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Personal Injury and Medical Negligence

Profession Category: Personal Injury and Medical Negligence

Personal injury

Accidents can result in life-changing injuries that gravely effect your future or simply cause shorter-term physical pain and financial loss. Whatever the case, you don’t need to suffer in silence.

Compensation for personal injuries caused by negligence and carelessness will help you work towards recovering both physically, emotionally and financially; helping you rebuild your life and put you back into the position you were before you suffered the accident wherever possible. Whether you’re looking for acknowledgement and an apology or finances to rehabilitate effectively, our nationally recognised expert personal injury solicitors will give you pragmatic advice to achieve an outcome that works for you.  

For all personal injury matters, call Victoria Harvey on 01494 478672 or email medicalnegligence@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, please fill in our contact form.

Injury solicitors you can trust

We know from experience that submitting a claim is a stressful process and victims of accidents are often reluctant to pursue a claim. Getting fair compensation can help you rebuild your life and move forward following a devastating incident. Our personal injury lawyers are highly experienced in securing compensation for our clients, and we can help you too. We’ve helped families seeking comfort and compensation following a loved one’s fatal accident, as well as people suffering life-changing injuries and illnesses.

We take a sensitive and supportive approach to personal injury compensation claims. Our clients are sometimes facing unimaginable challenges affecting their daily life, family and mental wellbeing; our aim is to take away the burden of the stress of bringing a claim. Pursuing a claim should be a way to help you move forward, so we ensure that you don’t face any unnecessary difficulties during the process. It is our job to fully take your case on, so you don’t have to, we’ll always support you by answering questions, offering advice and addressing any concerns you may have throughout the process.

Our experienced personal injury team will always give clear and constructive advice. It is likely this will be the first personal injury claim you will face, so we’ll talk you through the process in plain English. We’ll also be honest with you about what you can expect from the outcome, so you can begin to plan ahead and put steps in place to move forward. 

Types of personal injury cases we can assist with:

  • Serious road-traffic accidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Occupiers’ liability claims
  • Fatal accidents
  • Sports injury claims

Types of serious injury cases we cover:

  • Head and brain injury
  • Spinal injury
  • Amputation
  • Multiple fractures
  • Fatal accidents
  • Brachial plexus
  • Chronic pain
  • Industrial disease including mesothelioma and other asbestos related illness

No win no fee

When you are seeking compensation to help recover financially from an accident, it is comforting to know our expert personal injury team accepts cases on a no win no fee basis when there is no alternative means of funding claims.

When to make a personal injury claim

You must make a claim within three years from the date of the accident, or from when you realised you had suffered an injury or illness as a result of someone else’s actions. In some cases, it can take longer to discover the exact cause such as claims for industrial disease, but it is always best to contact us as early as possible so we can investigate your case and file for compensation within the time limit. 

Navigating the claims process

Concluding a personal injury claim can take some time, especially if you have suffered a serious injury due to complex circumstances,. You need to prove the accident was caused by someone else’s wrongdoing. Corresponding with the other side, gathering evidence and constructing arguments can be complicated and time-consuming.

We will take these issues out of your hands, thoroughly investigating the circumstances and compiling evidence to show the other party was at fault. Revisiting the scene of an accident can be emotionally difficult and, once again, we will do all we can to take the burden away from you.  

Negotiating compensation

The aim of compensation is to relieve the financial worries you may now face as a result of an accident or illness preventing you from working. Compensation can cover for costs such as the care you need, rehabilitation treatment, physiotherapy, alterations to your home, specialist equipment and loss of earnings. We will give you a clear indication of the reward you can expect based on your circumstances, so you can decide how you would like to proceed with your claim. 

Contact us 

For all personal injury matters, call Victoria Harvey on 01494 478672 or email medicalnegligence@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, please fill in our contact form.

Medical negligence

Medical negligence can result in life-changing injuries. Doctors, nurses and therapists all have a duty of care, and if you suffer injury, illness or worsened symptoms from an existing condition as a result of the treatment you’ve received, you may have a right to seek compensation.

For all medical negligence matters, call Victoria Harvey on 01494 478672 or email medicalnegligence@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, please fill in our contact form.

Honesty, clarity and expertise 

If you’ve been a victim of medical negligence and you’re suffering from a new condition or worsened symptoms because of a medical professional’s advice or treatment, the last thing you want is the additional burden and stress of seeking redress. We are here to take care of the entire process for you, so you can concentrate on moving forward. You can count on us to support you throughout your medical negligence case. A nominated highly qualified and specialist litigation lawyer will act as your dedicated point of contact to conduct your claim, answer your questions and give you a clear picture of the next steps. 

We believe it is important our clients know exactly where they stand. You can expect us to be honest and straight-talking with you. We’ll discuss your likely outcomes and make it clear what we believe you will achieve, ensuring you understand your options so you can decide how you wish to proceed.

We’ve taken many clients through the medical negligence claims process and are experts in building a strong case. We know it takes a thorough approach, so we’ll work meticulously to understand every aspect of your situation and gather the vital and necessary evidence. We also understand what you have been through is personal, and we’ll make sure you always feel comfortable by ensuring we are approachable, and your case is handled in a sympathetic way. 

Understanding medical negligence

Medical negligence arises when you receive poor quality medical advice or treatment that leads to you having a new injury, medical condition or you are experiencing worse and avoidable symptoms from an existing condition. You may have been misdiagnosed, received a delay in diagnosis of a serious illness, had the incorrect treatment, received poor advice or suffered more than you should have following an operation or injury. If your condition or symptoms are the result of negligent advice or poorly executed treatment, then you may be entitled to claim.

Types of medical negligence cases 

  • Hospital negligence and GP negligence
  • Medical misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis including cancer, stroke, heart attack and sepsis
  • Negligent management of diabetes
  • Obstetrics and gynaecology claims
  • Pre & post-natal claims
  • Negligent amputation
  • Injuries arising from surgical error
  • Orthopaedic injuries
  • Cauda Equina Syndrome
  • Negligence resulting in avoidable death

Time limits for a negligence claim

To receive compensation for medical negligence, you need to start a claim within three years of realising you received substandard medical care. Sometimes you will know immediately, but in some cases the problem may not be apparent straight away. It may be some time after you have received the treatment that you realise that you may have been a victim of medical negligence, but it is vital you contact us as soon as possible.

How to claim for medical negligence

To succeed with a claim, we will need to prove that you’ve received poor quality treatment or advice, and it has caused you to suffer as a result. There are three elements to this:

Breach of duty – this requires us to show the medical professional breached their legal duty of care to you. This can be by proving carelessness, mistake or misjudgement or by demonstrating that other medical professionals would have taken a different approach which would have avoided harming you. 

Causation – a breach of the duty of care does not, on its own, mean you win your case. It is necessary to prove the care or treatment you received has caused you an avoidable injury or illness, or has made your pre-existing condition materially worse than it would have been with the correct treatment

Damage –we need to show that the negligent advice or treatment has resulted in actual physical or emotional harm to you.

Our specialist solicitors are highly experienced in pursuing successful medical negligence claims. We will help you make sense of the process and take you through the steps of gathering evidence and proving the medical care you received has affected your way of life. 

Compensation for medical negligence

The amount of compensation you could be awarded depends on your circumstances and the effect that the negligence has had on you and your life. It may include past and future loss of earnings, the cost of rehabilitation, treatment and care, future care needs as well as expenses incurred as a direct result of the injuries sustained. We have also helped families gain compensation after losing a loved one following poor treatment and misdiagnosis, to include financial dependency claims. 

Contact us

For all medical negligence matters, call Victoria Harvey on 01494 478672 or email medicalnegligence@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, please fill in our contact form.

Personal injury and medical negligence

Experiencing injuries or illness due to someone else’s negligence can be devastating and life changing. Our team of experienced medical negligence and personal injury lawyers are here to support you through this challenging time.

If you have lost a loved one due to an incident caused by another person, we can also provide compassionate assistance. We understand that sadly, preventable accidents occur, and those responsible should be held accountable, while ensuring fair compensation is awarded.

For all personal injury or medical negligence matters, call Victoria Harvey on 01494 478672 or email personalinjury@blasermills.co.uk / medicalnegligence@blasermills.co.uk.

Who we are

At Blaser Mills, our experienced lawyers are well-known for their empathetic support for affected clients and their families.  

With a proven track record of successfully recovering compensation for various types of medical negligence and personal injury claims, we are dedicated to help you claim the maximum compensation from those responsible for your loss, injury or illness.

How we will support you

We understand that pursuing a legal claim can be overwhelming, but you won’t have to face it alone. Our lawyers are here to guide and support you throughout the process. You’ll be represented by a lawyer with extensive experienced in cases like yours, who will handle your matter effectively, with the ultimate goal of achieving a swift resolution wherever possible.

We will communicate clearly and avoid using legal jargon, so you always know what’s going on. If you have any questions along the way, just ask—we’re here to help.

We will work hard to build a strong case on your behalf so that those responsible accept responsibility – paving the way for an early compensation settlement.

Our aim is to recover maximum compensation for your physical and emotional injuries, as well as ensuring you are compensated for your financial losses to include, but not limited to:

  • Lost earnings
  • Travel costs
  • Prescription expenses and medical treatment
  • Loss of pension
  • Care costs
  • Rehabilitation and adaptations costs
  • Future loss of earnings
  • Future treatment and care costs

Blaser Mills handles injury cases on a ‘no win no fee’ basis, removing the financial risk to you. We also offer ‘no win, no fee’ if you’ve lost a loved one following an accident or medical negligence.

Common personal injury cases

Accidents can happen anywhere, and in all walks of life. We regularly deal with claims including:

  • Workplace accidents
  • Public and occupier liability accidents
  • Sports accidents
  • Serious road traffic, pedestrian and cyclist accidents
  • Occupational disease and asbestos related illness

Common personal injury cases

While most doctors and other health professionals work to high standards, mistakes and negligence still happen. Our wide-ranging experience includes but is not limited to:

  • GP negligence
  • Surgical errors
  • Incorrect treatment
  • Obstetric/gynaecological injuries
  • Misdiagnosis/delayed diagnosis
  • Failure to treat
  • Birthing injuries
  • Prescription errors
  • Nursing and care home negligence
  • Dental negligence

Can I make a claim?

Contact us as soon as you can: injury claims must be started within 3 years of the incident – or within 3 years of discovering negligence caused your injuries.

For minors under the age of 18, the 3-year ‘limitation period’ begins when they turn 18, but it’s wise to start your claim promptly while events are fresh in your mind.  

Contact us

Our medical negligence and personal injury solicitors are here to support you. Call Victoria Harvey on 01494 478672 or email personalinjury@blasermills.co.uk / medicalnegligence@blasermills.co.uk. Alternatively, fill in our contact form. 

Infected blood scandal: Legal support for those affected

Posted on by fluroltd

The infected blood scandal has tragically impacted thousands of individuals and families in the UK. This medical damage, stemming from contaminated blood transfusions in the 1970s and 1980s, resulted in numerous victims contracting life-altering viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C. Recent developments indicate that victims could receive over £2 million in compensation, a step towards acknowledging their suffering and loss.

Understanding the scandal
During the 1970s and 1980s, blood products supplied by the NHS were tainted with deadly viruses, infecting thousands of patients. This primarily affected individuals requiring regular blood transfusions, such as those with haemophilia. The government’s failure to adequately screen and ensure the safety of these blood products resulted in a public health disaster.

The term ‘victim(s)’ refers to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by infected blood who is eligible for compensation.

Eligibility
As defined by the Government website [1] you were a victim of infected blood, whether you were infected or affected as follows:

An infected person is someone who has:

  • HIV through the use of NHS supplied blood, blood products and/or tissue;
  • An acute or chronic case of Hepatitis C through the use of NHS supplied blood, blood products and/or tissue
  • A chronic case (more than 6 months) of Hepatitis B through the use of NHS supplied blood, blood products and/or tissue
  • An acute case (less than 6 months) of Hepatitis B through the use of NHS supplied blood, blood products and/or tissue and died as a result of Hepatitis B infection during the acute period

A person who suffered the impact of infected blood through their relationship with a living or deceased infected person is known as an affected person. Affected persons include:

  • Spouses
  • Civil partners
  • Partners cohabiting with an eligible infected person for at least one year following the infection

Partners who separated from the eligible infected person prior to infection will not be eligible for compensation.

People who were registered on current UK IBSS or who were in receipt of support payments from Alliance House Organisation (AHO) will automatically be eligible and registered for the scheme.

Estate application
The infected person who has passed away, the personal representatives of the deceased person’s estate may apply for compensation on behalf of the estate of the infected deceased person.

Compensation
The compensation due will be judged under the five criteria’s below:

  1. Injury and harm caused
  2. Social impact from stigma and isolation
  3. Impact on autonomy and private life, such as not being able to have children
  4. Care costs
  5. Financial loss

Legal implications and compensation
The infected blood scandal has led to numerous inquiries and legal actions over the years. The recent discussions around compensation signify a major development in addressing the grievances of the victims. According to the latest figures, affected individuals could receive more than £2 million, reflecting the severity of their suffering and the profound impact on their lives.

However, securing this compensation is not straightforward. It involves intricate legal procedures and the need for substantial evidence to support claims. This is where the expertise of a specialist solicitor will be crucial.

How we can help
We can assist you at all stages of your claim from the initial registering of your potential claim through to gathering all necessary medical evidence and other supportive documentation so your claim can be assessed and thereafter to an amicable conclusion ensuring you recover the maximum level of damages to which you are entitled.

Support
Beyond legal representation, we offer empathetic support. We understand the emotional toll of such a situation and strive to provide a compassionate approach to help you through this challenging time.

The infected blood scandal represents one of the most significant healthcare disasters in the UK. As victims now have a potential path to significant compensation, it is crucial to have skilled legal representation to navigate the complexities of these claims. With extensive experience in PI and medical negligence cases, I am dedicated to helping victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one have been affected by this scandal, do not hesitate to seek professional legal assistance to explore your options.

For further information or advice please get in touch with Victoria Harvey or Asif Ali:

Victoria Harvey: 07776 859163 – vrh@blasermills.co.uk

Asif Ali: 01494 478607 – axa@blasermills.co.uk

[1] Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Summary – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Sam Brodie

Sam is an Associate in our Personal Injury and Medical Negligence team.

Sam qualified in 2020 and throughout his career to date has practised exclusively in the Personal Injury Litigation space. Sam has represented both claimants and defendants in Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Litigation and has experience dealing with claims from both a claimant and defendant perspective. He has worked in both the UK and Australian jurisdictions.

In recent years, Sam has specialised in clinical negligence litigation, representing claimant’s and their families in a wide range of Clinical Negligence claims against General Practitioners, the NHS and Private Hospitals, care homes, dentists, surgeons, nurses and ambulance service providers.

He handles a diverse range of cases, each presenting unique circumstances and encompassing a variety of injuries. These include instances such as hypoxic brain events in infants, strokes, gynaecological injuries, orthopaedic injuries, sepsis, vascular conditions, eye conditions, and cancer diagnoses.

Sam prides himself on his attention to detail and the rapport he is able to form with his clients.

Blaser Mills Law announces three partner promotions

Posted on by fluroltd

We are delighted to announce the promotions of Samantha Bellia, Victoria Harvey, and Tracy Jones to partnership in the firm.

Samantha Bellia is very well known throughout the region as a top residential conveyancing practitioner. Blaser Mills Law was delighted to recruit her in 2021 and her rapid rise to partnership is testament to the remarkable contribution that she has made to the firm since joining.Sam’s wealth of experience, dedication to client-care, and long-standing strong connections within the local property network enable her to ensure that the process of moving home is made as stress-free as possible.

Victoria Harvey joined Blaser Mills Law in 2017 from a major London firm. Recognised as a leading practitioner in medical negligence and personal injury law, Victoria has spent her career helping people who have suffered major injuries to rebuild their lives – securing tens of millions of pounds in damages for the victims of negligence. Victoria is not only a great lawyer but also has genuine empathy, enabling her to provide a great service while securing exceptional results for her clients.

Tracy Jones is a partner dedicated solely to Responsible Business (often also referred to as ESG or sustainability). To have a partner in this position is almost unique in law firms. Tracy joined Blaser Mills Law in 2017, following two decades of experience as a property lawyer. Having then embraced a new role in business development, she took on becoming a Responsible Business Director in 2021. As a Responsible Business Partner. Tracy leads the firm’s focus on inclusion, diversity, wellbeing, community and the environment. Tracy’s success in this role has played a huge part in shaping Blaser Mills Law’s culture and the firm’s standard-setting approach to these vital issues.

CEO Dave Matthews says: “This is a great trio of promotions. Sam and Vicki are true leaders in their respective fields, and the promotion of Tracy shows our genuine commitment and passion to becoming a truly
responsible business, prioritising the important values that companies should embrace at their core”.

Congratulations to all.

Victoria Harvey

Victoria is a Partner and Head Personal Injury  and Medical Negligence at Blaser Mills Law.

Victoria has over 30 years’ experience in personal injury litigation and now specialises in medical negligence.

Her past history includes employer liability, RTA and industrial disease case load including mesothelioma and asbestos related illness.

In recent years Victoria has concentrated on claims involving serious, life-changing injuries. She has a great deal of experience with claims involving chronic regional pain syndrome and other chronic pain conditions, fatal injuries, crushing injuries and psychological trauma.

Victoria now focuses on medical negligence claims involving surgical error, mis-diagnosis or delayed diagnosis of cancer and other serious conditions, sub-standard care of the elderly, failure to obtain informed consent, unnecessary surgical procedures, sub-standard care and claims for dental negligence.

She is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and was an Executive Committee Member for this organisation for 9 years. Victoria was also on the Board of Directors for the UK Rehabilitation Council for 4 years and spent 2 years on the Bar Standards Board Consumer Panel.

Victoria continues to rank as a Key Lawyer in the Legal 500 Directories.

‘The practice offers down to earth, approachable and sensible assessments which clients appear to appreciate.’ The Legal 500