In recent years Australia’s health care system was ranked eighth best in the world across the categories of health infrastructure, basic mental and physical health, and preventative care. However, the prevalence of medical negligence claims across our nation is still alarming.
On an ordinary day in New South Wales, 6,300 people are admitted to a public hospital. Within the 2016-17 financial year NSW State hospitals paid more than $37 million in compensation across 626 patients, for medical negligence claims. John Hunter Hospital paid the most of any hospital, being $2,379,063 across 23 cases. Tamworth hospital placed third, dispensing $1,649,000 across 18 patients.
Both John Hunter and Tamworth hospital are situated within the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). This district has an estimated population of 920,370 and services metropolitan, regional and remote communities. There are 38 hospitals within this district, with other hospitals including Maitland Hospital and Belmont District Hospital.
Diagnostic failures accounted for nearly one-quarter of medical mishaps in the 2016-17 financial year and was the most common medical negligence complaint. Procedural/surgical errors followed closely behind, paying the greatest of any complaint (being $11 million of the $37 million paid). Patient slips/trips was one of the least concerning areas, equating 9 cases at $141,275.
Victims of medical negligence can pursue compensation for the harm they have suffered pursuant to the Civil Liability Act 2002. This area of law is very complicated. Claimants need experienced lawyers in the field. At the Law Office of Conrad Curry, we practice almost exclusively in medical negligence claims and have won millions in compensation for our clients.
Maximise your compensation by contacting us today.
