Medical negligence

[babalon]

Does a person have to die or sustain long term damage in order to be able to claim medical negligence?

Very long story but 2 doctors told me that my 8 yr old should be discharged and his condition wasn't life threatening. I thank god refused but was denied active treatment for his breathing difficulties dispite asking. As a result he suffered a respitory arrest on the ward and spent 3 days ventilated on icu. If I'd taken him home my child would be dead.

Any advice?

I dont know but how horrible. I had similar exp but not as severe, docs should always listen to mums. How is he now?

You have to have a quantifiable loss eg loss of a function (eg eye, limb) or loss of earnings (ie professional cook who loses a hand and can't work)

You don't

You may have a minor claim for pain and suffering

This doesn't mean you can't sue but you are unlikely to get any money

Best bet would be to complain to the trust

Orangehead thanks he is undamaged and remember nothing of getting really ill thank god. Unfortunately I do no one should ever see their own child go dark blue!

I don't want money! I want something more than an apology though. I'm writing a letter of complaint to the trust but know through experience ( I'm a staff nurse) that it's usually a case of ' people have been spoken to, bla bla very sorry etc'

If I didn't have the medical knowledge that I do I would have taken him home and I'd have lost him without a doubt. I'm so angry but just don't want a child to die next time. I just want practice to change and the only thing the trust responsed to is financial.

???

sorry it was the word "claim" that implied money!

You should lodge a formal complaint then