Medical negligence claim news
12/02/2008

Cost of compensation increases by more than 100%

Figures just released detailing the cost of medical negligence claims in Scotland have shown there was an "exceptional increase" in the amount of compensation paid out by Scottish NHS trusts in 2006-7.

The figures put the cost of XX1XXs during this period at £23 million, up from £9 million during the previous year.

While such figures might seem to indicate that their had been a surge in the number of people claiming, closer inspection reveals that the increase is in fact attributable to small number of very large clinical negligence payouts.

With only around 10% of people who are eligible to claim choosing to do so, some lobbyists have argued for more to be done to ensure greater access to litigation processes and no win, no fee lawyers.

The chief executive of Action Against Medical Accidents has (AVMA) is a leading proponent of this view. He commented, "There is only a tiny fraction of people who could claim for negligence who ever actually make a claim," he said. "In Scotland, even with this big leap in the amount that has been paid out, it only really reflects just a small number of high-value claims.

"It is still just the tip of the iceberg of people who really deserve and need compensation who aren't getting justice."

While not being drawn into commenting specifically on the medical negligence figures, a Scottish government spokesperson said, "The Scottish government intends to introduce a no-fault system for compensation, which we believe will help foster a more open and respectful relationship between patients and clinical staff. We will consult fully on our proposals."