Meeting a medical negligence lawyer is probably not something you ever had on your bucket list. In fact, many people try their hardest to never engage with a lawyer at all! But if you have experienced medical negligence you are going to need to talk to a lawyer and the good news is – we are here to make it as easy and stress free for you as possible. Here’s what you need to know about meeting a medical negligence lawyer for the first time.
We see our clients either in person or online and the consultation takes around an hour. It’s confidential, obligation-free and designed to give you help to understand the process and options available to you.
Before your appointment – what can help
You don’t need to have everything perfectly organised, many clients come to us with very little information apart from their story, and that’s completely okay.
However, if you do have access to your hospital or GP discharge summaries, lists of referrals, medication lists, appointment dates and timelines, receipts for expenses or any photos that can be very helpful. If you don’t have any of these documents, don’t worry, we can obtain records on your behalf. The most important thing is simply attending the appointment so we can start supporting you.
Discussion of Your Matter
Once you meet up with one of our lawyers, we’ll talk with you about the key details including what happened and when, where you received treatment, the medical care you have had and how the injury has affected your health, work and daily life. This could be your first time talking to a lawyer but its all we do, and we will gently guide you through the information we need.
Advice and Options
Once we understand your situation, we’ll explain whether you may have a claim and the strength of your case. We will talk to you about what compensation might be available and how long the process might take. We don’t use legal jargon and you’re welcome to ask as many questions as you need. Our role is to give you confidence and direction, so you can make informed decisions.
How fees work
One of the biggest questions on your mind is probably (and should be!) how legal fees work. At Commins Hendriks we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis and we cover all upfront costs. There is nothing to pay unless your medical negligence claim succeeds (not all firms do this!). We will also explain our costs agreement clearly before any work begins.
What happens next
If you choose to proceed, we’ll outline the next steps, usually starting with obtaining your medical records and speaking with independent medical experts. You remain in control throughout (you are the client after all!) and we keep you updated at every stage.
If you or someone you care about has been injured due to medical treatment, early legal advice can make a real difference. Reach out to our experienced personal injury team today for a free, confidential, no obligation discussion today.