Medical Negligence Claims Against East Lancashire Hospital – PALS Complaints

Hospitals across the country provide essential care to thousands of patients, visitors, and staff every day. While most hospital visits and treatments proceed without issue, mistakes or lapses in care can sometimes lead to harm. If you have experienced medical negligence at East Lancashire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, you may be entitled to seek compensation.

Our specialist medical negligence solicitors are here to provide clear advice, explain your options, and guide you through the claims process with care and expertise.

Free Initial Discussion

For no-obligation advice and information, call our specialist medical negligence solicitors on 01642 843 667 or use our contact form, and we will call you back.

What is a Medical Negligence Claim?

A medical negligence claim arises when harm is caused because the care provided falls below the standard reasonably expected of healthcare professionals. This can include errors during treatment, misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or complications arising during surgery or other medical procedures.

Not every poor outcome is considered medical negligence. A claim can only be pursued if independent medical evidence shows that the care provided fell below the expected standard and directly caused avoidable harm.

Our specialist medical negligence team can assess your situation and advise whether you may have a claim.

Who Can Make a Claim?

You may be able to bring a claim if you are:

• A patient who has suffered injury or worsening of a condition following care or treatment
• A representative acting on behalf of someone who lacks capacity
• A family member making a claim on behalf of a deceased patient

Our solicitors can advise on eligibility and guide you through the process.

What Can I Claim for If I Have Sustained Medical Negligence at East Lancashire NHS Foundation Trust?

If you’ve suffered a medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Pain and suffering caused by the accident.
• Lost earnings due to time off work.
• Medical expenses.
• Travel expenses related to your injuries.
• Costs of any care or assistance required.

What Should You Do?

If you believe you have experienced medical negligence, taking the right steps early can help protect your options for making a claim:

1. Seek medical attention – Ensure you receive appropriate care for any injuries or complications.
2. Keep detailed records – Note the dates, times, and details of your treatment and any symptoms or changes in your condition.
3. Request copies of your medical records – These may be crucial in supporting a claim.
4. Report your concerns – You can raise concerns directly with the hospital or through the NHS complaints process.
5. Gather evidence – This may include photographs, correspondence, and contact details of witnesses if relevant.
6. Seek specialist legal advice – Speaking to a medical negligence solicitor does not commit you to making a claim but allows you to understand your options.

Our experienced medical negligence team can guide you through the process, explain your rights, and advise on the next steps.

Making a Complaint Through PALS

Before pursuing a medical negligence claim, some patients choose to raise concerns directly with the hospital. Each NHS Trust has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), which offers confidential advice, support, and information to patients and their families.

PALS can help you:

• Raise concerns or complaints about care or treatment
• Understand the NHS complaints process
• Communicate with the hospital to seek explanations or resolutions

Making a complaint through PALS may help you understand what went wrong and, in some cases, lead to improvements in care. However, it is important to be aware that the PALS process is separate from a medical negligence claim and does not provide compensation.

You do not need to make a complaint through PALS before speaking to a solicitor. If you are considering a claim, it is often sensible to seek legal advice early, as there are strict time limits and evidence requirements that apply regardless of whether a complaint has been made.

Our specialist medical negligence solicitors can explain how the NHS complaints process and a potential compensation claim may run alongside each other, and advise on the best course of action for your situation.

Is there a Time Limit for Making a Claim Against East Lancashire NHS Foundation Trust?

Medical negligence claims are generally subject to a three-year time limit. This usually starts from:

• The date of the incident, or
• The date you first became aware that your injury or condition may have been caused by medical care

For children and individuals who lack mental capacity, different time limits may apply. It is important to seek advice as early as possible. Acting promptly helps ensure that evidence is preserved and gives you the best chance of a successful claim.

Our specialist medical negligence team can advise you on time limits and guide you through the process.

Contact Us Today

For more information about making a Medical Negligence claim, you can call us on 01642 843 667; alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch.