Medical Negligence Solicitors

Expert Medical Negligence Solicitors in Dublin

Medical negligence occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide the standard of care expected, resulting in harm or injury to a patient. These claims are among the most complex areas of personal injury law, requiring specialized knowledge, extensive resources, and unwavering dedication.

At Gary Matthews Solicitors, we have extensive experience representing victims of medical negligence across Ireland. We understand the devastating impact that medical errors can have on patients and their families, and we are committed to holding healthcare providers accountable while securing the compensation you need for your recovery and future care.

What Constitutes Medical Negligence?

To succeed in a medical negligence claim, you must prove three key elements:

1. Duty of Care

A healthcare provider owed you a duty of care. This is typically straightforward to establish in a doctor-patient relationship.

2. Breach of Duty

The healthcare provider breached their duty by failing to meet the accepted standard of care. This means their treatment fell below what a reasonable, competent medical professional would have provided in similar circumstances.

3. Causation and Harm

The breach directly caused you harm or injury that you would not have suffered if proper care had been provided.

Important: Not all medical procedures that result in complications constitute negligence. Medicine carries inherent risks, and poor outcomes don't automatically mean negligence occurred. However, if substandard care caused preventable harm, you may have a valid claim.

Types of Medical Negligence Claims We Handle

Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis

Failure to correctly diagnose or delayed diagnosis of conditions such as:

• Cancer (breast, lung, bowel, prostate, etc.)
• Heart attacks and cardiac conditions
• Stroke and neurological conditions
• Infections (meningitis, sepsis, etc.)
• Fractures and internal injuries
• Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Surgical Errors

• Operating on the wrong body part or patient
• Leaving surgical instruments or materials inside the body
• Damage to organs, nerves, or blood vessels
• Anesthesia errors causing brain damage or death
• Post-surgical infections due to lack of sterile procedures
• Unnecessary surgery performed

Birth Injuries and Obstetric Negligence

• Cerebral palsy due to oxygen deprivation
• Erb's palsy and brachial plexus injuries
• Brain damage during delivery
• Failure to perform timely cesarean section
• Failure to monitor fetal distress
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction
• Maternal injuries during childbirth

Medication Errors

• Prescribing wrong medication or dosage
• Failure to consider drug interactions
• Pharmacy dispensing errors
• Failure to warn of side effects
• Administering wrong medication in hospital

Hospital Negligence

• Hospital-acquired infections (MRSA, C. difficile)
• Inadequate staffing levels
• Poor hygiene and infection control
• Inadequate patient monitoring
• Pressure sores from lack of care
• Falls and accidents in hospital

GP and Primary Care Negligence

• Failure to refer to specialists
• Misreading test results
• Failure to order appropriate tests
• Prescribing errors
• Inadequate follow-up care

Dental Negligence

• Nerve damage during procedures
• Extraction of wrong teeth
• Failure to diagnose oral cancer
• Poor quality dental work requiring corrective treatment
• Infections from unsanitary procedures

Emergency Department Negligence

• Failure to treat or long delays in treatment
• Misdiagnosis of serious conditions
• Premature discharge
• Failure to perform necessary tests

Nursing Home Negligence

• Neglect and inadequate care
• Medication errors
• Malnutrition and dehydration
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Falls due to inadequate supervision

Common Consequences of Medical Negligence

Medical negligence can result in devastating consequences, including:

• Worsening of treatable conditions
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Chronic pain and suffering
• Need for additional corrective surgery
• Loss of bodily functions
• Reduced life expectancy
• Psychological trauma and PTSD
• Loss of employment and earning capacity
• Need for lifelong care
• Wrongful death

Compensation for Medical Negligence

Medical negligence claims often result in substantial compensation due to the severe and long-lasting impact on victims. You may be entitled to claim for:

General Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of amenity and quality of life
• Psychological distress
• Loss of life expectancy

Special Damages

• Past and future medical expenses
• Cost of corrective treatments and surgeries
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Cost of care (home care, nursing care)
• Loss of past and future earnings
• Loss of pension contributions
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Specialized equipment and aids
• Travel expenses for medical treatment

Family Claims

Family members may also be entitled to compensation for:

• Loss of consortium (loss of relationship with injured party)
• Wrongful death claims (for surviving dependents)
• Cost of providing care to injured family member

The Medical Negligence Claims Process

Step 1: Initial Consultation

Contact us for a free, confidential consultation. We'll discuss what happened, review any documentation you have, and provide an honest assessment of whether you have a valid claim.

Step 2: Medical Records Review

We'll obtain your complete medical records and have them reviewed by independent medical experts in the relevant field. This is crucial to establish whether the standard of care was breached.

Step 3: Expert Medical Opinion

We work with leading medical consultants who provide expert opinions on:

• Whether the care provided fell below acceptable standards
• What the proper standard of care should have been
• How the breach caused or contributed to your injuries
• The prognosis and future care needs

Step 4: Letter of Claim

If medical experts support your case, we'll send a detailed letter of claim to the healthcare provider or their insurers, outlining the negligence and its consequences.

Step 5: Negotiations

We'll negotiate with the defendant's legal team to reach a fair settlement. Medical negligence settlements can be substantial due to the severity of injuries and long-term care needs.

Step 6: Court Proceedings (if necessary)

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we're fully prepared to take your case to court. We have extensive courtroom experience in medical negligence cases.

Why Medical Negligence Claims Are Complex

Medical negligence claims are among the most challenging legal cases because:

• Medical complexity: Understanding what went wrong requires medical expertise
• Expert evidence: You must prove negligence through independent medical experts
• Defendants have resources: Hospitals and doctors have strong legal teams and insurers
• High stakes: Healthcare providers vigorously defend their reputations
• Causation challenges: You must prove the negligence caused the harm
• Significant costs: Medical expert reports and court proceedings are expensive

This is why you need specialist solicitors with proven experience in medical negligence law.

Why Choose Gary Matthews Solicitors?

Specialist Expertise

We specialize in medical negligence claims and have in-depth knowledge of medical law, procedures, and the healthcare system.

No Win, No Fee

We understand medical negligence claims are expensive to pursue. We offer no-win, no-fee arrangements, meaning you only pay if we win your case.

Access to Medical Experts

We work with a network of leading medical consultants across all specialties who provide independent expert opinions to support your claim.

Proven Track Record

We have successfully represented numerous medical negligence victims, securing substantial compensation for life-changing injuries.

Compassionate Approach

We understand the emotional toll medical negligence takes. We handle your case with sensitivity while fighting aggressively for your rights.

Resources to Take on Healthcare Providers

We have the financial resources and legal expertise to take on hospitals, medical practitioners, and their insurers.

24/7 Availability

Contact us any time for advice and support throughout your claim.

What to Do If You Suspect Medical Negligence

1. Seek immediate medical attention: If you're still suffering complications, get proper treatment
2. Request your medical records: You have a legal right to copies of all your medical records
3. Document everything: Keep detailed notes about what happened, your symptoms, and how it's affected your life
4. Keep all correspondence: Save letters, emails, and notes from medical appointments
5. Don't sign anything: Healthcare providers may ask you to sign documents—consult a solicitor first
6. Contact us immediately: Time is critical in medical negligence cases

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a medical negligence claim?

If you believe substandard medical care caused you harm, contact us for a free assessment. We'll review your case and obtain expert medical opinions to determine if negligence occurred.

Will my claim affect my future healthcare?

No. You have every right to pursue compensation, and it will not affect your entitlement to future NHS or private healthcare.

How long do medical negligence claims take?

Medical negligence claims typically take 2-4 years due to their complexity. However, we can often secure interim payments to help with immediate expenses.

What if the healthcare provider was treating me for free?

All healthcare providers, whether public or private, owe patients a duty of care. You can claim regardless of whether you paid for treatment.

Can I complain and make a claim?

Yes. Making a formal complaint through the hospital or HSE complaints procedure doesn't prevent you from pursuing a legal claim for compensation.