Medical Negligence Solicitors in Blackburn
When you seek medical treatment, you place your trust in trained professionals to act carefully, competently and in your best interests. Most healthcare professionals work to a high standard, but when mistakes are made and those mistakes cause avoidable harm, the consequences can be serious and long-lasting.
At HPA Solicitors, our medical negligence solicitors in Blackburn support individuals and families who have suffered injury or complications due to substandard medical care. We understand how distressing it can be to question treatment you received locally, whether at hospital, through your GP, or via a specialist referral. Many clients come to us not only seeking compensation, but also clarity and accountability.
We act for people across Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington and the wider East Lancashire area. If you believe your treatment fell below an acceptable standard and you were harmed as a result, we can assess your situation and guide you through your options with sensitivity and care.
What Is Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional provides treatment that falls below the standard reasonably expected of them, and that failure causes avoidable injury or worsening of a condition.
It’s important to recognise that not every poor outcome amounts to negligence. Medicine is complex, and complications can occur even where care was appropriate. However, where a doctor, nurse, dentist or other professional makes avoidable errors that lead directly to harm, you may be entitled to pursue a medical negligence claim.
To bring a successful claim, it must generally be shown that:
- A duty of care was owed to you
- That duty was breached
- The breach directly caused your injury
Our role is to carefully examine the evidence, obtain independent medical opinions and advise you honestly about whether a claim is likely to succeed.
When Should You Consider a Medical Negligence Claim?
Many people are unsure whether what they experienced qualifies as negligence. Some of the most common situations that lead clients to seek advice include:
- Being diagnosed far later than expected
- Being told symptoms were minor, only to later discover a serious condition
- Experiencing unexpected complications following surgery
- Not being referred for further investigation when symptoms persisted
- Suffering avoidable injury during childbirth
If you feel that your treatment was mishandled or that your concerns were dismissed, it may be worth speaking with a solicitor. Early advice can help clarify whether the standard of care was appropriate and whether further investigation is justified.
Medical Negligence Claims We Handle in Blackburn
We support clients in Blackburn across a wide range of medical negligence claims. Every case is different, and we approach each one with the same level of detail and care.
Medical Misdiagnosis Claims
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can have profound consequences. Conditions such as cancer, infections, fractures or heart problems may worsen significantly if not identified promptly.
We represent clients whose illnesses were missed, misinterpreted or diagnosed too late, resulting in unnecessary suffering or more invasive treatment than would otherwise have been required.
GP Negligence Claims
Your GP is often your first point of contact when you are unwell. If symptoms are not properly investigated, test results are overlooked, or referrals are delayed, serious complications can follow.
We act in cases where GP errors have led to avoidable harm, including situations where repeated consultations did not result in appropriate action.
Hospital Negligence Claims
Hospitals are responsible for delivering safe and effective treatment. Errors in inpatient care, emergency departments or discharge planning can sometimes result in preventable injury.
We assist clients who have experienced treatment mistakes, communication failures between departments, or inadequate monitoring during hospital stays.
Surgical Negligence Claims
Surgery always carries risk, but avoidable mistakes during or after an operation may amount to negligence. These may include operating on the wrong site, causing preventable nerve damage, or failing to manage post-operative complications properly.
Where surgery has resulted in unexpected harm, we investigate carefully with independent surgical experts.
Dental Negligence Claims
Dental treatment should be carried out with skill and proper care. We represent clients who have suffered harm due to unnecessary procedures, incorrect treatment, nerve damage or failed restorative work.
Dental negligence can cause long-term discomfort, difficulty eating and ongoing health concerns.
Cosmetic Negligence Claims
Elective cosmetic procedures, whether surgical or non-surgical, must meet professional standards. When procedures are carried out negligently, the physical and emotional consequences can be significant.
We assist clients who have suffered injury or disfigurement following cosmetic treatment that fell below acceptable standards.
Birth Injury Claims
Birth injuries are among the most sensitive and complex cases we handle. Failures during pregnancy, labour or delivery can result in serious injury to both mother and child.
We support families whose children have suffered avoidable harm due to delays, monitoring failures or poor decision-making during childbirth.
Cerebral Palsy Claims
In some cases, cerebral palsy is linked to avoidable medical errors during labour or delivery, particularly where there was a failure to respond to signs of oxygen deprivation.
These claims require detailed investigation and specialist medical evidence, and we work with experienced experts to assess whether negligence contributed to the condition.
Amputation Negligence Claims
Amputations may result from delayed diagnosis of infection, vascular conditions or traumatic injury complications. Where earlier intervention could have prevented the loss of a limb, there may be grounds for a claim.
We understand the profound impact of amputation on independence, employment and daily life, and approach these cases with particular care.
How a Medical Negligence Claim Works
Bringing a medical negligence claim can feel daunting, particularly when you are still coping with the effects of what happened. Our role is to make the process clear, structured and manageable from the outset.
Step 1 – Initial Case Review
The first step is a confidential discussion about your experience. We’ll listen carefully to what happened, review any documentation you have, and explain whether your case is likely to meet the legal criteria for a claim. This initial assessment helps you understand your position without pressure or obligation.
Step 2 – Obtaining Medical Records
If we move forward, we request your full medical records from the relevant healthcare providers. These records are essential in building a clear picture of what treatment was given and whether accepted standards were followed.
Step 3 – Independent Medical Evidence
An independent medical expert reviews your records and provides an opinion on whether the care you received fell below a reasonable standard and whether that failure caused harm. This step is critical in establishing the foundation of a medical negligence claim.
Step 4 – Formal Notification and Negotiation
If the evidence supports your case, we formally notify the healthcare provider or NHS trust responsible. Many claims are resolved through negotiation, without the need for court proceedings. Throughout this stage, we keep you informed and explain each development clearly.
Step 5 – Court Proceedings (If Necessary)
While most claims settle before trial, we prepare every case thoroughly in case court action becomes necessary. If proceedings are required, we represent you fully and guide you through each step.
Our focus throughout is clarity, reassurance and careful preparation. You will always understand where your case stands and what to expect next.
What Medical Negligence Compensation Can Cover
Compensation is designed to reflect both the injury itself and its wider impact on your life. Every case is different, but awards may include:
- Compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Loss of earnings, including future income where your ability to work has been affected
- The cost of ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation
- Specialist care and support services
- Home adaptations or equipment
- Travel expenses related to medical appointments
In more serious cases, interim payments may be available before the claim concludes, helping to fund urgent treatment or rehabilitation needs.
Our objective is not simply to secure a financial settlement, but to ensure that any compensation genuinely supports your recovery and long-term stability.
Why Choose HPA Solicitors in Blackburn?
Choosing the right legal team can make a significant difference to your experience and outcome. At HPA Solicitors, we combine technical expertise with a thoughtful, supportive approach.
Clients in Blackburn choose us because:
- We focus on medical negligence and serious injury work
- We work with respected independent medical experts
- We communicate clearly and regularly
- We handle cases with sensitivity and discretion
- We provide honest advice about your prospects
We understand that bringing a claim against a healthcare provider is never easy. You may have ongoing relationships with local services, and the process can feel uncomfortable. Our role is to manage the legal complexity on your behalf, so you can focus on your health and your family.
Local Knowledge, Professional Representation
We regularly act for clients across Blackburn and the surrounding East Lancashire area. We are familiar with the healthcare services that local residents rely on, including hospitals and GP practices serving the region.
While every case is assessed independently, our experience in handling claims arising from local treatment settings means we understand how to approach investigations carefully and thoroughly.
You will have a dedicated solicitor who oversees your case from start to finish, ensuring continuity and accountability.
Speak to Our Blackburn Medical Negligence Team
If you believe you or a loved one has suffered harm due to negligent medical treatment, taking early advice can help clarify your options.
You can speak to our Blackburn medical negligence solicitors in confidence to discuss what happened and whether you may have grounds for a claim.
Call: 01254 274 786
Email: info@hpasolicitors.com
We are here to provide clear advice, careful representation and strong support when you need it most.