A&E Medical Negligence Claims with Sweeney Solicitors
Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments are high-pressure environments where medical
professionals frequently make split-second decisions that can significantly affect patient outcomes.
While many of these decisions lead to positive outcomes, there are, unfortunately, instances where
negligence can occur. At Sweeney Solicitors, we are deeply committed to supporting those affected
by medical negligence in A&E settings, ensuring their rights are upheld and justice is served.
Unravelling A&E Medical Negligence
Medical negligence within A&E can present in various ways:

  1. Delayed Treatment: A patient’s condition might worsen due to long waiting times or not
    being treated promptly.
  2. Misdiagnosis: Incorrectly assessing a patient’s condition, which can lead to inappropriate or
    delayed treatment.
  3. Improper Treatment: Administering the wrong treatment or procedure.
  4. Medication Errors: Incorrectly prescribing or administering drugs.
  5. Discharge Errors: Discharging a patient prematurely or without adequate aftercare
    instructions.
    Consequences of Negligence in A&E
    Errors in the A&E department can result in:
  • Escalation of an existing medical condition.
  • Development of new, sometimes life-threatening complications.
  • Prolonged recovery times.
  • Psychological trauma due to the ordeal.
    Navigating A&E Medical Negligence Claims with Sweeney Solicitors
    If you believe you’ve been affected by negligence within an A&E setting, it’s essential to know the
    steps to seek redress:
  1. Detailed Investigation: We’ll gather all pertinent records, witness statements, and medical
    documentation to understand the extent of negligence.
  2. Expert Insights: Collaborating with medical professionals provides us with a nuanced
    perspective on your case.
  3. Transparent Communication: We’ll give you a clear understanding of your claim’s potential
    success, possible compensation, and the associated processes.
  4. Robust Representation: From initial consultations to potential court proceedings, we assure
    you of our unwavering support.
    Conclusion
    While A&E departments are crucial in handling emergencies, it’s undeniable that errors can occur,
    sometimes with significant repercussions for patients. At Sweeney Solicitors, we are dedicated to
    ensuring that victims of A&E medical negligence get the justice and compensation they deserve. If
    you or a loved one has faced such negligence, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can
    navigate these challenging waters, always prioritising your well-being and rights.

Grasping the Nuances of Wrong Prescription
Prescription errors can manifest in multiple ways:

  1. Incorrect Medication: Being prescribed a drug that isn’t suited to treat the diagnosed
    ailment.
  2. Dosage Mistakes: Receiving a prescription for the right medicine, but at an incorrect dose –
    either too high or too low.
  3. Drug Interactions: Being prescribed medicines that, when taken together, can produce
    harmful side effects.
  4. Allergic Reactions: Being prescribed a drug that the patient is known to be allergic to.
  5. Medication for the Wrong Patient: Instances where there is a mix-up, and a patient receives
    medication intended for someone else.
    Impacts of Wrong Prescription
    Prescription errors can lead to:
  • Adverse drug reactions.
  • Aggravation of the existing medical condition.
  • Development of new medical complications.
  • Emotional and psychological distress due to the harm caused.
    Claiming Compensation with Sweeney Solicitors
    If you’ve suffered harm due to a prescription error, it’s crucial to know that you have the right to
    seek redress. Here’s how we can assist:
  1. Thorough Investigation: We’ll procure all relevant medical records, prescription notes, and
    pharmacy dispensing details to pinpoint where the error occurred.
  2. Expert Collaboration: We partner with pharmaceutical experts and clinicians to get a deep
    understanding of the error’s implications.
  3. Candid Assessment: We’ll provide a transparent evaluation of your claim’s viability, potential
    compensation, and the expected timeline.
  4. Dedicated Representation: From negotiating with opposing parties to representing you in
    court, if necessary, we’re with you every step of the way.
    Conclusion
    The trust patients place in their healthcare providers is immense. When that trust is breached due to
    prescription errors, the fallout can be both physically and emotionally taxing. At Sweeney Solicitors,
    our mission is to stand by your side, ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve. If
    you or a loved one has been a victim of wrong prescription medical negligence, reach out to us. Your
    well-being and justice remain our prime focus.

GP Medical Negligence Claims with Sweeney Solicitors
General Practitioners (GPs) are often the first point of contact for many seeking medical advice or
treatment. They play a crucial role in our healthcare system, addressing a vast array of health
concerns and referring patients to specialists when required. While many GPs offer outstanding
care, there are unfortunate instances where errors occur, leading to potential harm for the patient.
At Sweeney Solicitors, we stand firmly by those affected by GP medical negligence, ensuring they
receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Understanding GP Medical Negligence
Medical negligence by a GP can manifest in various ways, including:

  1. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Where symptoms are overlooked or misinterpreted,
    leading to incorrect treatment or late interventions.
  2. Prescription Errors: Prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failing to consider
    potential drug interactions.
  3. Failure to Refer: Not sending a patient to a specialist when it’s clinically necessary.
  4. Inadequate Patient Examination: Not conducting a thorough examination, which may have
    highlighted a medical issue.
  5. Not Following Up: Failing to follow up on test results or missed appointments that could
    reveal serious health concerns.
    The Ramifications of GP Negligence
    Mistakes made at the primary care level can lead to:
  • Worsening of an existing condition.
  • New health complications.
  • Emotional distress and loss of trust in the healthcare system.
  • Potential long-term impact on overall well-being and quality of life.

  • Pursuing a GP Medical Negligence Claim with Sweeney Solicitors
    If you believe you’ve been a victim of GP negligence, it’s essential to understand that you have rights
    and are entitled to seek compensation. Here’s how our team will assist:
  1. Detailed Investigation: We will meticulously review all medical records, notes, and
    correspondences to build a solid case.
  2. Consulting Experts: We engage with medical experts to offer insights and bolster the claim’s
    foundation.
  3. Transparent Evaluation: We’ll give you a clear understanding of your claim’s potential
    success, the expected compensation, and the timeline.
  4. Relentless Representation: From negotiations to potential court hearings, we’ll represent you
    every step of the way.
    In Conclusion
    GP medical negligence can have profound implications on a patient’s life, leaving them feeling
    vulnerable and betrayed. At Sweeney Solicitors, we aim to navigate these challenging times
    alongside you, offering expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication. If you or a loved one
    believes you have faced negligence at the hands of a GP, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we’ll
    ensure that justice is served and your rights upheld.
    Wrong Prescription Medical Negligence Claims with Sweeney Solicitors
    Medication is an integral aspect of healthcare, often providing relief from ailments, enhancing the
    quality of life, or even saving lives. But what happens when the very medicine meant to heal causes
    harm due to a wrong prescription? At Sweeney Solicitors, we recognise the profound consequences
    that prescription errors can have and are committed to supporting those affected by this form of
    medical negligence.

Cosmetic Surgery Medical Negligence Claims with Sweeney Solicitors
Cosmetic surgeries are meant to enhance or improve an individual’s appearance, giving them
renewed confidence and self-esteem. However, what happens when the very procedure meant to
better your life leaves you with unwarranted complications and results?
At Sweeney Solicitors, we understand the profound impact such outcomes can have on a person’s
life. When you opt for a cosmetic procedure, you place immense trust in the hands of medical
professionals, expecting them to maintain a standard of care that ensures your safety and desired
outcomes. But, sadly, not all procedures go as planned. This is where medical negligence in the
realm of cosmetic surgery can arise, and it’s an area we’re deeply committed to assisting our clients
with.
What Constitutes Cosmetic Surgery Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence in cosmetic surgery can manifest in several ways, including but not limited to:

  1. Substandard Procedure: Where the surgeon fails to perform to the expected standard,
    leading to unwanted results.
  2. Inadequate Aftercare: Failure to provide appropriate post-operative care, causing infections
    or other complications.
  3. Lack of Informed Consent: Where the patient wasn’t given comprehensive information about
    the risks associated with the procedure.
  4. Surgical Mistakes: Such as operating on the wrong area, or leaving instruments inside the
    patient.
    Understanding Your Rights
    If you believe you’ve been a victim of cosmetic surgery medical negligence, it’s crucial to know your
    rights. Every patient is entitled to a duty of care from their medical practitioner. When this standard
    is breached, and you suffer harm as a direct result, you might have a valid claim.
    Making a Claim with Sweeney Solicitors
    At Sweeney Solicitors, our dedicated team of experts has a deep understanding of the Irish medical
    negligence law landscape. We’ll guide you through the process, ensuring:
  5. Thorough Investigation: We’ll compile all necessary medical records, witness statements, and
    other evidence to support your claim.
  6. Expert Witnesses: We collaborate with leading medical professionals to ascertain the extent
    of negligence and its impact on your life.
  7. Claim Assessment: We’ll provide an honest and transparent evaluation of your claim’s
    potential success and the possible compensation.
  8. Comprehensive Support: From initiating the claim to negotiating settlements or representing
    you in court, we’re by your side every step of the way.

Conclusion
Cosmetic surgery can be a life-changing decision. When things go awry due to medical negligence,
the emotional, physical, and financial toll can be overwhelming. At Sweeney Solicitors, we’re here to
support and guide you, ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve. If you believe
you’ve been a victim of cosmetic surgery medical negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your well-
being and justice are our top priorities.

If you suffer from an injury or disease which you have developed as a result of the poor treatment or misdiagnosis by medical or dental professionals, you may be entitled to claim compensation. 

This is referred to as medical negligence, though sometimes it is called medical malpractice or clinical negligence. It occurs when substandard care is given to a patient, either by action or failure to act, that either worsens their current condition or causes additional injury to them. 

Usually, these injuries are avoidable because the medical practitioner should have adhered to the standard of medical practice and duty of care expected of their profession. However, in most cases, medical professionals are dedicated, diligent and practice in a safe manner.

  • Dental injury claims
  • Cancer misdiagnosis claims
  • Birth injury claims
  • Cosmetic surgery claims
  • GP claims

The settlement outcome of a medical negligence claim will depend on particular factors. For example, whether you have a history of similar medical issues, the long-term effects of your injury, the type of injury or illness sustained. These are referred to as two types of damages:

General medical negligence damages

Non-financial damages include; pain and suffering, physical and emotional damage, loss of quality of life, and loss of opportunity.

Special medical negligence damages

These refer to out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of the malpractice. These can include: 

  • Loss of earnings and future earnings.
  • Current and future medical bills.
  • Care fees.
  • Costs of adapting a home.
  • Physiotherapy fees.
  • Payments for medical equipment.
  • Expenses for ongoing medication needed.

What’s the time limit to make a medical negligence claim

Medical negligence is a complicated part of Irish law and there is no definitive answer as to how long your claim will take. However, how long you have to make a medical negligence claim is defined.

The ‘Statute of Limitations’ is the formal term for the legal time limit in which you can make a medical negligence claim. This is usually two years minus one day after the date of knowledge of the injury.

The date of knowledge is often the date the accident occurred. However, sometimes, a person may not realise their injury until some time after an accident. In such cases, this is the date of knowledge.

Children are not allowed to make a medical negligence claim because they are classed as minors. Instead, their two-year time limit begins on the 18th birthday.  However, a parent or legal guardian can make a medical negligence claim on behalf of a minor following the medical malpractice. This option is typically more desirable because it is easier to uncover reliable evidence to strengthen the child’s case if they filed as soon as possible.

Explore your medical negligence options with us

Our team of medical negligence specialist solicitors in Cork and Dublin will work tirelessly to deliver the highest quality legal representation and advice for your medical negligence claim.

What Causes A Cancer Misdiagnosis?

A cancer misdiagnosis can happen from several different reasons, including:

  • The incompetence of a medical practitioner who fails to recognise the signs of cancer or misinterprets cancer as a different illness.
  • False-positive or false-negative results from a faulty cancer screening.
  • MRI or CT scans fail to identify cancerous lesions if the lesions are too small to detect.
  • Laboratory errors

How to Make a Cancer Misdiagnosis Claim

Making a claim for cancer misdiagnosis compensation claim must be brought through the courts. However, your claim can be settled outside of court. This happens if the medical practice accepts responsibility for the misdiagnosis and they offer an adequate cancer misdiagnosis settlement.

Cancer misdiagnosis compensation amounts will vary de- pending on the cancer misdiagnosis case.

The first step in assessing whether you have a cancer medical negligence claim is to contact a medical negligence solicitor. To establish whether there is a case, they will need:

  • All your medical records, including those from before the misdiagnosis, will need to be obtained before making a cancer compensation claim.
  • A medical examination and subsequent report with an expert in the eld is required to prove your misdiagnosis and that the medical practice you were treated by fell short of acceptable standards.

Erb’s palsy is muscle weakness in the arm or shoulder that can occur as a result of an injury sustained during birth or later in life. It’s most common in infants who injured their shoulders during delivery.

What are the signs and symptoms of Erb’s palsy?

Erb’s palsy affects the shoulder, arm, and elbow. In general, your hand muscles aren’t affected, but your hands may experience tingling or numbness.

Signs and symptoms of Erb’s palsy include:

  • Paralysis or limpness of the shoulder, arm and elbow. You can’t lift your arm away from your body or bend your elbow.
  • Numbness or tingling in your arm or hand. These are also known as “burners and stingers.”
  • A hand position known as ‘the waiter’s tip’ position. The palm of your hand points toward the back, and the fingers curl.

Types of Erb’s Palsy

There are four main types of brachial plexus palsy. Doctors determine the type of brachial plexus palsy based on the degree of damage to the brachial plexus nerve.

Learn more about the different Erb’s palsy types below.

Neuropraxia

Neuropraxia is the most common type of Erb’s palsy and occurs when a nerve is stretched but does not tear at all. Neuropraxia can cause a burning or stinging sensation and usually clear up on its own by 3 months of age.

Neuroma

Neuromas are more severe than neuropaxias. When neuromas occur, scar tissue forms as it heals itself from the stretching and places pressure on the other healthy network of nerves. Generally, children with neuroma Erb’s palsy partially heal.

Rupture

Ruptures occur when the brachial plexus nerve is torn. Ruptures require more intensive medical care since they will not heal. This injury usually requires surgery to graft the damaged nerve fibers back together.

Avulsions

Avulsions are the most severe type of nerve injury and they occur when a nerve is completely torn from the spinal cord. This can cause permanent paralysis or muscle weakness in the affected arm. It can also lead to Horner’s syndrome and cause difficulty breathing, drooping eyelids, and small pupils.

If you suffer from an injury or disease which you have developed as a result of the poor treatment or misdiagnosis by medical or dental professionals, you may be entitled to claim compensation. 

This is referred to as medical negligence, though sometimes it is called medical malpractice or clinical negligence. It occurs when substandard care is given to a patient, either by action or failure to act, that either worsens their current condition or causes additional injury to them. 

Usually, these injuries are avoidable because the medical practitioner should have adhered to the standard of medical practice and duty of care expected of their profession. However, in most cases, medical professionals are dedicated, diligent and practice in a safe manner.

  • Dental injury claims
  • Cancer misdiagnosis claims
  • Birth injury claims
  • Cosmetic surgery claims
  • GP claims

The settlement outcome of a medical negligence claim will depend on particular factors. For example, whether you have a history of similar medical issues, the long-term effects of your injury, the type of injury or illness sustained. These are referred to as two types of damages:

General medical negligence damages

Non-financial damages include; pain and suffering, physical and emotional damage, loss of quality of life, and loss of opportunity.

Special medical negligence damages

These refer to out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of the malpractice. These can include: 

  • Loss of earnings and future earnings.
  • Current and future medical bills.
  • Care fees.
  • Costs of adapting a home.
  • Physiotherapy fees.
  • Payments for medical equipment.
  • Expenses for ongoing medication needed.

What’s the time limit to make a medical negligence claim

Medical negligence is a complicated part of Irish law and there is no definitive answer as to how long your claim will take. However, how long you have to make a medical negligence claim is defined.

The ‘Statute of Limitations’ is the formal term for the legal time limit in which you can make a medical negligence claim. This is usually two years minus one day after the date of knowledge of the injury.

The date of knowledge is often the date the accident occurred. However, sometimes, a person may not realise their injury until some time after an accident. In such cases, this is the date of knowledge.

Children are not allowed to make a medical negligence claim because they are classed as minors. Instead, their two-year time limit begins on the 18th birthday.  However, a parent or legal guardian can make a medical negligence claim on behalf of a minor following the medical malpractice. This option is typically more desirable because it is easier to uncover reliable evidence to strengthen the child’s case if they filed as soon as possible.

Explore your medical negligence options with us

Our team of medical negligence specialist solicitors in Cork and Dublin will work tirelessly to deliver the highest quality legal representation and advice for your medical negligence claim.

Road traffic accident claims are the most common of all personal injury claims presented to solicitors and the Injuries Board.

A road traffic accident can be a traumatic experience regardless of the seriousness of the crash or whether you suffered any personal injuries.

If you have been involved in a crash that was not your fault, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim along with any damage sustained to your vehicle.

Common road accidents

  • Car accidents.
  • Cyclist accidents.
  • Motorcycle accidents.
  • Taxi passenger accidents
  • Rear-end collisions.
  • Pedestrian accidents.
  • Public transport accidents.
  • Fatal road traf c accidents.
  • Claims against uninsured Drivers and unidentied vehicles

Firstly, you need to check if you, any passengers and anybody else involved in the accident needs medical attention and to call an ambulance to ensure that medical care is received as soon as possible.

It is essential that if you have suffered a personal injury that you book an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible after the accident, even if you are involved in a minor road traf c accident. Unfortunately, seemingly minor injuries can develop into a more severe threat to your health if left untreated.

After seeking medical attention, these are the steps you should follow:

1. Call the Gardaí

2. Gather the relevant information

3. Witnesses

4. Speak to a solicitor

For more information, click here to download our FREE Personal Injury e-book today or FREEPHONE Sweeney Solicitors Cork on 1800 246 442

Injury to the mother can be sustained prior to, during or following the birth. These injuries can be a result of medical negligence. Inadequate medical care can result in these complications:

• Pregnancy malpractice/maternal birth injuries –
mismanagement of the pregnancy.
• Vaginal tears or lacerations.
• Pelvic injuries during birth.
• Broken bones.
• Ruptured uterus.
• Complications caused by delivery using forceps.
• Abnormal bleeding caused by medical negligence.
• Incontinence.
• Damage to bowel or bladder.
• Nerve damage after giving birth.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Wrongful death of the mother.
• Forceps Injury.
• Incorrect caesarean section.
• Infection.
• Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia.
• Improper stitching following caesarean section.

For further information speak directly to a member of the team, kindly visit our Contact page.