Paramedic & Ambulance Negligence Claims
Notwithstanding the tens of thousands of lives saved each year by paramedics and other first responders, basic errors are routinely made, some with life-changing or even fatal consequences. The misdiagnosis of life-threatening conditions such heart attacks and strokes, administering the incorrect treatment or medication and significant delays in responding, are not as uncommon as they should be.
Such errors can be the result of a lack of proper training, errors of judgement or even the effect of limited resources resulting from budget-cutting.
Specialist
David Gazzard has over 25 years’ experience as a specialist medical negligence solicitor. Over that time, he has helped many people and families who have been affected by paramedic negligence.
“I would like to thank David and his team for their kindness, support and understanding over the last few months since my mother’s passing. Without your prompt action, thoroughness and sound advice I’m certain that we wouldn’t have seen such an early end to this matter.” JK, February 2018
Recent Claims
In a recent successful claim, a single responder paramedic diagnosed a gentleman’s abdominal pain and breathlessness as a gastric problem, advised him that there was no need to attend hospital and recommended that he simply take Gaviscon. Later that day he died of heart failure. Expert evidence subsequently obtained by David stated that if the gentleman had received a prompt diagnosis and treatment, there was a high probability that he would have survived.
David also recently represented a gentleman who lacerated his arm whilst at work, suffering a bleed. Paramedics applied a tourniquet which should only be left in situ for a limited period. Instead, it was left in place for far too long, causing permanent nerve damage. This resulted in him having very limited use in his arm.
“David, thank you so much for your support through this very difficult time for my whole family. You really do have an amazing ability to explain things in a way that ordinary people can understand and that has helped us so much in making the decision we have.” TH, September 2017
Contact
Should you wish to discuss any of these issues, our Head of Medical Negligence, David Gazzard, will be delighted to speak with you informally and in complete confidence. You may call him on 01793 615011 or email him at david.gazzard@blbsolicitors.co.uk
