Medical negligence news
07/12/2007

Compensation claim figures in Yorkshire on the rise

Newly released compensation claim figures show that Yorkshire hospitals have had to pay out over £160 million since 2003. They also show that the amount paid out has been rising each year, with a 14% rise in the year from 2006-7.

The Sheffield Teaching Hospital is responsible for the largest amount of money paid out. However, as it is also one of the largest suppliers of medical care in the Yorkshire region, this may not mean it is any less safe than other hospitals.

The medical negligence compensation claim costs may well rise in future, according to one Sheffield personal injury solicitor, for two reasons. The first is the greater awareness among the public of the possibility of making a claim for damages, and the second is the rise in value of payment made to babies born with a disability, who now tend to live longer.

A spokesperson for the local patient forums added a note of congratulation to the hospitals, noting that the increased compensation claim payments showed a "greater openness and transparency... within the trusts themselves".