How We Calculate This
We use established UK legal precedent for medical negligence awards. General damages for pain and suffering range from £10K for minor injuries to £500K+ for permanent total disability. Future costs are calculated based on life expectancy and care requirements. Lost earnings are based on actuarial projections.
Why This Matters
NHS trusts are required to carry indemnity insurance. Your settlement comes from that, not taxpayers' pockets. Wins reduce future negligence by forcing trusts to improve systems. It's accountability wearing a price tag.
What You Actually Get
Lump sum settlements are placed in trust for the child. Structured settlements provide regular payments. Both cover past losses, future treatment, and pain/suffering. The money is real. The trauma is permanent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions
Is this accurate?
We use real award data from NHS settlements and published court judgments. Your actual award depends on your solicitor's skill, the trust's defense, and judge interpretation. Assume ±30% variation.
How long does a case take?
3-7 years typically. Complex cases stretch to 10+. The NHS fights hard. Your child gets older waiting for justice.
Do I need a solicitor?
Yes. Medical negligence is specialized. Most work on conditional fee agreements (no win, no fee). Your solicitor keeps 25-30% of winnings as their cut.
What counts as negligence?
When a healthcare professional fails to meet the standard of reasonable care, and that failure caused injury. Birth injuries, missed diagnoses, surgical errors, medication mistakes, infections from poor hygiene — these all count if caused by avoidable mistakes.
Can you claim after the time limit?
Minors have until their 21st birthday to file. That's typically enough time. Get legal advice within 3 years of the injury becoming apparent.
The NHS settles thousands of medical negligence claims annually. Most involve children. The average settlement for permanent disability is £500K-£2M. The real cost? Your child's life. No amount fixes that. But the law says someone should pay.