Wrong site surgery claims

Wrong-site surgery is when a surgical procedure is performed on the wrong part of the body. This can include operating on the wrong side of your body or on the wrong limb. In some circumstances, performing the wrong procedure or operating on the wrong patient may also amount to a serious surgical error.

In most medical negligence claims in England and Wales, you generally have three years from the date of the negligence or from the date you first became aware of it. There are exceptions to these rules, so it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Consent to surgery does not necessarily mean you consented to surgery on the wrong part of your body. If the procedure carried out was different from the treatment you agreed to, you may have grounds to investigate a medical negligence claim. The circumstances of your consent and what happened during the operation will need to be carefully considered.

Yes. An admission by a hospital or healthcare provider can be important evidence, but it does not automatically determine the amount of compensation you may be entitled to. A claim will usually need to consider the consequences you have suffered, as well as any further treatment and care you may require in the future.

Making a claim should not prevent you from receiving the medical care you need. Your health and treatment should remain the priority. If you are concerned about making a claim against a hospital or healthcare professional involved in your ongoing care, we can explain how the claims process works and discuss your circumstances with you.

Yes. You may be able to bring a claim on behalf of a child, a loved one who lacks mental capacity, or someone who has passed away. We’ll explain who can act, what evidence is needed and how the process works.

A No Win No Fee agreement means you can pursue your surgical negligence claim without paying any legal fees upfront. If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t owe anything. If your claim succeeds, a percentage of your compensation will be deducted as the solicitor’s fee. This arrangement removes the financial risk of making a claim, making the process accessible regardless of your financial situation.

The key evidence in a surgical negligence claim typically includes your medical records, expert medical opinion, and any evidence of the losses you’ve suffered as a result of the negligence. You don’t need to gather this yourself. We’ll access your medical records, consult with independent medical experts, and build the evidence needed to support your claim on your behalf.

From the first conversation, our focus is on making things feel clearer and more manageable for you. Your solicitor will guide you through every stage of the process, explaining what’s happening and what comes next in plain language.

Where appropriate, we’ll also work closely with case managers and medical professionals to help you access the right care and rehabilitation as early as possible – not just at the end of your claim. Our aim is to support your recovery alongside pursuing the compensation you’re entitled to.