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Hospitals across Ireland are expected to provide the highest standard of care to their patients. Unfortunately, errors can and do occur in both public and private hospitals, leading to serious injuries, illnesses, or worsening of pre-existing conditions. When hospital negligence results in harm, patients and their families deserve justice, answers, and compensation.
At Good & Murray Smith LLP, we are disputes specialists and we are experts in handling negligence claims. With over a century of experience in litigation, we confidently represent clients in complex negligence cases. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest standard of legal advice, ensuring that your voice is heard, and your case is pursued with determination and care.
Hospital negligence occurs when healthcare professionals within a hospital fail to provide the standard of care expected, causing harm to the patient. This may involve errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or a failure to maintain safe and hygienic conditions.
Examples of hospital negligence include:
If you believe you’ve been harmed due to hospital negligence, you may have grounds to pursue a claim.
Established in 1895, Good & Murray Smith LLP has a long history of success in litigation, including professional negligence claims. We combine legal precision with compassion to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.
Hospital negligence claims are inherently challenging, often requiring expert medical opinions and a detailed understanding of hospital protocols. Our team has the knowledge and resources to handle these cases effectively.
From your first consultation, we prioritise your needs, providing clear advice and regular updates. We are here to support you every step of the way, handling all aspects of your claim with diligence and care.
Our reputation for excellence is built on our consistent ability to deliver justice for our clients, even in the most difficult cases.
Contact us to discuss your case in confidence. Our experienced solicitors will listen carefully, assess your situation, and advise on the best course of action.
We will assist you in obtaining your medical records and any other evidence related to your treatment. These documents are reviewed by independent medical experts to determine whether negligence occurred.
We will draft a detailed letter of claim, outlining the negligence that occurred and the harm caused. This letter invites the hospital to respond and engage in settlement discussions.
Many claims are settled out of court through negotiations or mediation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to represent you in court.
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, the financial losses you’ve incurred, and the impact on your quality of life. Compensation is typically divided into general damages (for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity) and special damages (covering medical expenses, loss of earnings, travel costs, and future care needs. Our solicitors will calculate your claim to ensure you are fully compensated for your losses.
While compensation is important, many of our clients are motivated by a desire to prevent similar mistakes from happening to others. By holding hospitals accountable for their failings, we help drive improvements in patient safety and care standards across Ireland.
In public hospitals, claims are typically brought against the Health Service Executive (HSE). In private hospitals, the claim may be against the hospital itself or the consultant responsible for your care. Our team will identify the appropriate party and pursue your claim with precision.
In Ireland, you generally have two years less a day from the date of the incident or the date you became aware of the negligence to bring a claim. Exceptions apply for children and individuals with mental incapacity.
Not necessarily. Many hospital negligence claims are resolved through negotiation or mediation. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to represent you in court to secure the justice you deserve.
To prove negligence, you must show that:
We work with independent medical experts to build a strong case on your behalf.
Yes. However, these costs are usually paid by the hospital or doctor’s insurer if your claim is successful. For detailed information tailored to your situation, please contact us directly. Our team will provide transparent advice and discuss the financial aspects of your claim in confidence.
To substantiate a hospital negligence claim, it's essential to gather comprehensive evidence demonstrating that the care received fell below the expected standard and directly caused harm. Important evidence includes:
Collecting this evidence promptly forms the foundation of a robust claim.
The duration of a hospital negligence claim can vary, but on average, such claims in Ireland take about 2-3 years to conclude. Sometimes, they are resolved much earlier. The timeline can be influenced by factors such as the complexity of the case, the availability of evidence, and whether the claim is settled out of court or proceeds to trial.
As a patient in Ireland, you are entitled to:
Being aware of these rights empowers you to make informed decisions about your healthcare and to take appropriate action if those rights are violated.
Yes, you have the right to access your medical records in Ireland. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) you can request your personal health information from the hospital or healthcare provider where you received care.
To do this, a written request needs to be made to the relevant hospital's records department or data protection officer, specifying the information sought. Some hospitals provide specific forms to facilitate this process. For example, the Mater Hospital offers an application form for accessing personal data.
Several bodies oversee the regulation of hospitals and healthcare services in Ireland, including:
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI): Regulates nurses and midwives, ensuring they provide safe and effective care.
If you're dissatisfied with the care received in a hospital, you can express your dissatisfaction in any of these ways:
However, if you have suffered harm it is advisable to consult a solicitor before doing so.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to hospital negligence, don’t wait to seek legal advice. Contact Good & Murray Smith LLP today to arrange a consultation with one of our expert medical negligence solicitors.
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If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, don’t delay. Good & Murray Smith LLP is here to support you. Contact us to arrange a consultation to review your case and guide you through the next steps.
