We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
Around three million emergency journeys are made each year by NHS ambulance services. Many of these save lives and the vast majority are carried out within an acceptable timeframe. However, a minority of ambulance journeys take an unacceptable and unreasonable length of time and in such cases clinical negligence compensation may be payable for the damage caused by the delay.
This precedent for clinical negligence compensation was set in 2000 in the case of Kent v Griffiths in which a judge at the Court of Appeal ruled that a delayed response by the ambulance service could be defined as "actionable negligence".
The basis of the ruling was founded on the notion that the ambulance service is a specialist team, highly trained to respond to emergency situations involving the public. An ambulance service, said Lord Wolf, should be regarded as more like a hospital, doctor or nurse than another emergency service such as the police or fire brigade. As such, it was ruled, that there was a professional obligation on the ambulance service to ensure the safety of the distressed person.
This decision is fundamental in reassessing the role of the ambulance service as more than that of mere transportation – instead, it can now be viewed as "an essential part of networks of emergency clinical care".
Since Kent v Griffiths there have been around 20 medical negligence claims each year against the ambulance services. In fact, only a minority concern the late arrival or delayed journey of an ambulance – most concern claims of faulty equipment, incorrect diagnosis or inappropriate medication.
A spokesperson from medical negligence lawyer specialist YouClaim comments, "Despite the judgement in Kent v Griffiths, which concerned the negligent responses of 999 workers to a woman suffering a severe asthma attack, it is still quite difficult to make claims against the ambulance services.
"This is because it is much harder to argue a duty of care on the part of emergency service workers than it is of other NHS workers. However, if it is possible to prove that a duty of care was owed, it will be possible to claim."
Claim clinical negligence compensation
Making a claim against an NHS hospital, GP practice or ambulance service can be a complicated process.
Because of this it is necessary that claimants have the best possible legal support and guidance.
Here at YouClaim our medical negligence solicitors uphold the rules of the Solicitors Regulation Authority while also possessing membership of the Clinical Negligence Accreditation Scheme.
We provide a service that gives claimants the best possible chance of receiving maximum compensation for injury or illness caused by a range of medical malpractice, including delayed treatment and diagnosis, surgical error and birth injury.
We always strive to keep costs to an absolute minimum and never take a cut – our 100 per cent compensation promise.
For guidance and support from a legal advisor, call us today, on 0800 10 757 95.
Alternatively, E-chat or have us Call You Back at a time that suits you.
