Nursing Negligence Claims

Expect A Competent Standard of Care

Nurses are known for offering comfort and compassion in times of need, but substandard care may lead to nursing negligence claims. You expect to be in safe hands during a stay in hospital and nurses are required to uphold a high standard of care. After all, they are your first and last point of contact at the hospital and provide a vital service.

However, if nursing care falls below expected standards which directly leads to worsening of a health condition or an injury or any other harm, you may be entitled to pursue a medical negligence claim.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to poor nursing care, Jefferies Claims may be able to help.

What Is Negligent Nursing?

Negligent nursing occurs when a nurse fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent nurse would in a similar situation. This failure may result in patient harm, unnecessary suffering, or even life-threatening conditions. Nurses have a duty of care towards their patients, and any breach of that duty may be considered negligence.

It’s important to note that not all mistakes made by nurses will be regarded as negligence. To have grounds for a case, the care provided must have been below the acceptable standard and this must have directly caused harm to the patient.

Different Types of Negligence in Nursing

There are several ways in which nursing negligence can occur, each with potential risks and consequences. Here are some of the most common types:

Medication Errors

One of the most common mistakes is medication errors. This can involve a nurse administering the wrong drug, giving the wrong dosage, or failing to provide medication at the correct time.

For example, if a nurse accidentally gives a patient a higher dose of insulin than prescribed, it can lead to severe complications such as hypoglycaemia or even a coma.

Failure to Monitor or Assess a Patient’s Condition

Nurses are responsible for monitoring patients and noticing any signs of deterioration. If a patient’s condition worsens and a nurse fails to act quickly, serious consequences may follow.

An example would be ignoring symptoms of sepsis or heart failure. Neglecting to carry out routine observations, such as checking blood pressure, oxygen levels, or pain assessments are a common forms of negligence.

Failure to Follow Protocols and Procedures

Hospitals and healthcare facilities have strict guidelines and protocols in place to ensure patient safety. If a nurse ignores these procedures, you may be put at risk of infection or complications.

Examples of this would be failing to properly sterilise medical instruments, using incorrect wound care techniques or even not washing hands leading to infection.

Inadequate Communication

Clear and accurate communication among nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals is crucial. A failure to pass on critical patient information, such as allergies, test results, or medication requirements, may have serious consequences.

For example, if a nurse forgets to inform a doctor that a patient is allergic to a certain antibiotic, the patient might suffer an allergic reaction.

Neglecting Basic Patient Needs

Patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility rely on nurses for essential care. This may involve repositioning to prevent bedsores, assistance with eating and drinking, and maintaining hygiene. If a nurse neglects these duties, it may potentially result in severe health complications, malnutrition, dehydration, or infections.

Failure to Act in an Emergency

In an emergency, quick decision-making and immediate action can save lives. If a nurse fails to respond appropriately, a patient’s condition may rapidly worsen. Examples may include delaying CPR on a patient in cardiac arrest or not administering emergency medication.

When Can You File a Clinical Negligence Claim in the UK?

If you believe you or a loved one has suffered due to negligent nursing, you may be eligible to file a clinical negligence claim. However, you will have to show that there was a substandard level of care is linked to the deterioration of a medical condition or caused harm or injury. You should provide evidence that a nurse’s actions or inactions fell below the standard of a competent nurse.

To do this, it is necessary to obtain all your medical records, witness statements, or correspondence related to the negligence. You should also report negligence to the hospital.

Claim For Compensation

The general time frame to file a claim for compensation is three years from date of incident or from when you became aware of the negligence. If the claim is for a child, the three-year limit applies when they turn 18. Exceptions may also apply in cases of mental incapacity.

It is essential to consult with a lawyer who has expertise in medical negligence cases. Our friendly team at Jefferies Claims can guide you through a potential claim. We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.  Call us today at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Page for a free, no-obligation consultation.