Mediation in Clinical Negligence
Medical Negligence Mediation
If you or someone you care about has been the victim of clinical negligence, mediation may be the right solution for you.
“Really great clinical negligence practice, staffed by experienced practitioners who know how NHS Trusts work. They also build great rapport with clients.”
“Stephanie Prior is very experienced, with an encyclopaedic medical knowledge. Fights tooth and nail for her clients.”
“Stephanie’s a very committed lawyer and always has the best interest of the client at heart.”
In terms of the law, mediation is a means of resolving disputes. In mediation sessions, discussions between the two opposing parties is facilitated by a third party, also known as a mediator.
The mediator is neutral, is representative of neither of the opposing parties and should not offer legal advice. A skilled mediator displays good communication skills, good speaking and listening skills and aims to keep the parties focused on the issues at hand.
Clinical negligence mediation
Over the past decade or so, mediation has been used in the UK for the resolution of clinical negligence cases. In clinical negligence claims, for mediation to proceed, both parties must consent. Participation is entirely voluntary and may be stopped at any time. What goes on during the mediation is private and confidential. The aim is for the opposing parties to reach a satisfactory agreement. If terms are agreed upon, they are made legally binding. However, if mutually agreeable terms cannot be found, the case may be taken forward for litigation, in which a decision will be made by the judge and imposed on both parties.
The benefits of medical malpractice mediation
For some people, mediation can be preferable to a court case, particularly in terms of speed and cost savings. For many, it is also less stressful. To date, mediation on clinical negligence has been used in a wide variety of cases, and most negligence cases are suitable for mediation to occur.
Statistics show that the rate of successful mediations are over 90% and a small NHS Pilot scheme supports these findings: of the 12 cases mediated during the pilot, 11 were resolved with monetary and non-monetary outcomes. The 12th case ended as a consequence of withdrawal, yet with a ‘valuable non-monetary outcome for the claimant’.2
Mediation is recognised by the courts as a viable means of, ‘alternative dispute resolution’. Its success is reflected in the reduction of court trials and in the rise in the total number of mediations taking place.3
Deciding on mediation in medical negligence cases
There are several reasons why people may be hesitant to use mediation: a mistrust of the process, lawyers perceiving the mediation process as inherently flawed and the fact that wronged parties really want to have their day in court.4 For these reasons, parties should not be forced to mediation. A report in the Law Society Gazette is clear that for now, mediation must remain a voluntary process. For if people are compelled to do something that they are not happy to do, they will not participate, resulting in an ‘expensive nuisance’.5 It is the case therefore, that mediation is not right for everyone.
Osbornes Law: Finding out if mediation is a suitable option for you
To find out more about mediation in clinical negligence cases and whether it is something that may work in your case, please contact one of the specialist clinical negligence team at Osbornes Law. We will be glad to hear from you and you will be glad that you got in touch.
Our Promise to You
· We will review your potential claim by advising you on the NHS complaints procedure or other alternative procedure if your case does not relate to NHS care and treatment.
· We will not charge a fee for our time in reviewing your case.
· We can assist you with any issues that you may have regarding the complaints procedure or that you encounter in obtaining copies of your medical records.
· We will advise you of the course of action in respect of your case.
For a further discussion regarding your situation and whether mediation may be the right solution for you, call Stephanie Prior on 020 7485 8811 or fill in our online enquiry form.
Contact our medical negligence lawyers today
Call us to speak with a lawyer 020 7485 8811
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"Service prompt and effective. I have absolute confidence in Maggie."
"Her persistence, perspicacity, determination and efficiency are simply outstanding, as are her legal, analytical and negotiating skills."
“Thank you very much for your support and advice over the past 15 months, I certainly would never have achieved the same results had I tried to pursue the case on my own. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your services to others in the future.”
A massive thank you for all your efforts and more broadly, a fantastic service throughout the whole process - we moved in on Saturday and couldn't be more pleased with everything. I found all your advice to be priceless and a real breath of fresh air.
“Maria immediately understood my situation and put forward my exact views. She was very compassionate and put me at ease. I would readily recommend Maria”
Medical Negligence Accreditations
Contact our medical negligence lawyers today
Call us to speak with a lawyer 020 7485 8811
Email us Send us an email and we’ll get back to you
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