Need Help Funding a Medical Negligence Claim?
If you think you have a valid medical negligence claim but are worried about how you will pay for it, don’t worry, there are a range of funding options available allowing people of any financial means to claim the compensation they deserve following an incidence of medical negligence.
1. Legal Aid
Legal aid has been in the news a lot recently; although there have been cuts to the budget it is still possible to claim financial help from the government. A solicitor will be able to assess your situation and let you know if you are eligible for legal aid. Typically they will ask for information about your financial situation, including information about your (and, if appropriate, your partner’s) income and expenses, details of any benefits you receive and any savings you have.
Number 2: Legal Aid
Despite the huge amount of negative media coverage recently relating to cuts to the legal aid budget, it is still an option in some situations. A solicitor will assess your situation and let you know whether you are eligible to apply for legal aid. In order to complete an accurate assessment, they will need to know details of any benefits you claim, your earnings and (where applicable) those of your partner and any savings you have.
Number 3: Trade Union Funding
Some trade unions make funding available to their members for financing medical negligence claims. If you are a member of a trade union, or you were at the time the medical negligence took place, ask your solicitor to contact the union on your behalf. Alternatively, contact them directly and ask if any special provisions are made for members in your circumstances.
Number 4: Condition Fee Agreements (No Win, No Fee)
Occasionally there are special terms available that will allow you to claim funding for a medical negligence claim from your trade union. Even if you are no longer a member of the union, if you were at the time when the negligence occurred you may still be able to fund your claim using this method. Your solicitor will be happy to make enquiries on your behalf, or you can contact your union directly.
Private Funding
If you are not eligible to receive funding from any of the above sources, you may have to provide the funding yourself. If so, a solicitor should be happy to discuss costs with you, ensuring you have all the information necessary to make a decision regarding whether or not to proceed.
Once you’ve decided how to fund your medical negligence claim, you will need a solicitor capable of guiding you through the compensation claims process.