15 Jul 2024
The Lifelong Impact of Clinical Negligence
Trusting in medical professionals is something which many people see as a given; they are the professionals, the experts, and they always do what’s right by their patients. But, when the rare case of clinical negligence happens, it can shatter lives in irreparable ways.
With the annual observance of Injury Awareness Week having happening last month, we’ve taken the time to delve into the profound effects of clinical negligence on victims' lives, shedding light on their struggles, needs and the importance of ongoing support.
What is Injury Awareness Week?
Injury Awareness Week is an annual campaign ran by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), a not-for-profit campaign group which has been committed to injured people for more than 30 years.
This year, Injury Awareness Week took place last month between June 24th to June 28th, and served as a crucial platform to raise awareness about various types of injuries, their causes, prevention methods and the support available for victims, as well as providing the time for communities to come together, share experiences and advocate for improved safety measures.
How was Injury Awareness Week established?
Launched with the aim of fostering a safer environment and offering solidarity to those affected by injuries, the roots of Injury Awareness Week lie in the collective efforts of healthcare professionals, advocacy groups and concerned citizens.
Its inception originally stemmed from the recognition of the need to address injuries comprehensively, both in terms of prevention and support for victims, and its annual campaigns have all been built to help encourage organisations and individuals to raise awareness of any needless injuries.
Understanding Clinical Negligence
Clinical negligence, otherwise known as medical malpractice, occurs when healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to patients in ways such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes or inadequate treatment.
And yet, whilst healthcare professionals do strive to uphold the highest standards, errors can occur, leading to devastating consequences for patients and their families.
The lifelong impact
The repercussions of clinical negligence can extend far beyond physical injuries; they have the potential to permeate every aspect of victims' lives, leaving a trail of emotional, financial and psychological scars.
Victims may experience chronic pain, disability or disfigurement, impairing their ability to lead a normal life, and the trauma of enduring such harm at the hands of the medical professionals entrusted with their well-being can erode trust in the healthcare system altogether, leading to feelings of betrayal and helplessness.
Coping with the aftermath
Recovery from clinical negligence is also often a long and arduous journey, requiring not only medical intervention but also extensive emotional and financial support as well.
Victims may require ongoing therapy to address trauma and mental health issues stemming from their experiences. And additionally, they may also require assistance with daily tasks, modifications to their living environment or access to specialised care and rehabilitation services.
The need for ongoing support
Beyond the immediate aftermath of clinical negligence, victims may require lifelong support to navigate the challenges they face, including access to legal representation to seek justice and compensation for their injuries, as well as advocacy groups and support networks where they can connect with others who have endured similar experiences.
Financial assistance may also be necessary to cover medical expenses, lost wages and any ongoing care, ensuring that victims can rebuild their lives with dignity and security.
Speed Medical
Throughout this life-changing journey, Speed Medical can help from start to finish at any point in a claims journey, and you can rely on us to be your medical assessment, medical treatment and medical report provider.
For more information, please visit www.speedmedical.com, contact our team via email at info@speedmedical.com or call us directly on 0330 094 8749.
