What Are Fatal Injury Medical Negligence Claims?
Fatal injury claims may arise where a patient dies as a result of failures in medical care, treatment, diagnosis, or monitoring. While not all deaths in a medical setting are caused by negligence, a claim may arise where a healthcare provider breaches the duty of care owed to a patient and that failure directly causes death.Examples of Fatal Injury Medical Negligence
Examples of medical negligence that may result in fatal injury claims include:- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of serious illness
- Failures in emergency medical care
- Surgical errors or complications
- Medication or prescribing mistakes
- Inadequate monitoring of patients
- Failures in post-operative care or treatment
- Delayed treatment of serious infection or sepsis
Bringing a Fatal Injury Claim
In Ireland, fatal injury claims are governed by the Civil Liability Act 1961. Claims are typically brought by the personal representative of the deceased on behalf of eligible dependants, including spouses, partners, or children. To pursue a successful claim, it must generally be established that a breach in the duty of care occurred and that this failure directly caused the death. Claims may involve compensation for dependency losses, funeral expenses, loss of services, and statutory bereavement damages where applicable. You can also read what previous clients have said about their experience of working with us.Time Limits for Medical Negligence Claims
Medical negligence and fatal injury claims in Ireland are subject to strict time limits. It is generally advisable to seek legal advice as early as possible following a death or medical incident. Early legal advice can help preserve important medical evidence and allow the circumstances to be properly investigated.Speak With a Medical Negligence Solicitor
If you have lost a family member and believe the death may have resulted from negligent medical treatment, we can provide clear, practical guidance regarding your situation.
Contact Kerrigan Solicitors to arrange a confidential consultation. We advise clients throughout Galway and Ireland in relation to fatal injury medical negligence claims and related medical negligence matters.
Email us at m.kerrigan@kerrigansolicitors.ie or telephone 091-820630 to arrange a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fatal Injury Medical Negligence Claims
What are fatal injury medical negligence claims?
How do I know if my family may have a fatal injury medical negligence claim?
Is there a time limit for making a medical negligence claim in Ireland?
In most cases, medical negligence claims in Ireland must be brought within two years less one day from the date of injury, although some exceptions may apply
Do I need my medical records before contacting a solicitor?
No. Your solicitor can arrange to obtain your medical records as part of the process of assessing whether a claim may arise.
How long does a medical negligence claim take?
Medical negligence claims can take longer than other personal injury cases because independent expert medical evidence is required before proceedings can begin.
Do you handle medical negligence claims for clients in Galway?
Yes, we advise clients in Galway city and county, and throughout Ireland in relation to medical negligence claims.
See what our clients have said about their experience working with us.
“Professional, clear advice throughout the process.”
'We understand that taking a medical negligence claim can feel like a big step.'
- Martin Kerrigan
If you would like advice about your situation, contact us for a confidential discussion.
Why Clients Choose Kerrigan Solicitors
Specialist Medical Negligence Experience
We provide focused legal advice in complex medical negligence cases, including treatment in Accident & Emergency departments.
Clear Advice From the Outset
We assess your situation carefully and advise whether your case may give rise to a claim before any decision is made.
Independent Medical Expert Support
We work with independent medical experts to evaluate whether the standard of care you received fell below acceptable levels.
Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation
We offer an initial consultation to discuss your circumstances and outline your options in a clear and practical way.
Arrange a Consultation
Contact us for a confidential, no-obligation discussion about your situation and whether you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim.
Strict time limits apply to medical negligence claims in Ireland.