Clinical negligence compensation claims in Scotland treble

Dramatic rises in the cost of medical negligence compensation claims in Scotland during the period 2006-07 have led to many questions regarding the state of care in Scottish hospitals.

Critics argue that there must be some serious underlying cause for the surge in medical negligence-related compensation claims. The statistics would appear to back this up, with the cost of litigation nearly trebling from £7.7 million in 2005-06 to £21.4 million in 2006-07.

However, the Scottish Executive retorted that the figures were misleading as they included payouts for costly birth injury claims. A spokesperson commented, "We believe the large increase in 2006-07 is exceptional and caused by a larger than normal number of high-value settlements - mostly birth-related cases which often take several years to settle."

What is clear is that in 2008 the issue is in danger of becoming a political football. Outspoken Conservatives have been quick to criticise the situation, with one, Jack Carlaw saying, "All Scots concerned about the future of the NHS will be shocked to learn that clinical negligence payouts rocketed to almost £21.5million last year.

"This dwarfs the £2.8million paid out during the first year of devolution and the previous post-devolution high of £8.7million.

"At a time when taxes have risen to an all-time high and we are constantly told that investment in our health service stands at record levels, people have a right to ask why clinical negligence payouts are spiralling out of control."

He added, "Who is being held accountable? Have staff been disciplined? What is the government doing to get to grips with this issue? What are the future implications for frontline services?"

Ross Finnie, the Liberal Democrat health spokesperson called for more to be done to guard patients from negligent and substandard care, saying, "The Health Secretary must clarify the precise reasons for the increase and what steps have been taken to protect patient safety."

Personal injury lawyers representing the needs of Scottish claimants
YouClaim have personal injury lawyers on their panel firms with experience of securing compensation for the victims of substandard and negligent medical care in Scotland.

We firmly believe that, whatever the political and media bickering that might exist around the subject of compensation claims, the peope who matter most are those who have been affected, whether the patient or the patient's family.

All clinical negligence solicitors on our Scottish panel firms are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and all strive to ensure each and every pursuer 100% compensation.

You can get in touch with us either online or over the telephone. To do so online, fill out a claim form or have an e-chat. To speak to a legal advisor over the telephone, call 0800 10 757 95 or make a callback request.