Medical Negligence Solicitors in Dublin
When you seek medical treatment, you trust healthcare professionals to provide competent, careful care. Unfortunately, medical errors do occur, and when they do, the consequences can be devastating—causing additional injury, prolonged suffering, permanent disability, or even death.
At Gary Matthews Solicitors, we specialize in medical negligence claim throughout Ireland. Our experienced legal team has the medical knowledge and legal expertise to handle even the most complex malpractice cases. We work on a no win no fee basis, ensuring everyone has access to justice regardless of financial circumstances.
What is Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence (also called medical malpractice or clinical negligence) occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the standard of care that a reasonably competent professional would provide in similar circumstances, resulting in harm to the patient.
To succeed in a medical negligence claim, you must prove:
- Duty of care: A doctor-patient relationship existed
- Breach of duty: The healthcare provider failed to meet the expected standard of care
- Causation: The breach directly caused your injury or worsened your condition
- Damages: You suffered actual harm or loss as a result
Types of Medical Negligence Claims We Handle
Our experienced team handles all types of medical negligence cases, including:
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
- Failure to diagnose cancer or other serious conditions
- Misdiagnosing a condition, leading to incorrect treatment
- Delayed diagnosis causing disease progression
- Failure to order appropriate tests or scans
- Misreading test results or imaging
Surgical Errors
- Operating on the wrong body part or patient
- Leaving surgical instruments or materials inside the body
- Damaging organs, nerves, or blood vessels during surgery
- Inadequate post-operative care
- Anesthesia errors causing brain damage or death
- Performing unnecessary surgery
Birth Injuries and Obstetric Negligence
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Delayed or failed caesarean section
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Cerebral palsy caused by oxygen deprivation
- Erb's palsy and brachial plexus injuries
- Maternal injuries during childbirth
- Failure to detect pregnancy complications
Medication Errors
- Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage
- Failure to check for drug interactions or allergies
- Pharmacy dispensing errors
- Administration of incorrect medication in hospital
Hospital-Acquired Infections
- MRSA and other superbugs
- Post-surgical infections due to poor hygiene
- Sepsis from untreated infections
GP Negligence
- Failure to refer to a specialist
- Inadequate examination or history taking
- Dismissing patient symptoms
- Prescribing errors
Dental Negligence
- Nerve damage during procedures
- Unnecessary tooth extractions
- Failed root canal treatment
- Improper dental implants
Other Medical Negligence Cases
- Negligent cosmetic surgery
- Inadequate informed consent
- Failure to treat or monitor conditions properly
- Emergency department negligence
- Radiology errors
Compensation for Medical Negligence
Medical negligence can have life-altering consequences. Compensation aims to cover all losses and help restore quality of life as much as possible. You may be entitled to claim for:
General Damages
- Pain and suffering endured
- Loss of amenity and quality of life
- Psychological trauma and mental anguish
- Loss of life expectancy
Special Damages
- Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs, medications, therapy
- Care costs: Home care, nursing care, specialized equipment
- Lost earnings: Income lost due to inability to work
- Future loss of earnings: Reduced earning capacity or inability to work
- Accommodation costs: Necessary home modifications for disability
- Travel expenses: Transportation to medical appointments
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling
The Medical Negligence Claims Process
Medical negligence claims are complex and require specialized expertise. Here's how we handle your case:
1. Free Consultation
Contact us to discuss your case. We'll listen to your story and assess whether you have grounds for a claim—completely free with no obligation.
2. Medical Record Review
We obtain your complete medical records and have them reviewed by independent medical experts in the relevant field.
3. Expert Medical Opinion
We instruct qualified medical experts to provide opinions on:
- Whether the standard of care was breached
- The extent of harm caused by the negligence
- Long-term prognosis and care requirements
- Financial impact and future needs
4. Building Your Case
We gather comprehensive evidence including:
- Detailed medical reports
- Expert witness statements
- Employment and financial records
- Care assessments
- Evidence of pain, suffering, and impact on life
5. Letter of Claim
Unlike other personal injury claims, medical negligence cases do NOT go through PIAB. We send a detailed Letter of Claim directly to the healthcare provider or their insurer.
6. Negotiation or Court Proceedings
Many cases settle through negotiation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we're fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Medical Negligence Claims Are Complex
Medical negligence cases are among the most challenging personal injury claims because:
- Medical issues are technically complex and require expert interpretation
- Healthcare providers and insurers vigorously defend these claims
- Proving causation can be difficult, especially with pre-existing conditions
- Medical records can be extensive and difficult to interpret
- Cases often require multiple expert witnesses
- They don't go through PIAB, requiring direct legal action
This is why specialist legal representation is essential. Our team has the experience, medical knowledge, and resources to handle even the most complex medical negligence claims.
Time Limits for Medical Negligence Claims
In Ireland, the time limit for medical negligence claims is generally two years from:
- The date of the negligent act, or
- The date you became aware (or should reasonably have become aware) of the negligence
Important exceptions:
- For children, the time limit doesn't begin until they turn 18
- For persons lacking mental capacity, the time limit may be extended
- In fatal cases, families have two years from the date of death
Despite these time limits, we strongly recommend contacting us as soon as possible. Medical evidence deteriorates over time, and early action strengthens your case.
Why Choose Gary Matthews Solicitors?
- Medical Negligence Specialists - Extensive experience with complex malpractice cases
- Medical Expert Network - Access to leading medical professionals in all specialties
- No Win No Fee - You pay nothing unless your claim succeeds
- Compassionate Approach - We understand the emotional toll of medical negligence
- Maximum Compensation - We fight for full compensation to cover all your needs
- Proven Success - Track record of successful medical negligence settlements
- 24/7 Availability - Contact us anytime for support and guidance
- No PIAB Required - We handle direct negotiations and court proceedings
What Our Clients Can Expect
- Honest assessment of your claim's strength
- Clear explanation of the legal process
- Regular updates throughout your case
- Personal attention from experienced solicitors
- Access to the best medical experts
- Aggressive negotiation on your behalf
- Full support through what can be a difficult process
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a poor outcome and negligence?
Not all poor medical outcomes are due to negligence. Medicine involves risks, and complications can occur even with competent care. Negligence occurs only when care falls below acceptable standards.
How long do medical negligence claims take?
These cases typically take 2-4 years due to their complexity. We work as efficiently as possible while ensuring your case is thoroughly prepared.
Can I complain to the Medical Council as well as making a claim?
Yes, you can make a complaint to the Medical Council independently of pursuing a legal claim. However, they don't award compensation—only legal action can secure financial compensation.
What if the hospital or doctor apologizes?
An apology doesn't prevent you from making a claim. Under Irish law, apologies cannot be used as admissions of liability in court.
Contact Us for Expert Medical Negligence Representation
If you believe you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, contact Gary Matthews Solicitors today. We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. Remember, you have nothing to lose with our no win no fee service.