Delayed Surgery Claims

What is delayed surgery negligence?

There are a number of things that can delay surgery, such as health concerns and hospital waiting times.

But if your operation has been moved back significantly due to the negligence of a healthcare professional, you could make a delayed surgery negligence claim.

Some examples of negligence leading to delayed surgery include:

• Ignored symptoms
• Initial misdiagnosis
• Lost medical records

All of these factors can unnecessarily push back surgery dates. And if you’ve suffered as a result of a delayed operation, you could be entitled to compensation.

Our knowledgeable claims advisors can offer you a free initial consultation so you can find out more. They will listen to the details of your case and let you know if you have a strong claim.

Why should I make a delayed surgery claim?

If you’ve suffered any kind of harm because of delayed surgery negligence, making a claim could help you cover the costs associated with your recovery.

For example, you may now be facing the costs of further medical treatment or surgery. And if the negligence you suffered has reduced your mobility, you could also need to make adaptations to your home.

This can bring financial worry and stress at what is already a difficult time. But making a claim for compensation could provide some reassurance.

In certain circumstances, your solicitor may even be able to apply for interim payments, which would allow you to pay for any immediate expenses before your case is settled.

Who will my delayed surgery claim be made against?

Whether you were treated by the NHS or privately, you have a right to compensation and support.

We know that these types of claims are rarely straightforward, and you may be unsure about who your claim should be brought against. But you shouldn’t let this deter you.

Part of a solicitor’s role is to examine the details of your case and determine who should be held responsible for the negligence you experienced. They will make sure that the right individual or organisation is brought to account.

If you suffered a delayed NHS surgery, your solicitor could also help you make an official complaint. Many people find this process reassuring as it can stop the same mistakes from being repeated.

How can First4Lawyers help?

When you get in touch with us, we’ll ask you a few straightforward questions about what happened. And if we think you have a strong claim, we’ll match you with an expert medical negligence solicitor.

Your solicitor will work on your behalf to build a strong case and secure you the best possible outcome. They may also be able to help you access further medical support to help with your recovery.

For delayed surgery claims, we work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there won’t be any upfront costs and you won’t have anything to pay if your claim is unsuccessful.

Delayed surgery claims FAQs

How long do I have to make a delayed surgery claim?

Generally, you’ll have three years to make a claim after suffering delayed surgery negligence.

This time limit will usually start from the date you became aware that negligence had taken place, known as the date of knowledge.

But these rules can vary. For example, if you’re claiming on behalf of a child or someone who is lacking mental capacity, the three-year time limit won’t apply to you.

We would always advise seeking legal advice as early as possible, though. This will help your solicitor to gather recent evidence to support your claim, as well as making sure all relevant deadlines are met.

How much compensation could I receive?

Every experience of delayed surgery negligence is different. This means that the amount of compensation you receive will largely depend on your specific situation.

But if your claim is successful, your compensation will likely be split into what’s known as general and special damages:

• General damages – Compensate you for your pain and suffering
• Special damages – Consider financial losses such as lost earnings if you’ve been unable to work, or the cost of further treatment

For a rough estimate of how much your claim could be worth, you can use our compensation calculator. Or get in touch with our experienced claims advisors who will be happy to discuss your case with you.

I think I have a delayed surgery claim – what should I do?

If you’ve suffered delayed surgery negligence, the first thing you should do is speak to a medical professional. It’s important that you make sure your health is looked after before taking any further action.

Next, you might want to consider making a delayed surgery claim. Our friendly claims advisors can answer any questions you may have about the claims process and help you work out your next steps.

You can speak to our claims team by calling the number at the top of the screen or by requesting a callback. And if you’d prefer to reach out to us online, we also have a quick and easy claims form on our website.