator – Provides example compensation amounts for different injuries caused by claims like road traffic accident claims, medical negligence and other types of personal injury claim.

Mother Birth Injury Claims – This guide provides examples of what an Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims payout might be if the mother is injured during childbirth.

Thank you for reading this Addenbrooke’s and Cambridge hospital negligence claims guide.