Medical Negligence Lawyers Sydney, NSW

5-Star Client Rating

You’ll receive outstanding service. We maintain a 5-star client rating.

Free Case Assessments

We provide confidential, free case assessments.

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

5-Star Client Rating

You’ll receive outstanding service. We maintain a 5-star client rating.

Free Case Assessments

We provide confidential, free case assessments.

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

We specialise in Medical Negligence Compensation Claims

What Is Medical Negligence?

Medical Negligence (medical malpractice) occurs when a health professional or institution operates outside of standard, competent medical procedure which then results in an injury. The negligence can occur during diagnosis, operation/treatment, and post operation/treatment as well.

How Do I Prove Medical Negligence?

To make a claim for medical negligence you need to prove;

A duty of care was owed to you. Your doctor or the hospital owed you a duty of care while performing a surgery, providing medication, etc.
A breach of duty took place. This is proven by demonstrating that the doctor or hospital acted outside of what would be considered standard, competent medical procedure.
It is necessary to prove that a specific breach of care caused, or at least contributed to the subsequent injury.
Once we have successfully proven that breach of duty caused or contributed to the injury, you must prove that the breach of duty of care caused your injury.

Read more about how to prove medical negligence here.

What Can I Claim Medical Negligence Compensation For?

You can receive compensation for:

Payment of past and future medical expenses
Reasonable and necessary attendant care, domestic assistance and home modifications
Past and future loss of income
Pain and suffering – which incudes actual pain and loss of enjoyment of life.

Who Can You Make A Medical Negligence Claim Against?

GPs
Dentists
Hospitals
Specialists
Chiropractors
Physiotherapists
Massage therapists
As well as many others

How Long Does A Medical Negligence Claim Take?

Depending on the severity of the injury and complexity of the case, it is not uncommon for medical negligence cases to take 2 or 3 years to resolve. It is not always possible to tell how long one specific case may take, it depends on a number of factors which can be out of the control of your lawyer.

It will also be necessary for injuries to stabilise before starting a case, because the legal team will need to assess the impact that the injury will have on your life before medical evidence can be obtained and this usually takes a least 1 year.

How Much Compensation Will I Get For Medical Negligence?

Again, it is impossible to pre-determine how much compensation you will receive as a result of your injuries.

Usually, the more severe your injuries are or the larger the impact they have had on your life, the more compensation you are entitled to. The payout can be between tens of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars.

Are There Time Limits When It Comes To Making A Medical Negligence Claim?

In NSW, you must lodge your claim within 3 years of the date of discoverability. That is the date you knew or ought to have known you had a right to make a claim for compensation for your injury.

To be certain you are within the required time limit its best to start the claim within 3 years from the act of negligence.

Why Choose Us For Your Medical Negligence Claim?

Medical negligence claims are a highly complex area of compensation law. Thankfully, our team of medical negligence lawyers have over 20 years of experience and can take you through the entire process. We’ll help you to establish whether you have a claim or not and talk you through all the specifics before any legal action is taken.

If you’d like to speak to our highly experienced medical malpractice lawyers about making a claim, please call 1300 851 201 or send us an email. Alternatively, you can complete our free, no obligation confidential case assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

We have a 5-star client rating
No win no fee cost agreements
Confidential, free case assessments
Our team specialises in medical malpractice claims
We’re fully accredited with over 20 years of experience

We’ve helped hundreds of people win their compensation claims

At Garling & Co, our goal is to win your medical negligence claim and we won’t stop fighting for you. We’ve successfully helped hundreds of medical malpractice sufferers across NSW win their compensation claims and relieve some of the burdens they face. To see how we’ve helped people just like you, take a look at our Testimonials page.

Claims Case Studies

Types of claims

The Claims Process:

Obligation free meeting with Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law
Understand what you are entitled to, the process and timeframe
Proceed on a No Win No Fee basis
Your case is built using the best experts to achieve the optimum result
Your will be kept updated throughout the process
We will secure the financial result in the shortest possible timeframe

Would you like assistance with your claim?

Complete our free, no obligation confidential case assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Alternatively, we are available to talk by phone and email. Please contact our experienced accredited specialist personal injury lawyers to find out how we can help.

Call now to start your claim 02 8329 9500

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

Maximum Compensation

Our team of expert injury lawyers will help you get maximum compensation.

Keith H.

20:51 23 Apr 24

After my case stalled with another firm, I decided to give Matthew Garling a call. He took my case and not only won, but achieved an outcome that far exceeded my expectations. This firm is the best... in the business in my opinion and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.read more

Anthony T.

00:50 16 Apr 24

Thank you Matthew and his team who guided me through the legal process, a truly positive experience with total professionalism.

Mikaele N.

03:01 15 Apr 24

Garling &Co Lawyers were awesome, I called every compensation law firm and was told that I couldn't claim for compensation.The whole experience and process was simple and stress free.Mr Matthew... Garling and Allison deserve an accolades for the very best in client service. I would highly recommend their service to anyone.read more

Tamara L.

02:10 15 Apr 24

I want to thank Garling & Co so much for all the help they have given me and helped with my claim. We got the win last week and it was the best news I have gotten considering how much my life has... been turned upside down the past 2 years. Emma and Rebecca have been incredible to work with and explained everything from the start even when I had hesitation to go ahead regarding how much everything would cost or how fair it could go or even if I had a chance, but they explained everything thoroughly, so I understood it all. Thank you for making this process seamlessly easy and helping me get the win it will make things a little easy for me that's for sure financial thank you for all your help I cannot recommend you and your services enough. Thank you again.read more

Sigrid W.

05:01 11 Apr 24

Utter professionalism from first phone call to final settlement. It was a pleasure to be represented by a firm that actually cares for their clients. From office staff, to paralegal and solicitor... Rebecca, Emma and Matthew thank you for your support and expertise throughout my claim. No wonder your firm has won many awards. I'm extremely happy with my outcome and can confidently recommend your firm.read more

BJ S.

01:09 09 Apr 24

Highly recommend Matthew & Allison at Garling and Co ! Quick response ! helpful every step of the way ! If you want the best compensation lawyer, Matthew @ Garling and co is the bestDoesn’t waste... time. Very informative ! excellent guidance! They get the job done ✅Website is perfect guide5 Star ⭐️ is not enoughI’m so grateful to Matthew, Allison and team for my outcome so far !Thank you 😊 Garling and co are awesome 👏 🤩read more

Jaimie K.

06:11 02 Apr 24

Have had a rollercoaster ride with Garling and Co over the several years we have been battling the system that injured workers are faced with. The wheels of progress are slow within this system.... However Garling and co have always stood by me. Calls are returned and matters are always followed up in a timely manner.read more

Tyson Langanke (Five Star W.

00:30 02 Apr 24

I cannot recommend Matthew highly enough for anyone seeking a compensation lawyer. From the moment I reached out, Matthew went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and informed throughout... the entire process. No question was too simple for him, and he patiently took the time to explain every step we were taking, alleviating any stress or confusion I had.He not only provided expert legal guidance but also ensured that I fully understood the intricacies of my case. His clear communication made me feel confident and reassured during what could have been a daunting experience.Thanks to Matthew's exceptional expertise and personalized approach, I was able to navigate the complexities of my compensation claim with ease. His professionalism and genuine concern for my well-being truly set him apart.read more

Shaylee C.

09:54 27 Mar 24

I recently had the pleasure of working with Garling and Co on my case, and I must say that their service was truly outstanding. From the initial consultation to the resolution of my case, they... displayed unwavering dedication and professionalism.The outcome of my case exceeded my expectations, and I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and diligence exhibited by Garling and Co. I have no hesitation in recommending this law firm to my family and friends, knowing that they will receive the same level of exceptional service.- Traceyread more

Simona M.

05:11 26 Mar 24

Emma and Rebecca have looked after my husband's workers compensation claim over the last 3 years now. We have had positive outcomes from these claims and are now pursuing a work injury damages claim.... They have been amazing to deal with. They are genuine and empathetic over what has been a very stressful time for myself and my family over these last 3 years. Nothing is ever too much for Emma and Rebecca and they are always available to communicate with. We would highly recommend Garling and Co! Thank you Emma and Rebecca.read more

Find out more about Medical Negligence

Medical Misdiagnosis

If you have been injured or suffered damage as a result of a medical misdiagnosis and you think you have a claim, get in touch today.

Learn More

Cosmetic Surgery Negligence Claims

If you've been injured as a result of medical negligence during or after plastic or cosmetic surgery, you may be entitled to compensation to help with your recovery.

Learn More

Surgical Negligence

If you’ve been injured due to surgical negligence or incorrect advice or treatment, it’s possible you may have a claim for medical negligence.

Learn More

Medical Misdiagnosis

If you have been injured or suffered damage as a result of a medical misdiagnosis and you think you have a claim, get in touch today.

Learn More

Cosmetic Surgery Negligence Claims

If you've been injured as a result of medical negligence during or after plastic or cosmetic surgery, you may be entitled to compensation to help with your recovery.

Learn More

Surgical Negligence

If you’ve been injured due to surgical negligence or incorrect advice or treatment, it’s possible you may have a claim for medical negligence.

Learn More

Medical Negligence FAQs

1. The impact of medical negligence on patients

Physical consequences

Medical negligence can result in various physical consequences, including pain, disability, or the worsening of a pre-existing condition. In severe cases, medical negligence can even cause death.

Emotional and psychological consequences

The emotional and psychological impact of medical negligence can be profound. Patients may experience anxiety, depression, loss of trust in healthcare providers, and a fear of seeking medical care in the future. At times, a psychological injury could be so severe that it results in debilitating symptoms that impact all aspects of a person’s life including their capacity to work, ability to attend to activities of daily living and of course, their quality of their life.

Financial consequences

Medical negligence can lead to financial burdens due to medical bills, loss of income, and the cost of ongoing care or rehabilitation. In some cases, patients may be unable to work or may require lifelong assistance. This often puts pressure on not just the patient but also the entire family unit.

2. How to determine if you are a victim of medical negligence

Signs of medical negligence

There are a few common signs that may indicate medical negligence. These can include unexplained pain or discomfort, lack of improvement or worsening of your condition despite treatment, or unexpected complications or side effects. Some patients only ever realise that they have suffered a poor outcome due to medical negligence when they seek a second opinion, and the second doctor expresses concerns about the treatment that they had received.

Consult a specialist

If you suspect medical negligence or are concerned about the lack of improvement or worsening of a disease or condition despite treatment, you need to seek a specialist opinion. You could ask your treating GP to refer you to a specialist. If you are already under the care of a specialist but have lost confidence in that doctor and are unsure about your treatment plan, you could ask your GP to refer you to another specialist for a second opinion. You could also seek a second opinion in relation to treatment options, for example, conservative treatment vs surgical intervention.

There are other avenues open to you if you would like clarification of the care and treatment that have been provided to you. Hospitals often have a patient liaison officer that you can approach and convey your concerns about care and treatment. Sometimes, an internal investigation is conducted, and a conference is arranged with the patient to address their concerns. You can also approach the Health Care Complaints Commission of NSW (the ‘HCCC’) and submit a complaint against a healthcare provider. If the HCCC decides that your complaint warrants an investigation, a panel of independent doctors will consider the nature of the treatment that was provided to you and determine if the treatment was reasonable. The HCCC may refer your complaint to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency for further investigation and potentially, disciplinary action.

Seek legal advice

It is essential to consult with a medical negligence solicitor, ideally one who is an accredited specialist. They can help you understand your legal rights, conduct a thorough investigation, and guide you through the process of filing a claim in court. A medical negligence specialist will be able to determine if you have a viable case and will advise you on the best course of action. It is also crucial that you seek legal advice as soon as you suspect medical negligence has occurred. Claims must be commenced within a prescribed timeframe, subject to the applicable limitation laws.

3. What to do if you're suffering due to medical negligence

Report the incident

If you believe that you have suffered an injury or disability due to medical negligence, it is sensible to report the incident to the healthcare provider, hospital or medical facility involved. This can help prevent similar incidents from happening to others and may prompt the provider to implement protocols or guidelines to minimise the risk to other patients. Sometimes, medical facilities such as hospitals conduct investigations into the circumstances surrounding the negligence and identify deficiencies in their internal systems and take action to remedy those deficiencies, which may include retraining of their staff.

You can also approach the Health Care Complaints Commission of NSW (the ‘HCCC’) and submit a complaint against a healthcare provider or medical facility. The HCCC considers your complaint and decides if an investigation is warranted. The HCCC have a panel of independent doctors who can consider the nature of the treatment that was provided to you and determine if the treatment was reasonable. The HCCC may refer your complaint to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency for further investigation and potentially, disciplinary action.

Pursuing a medical negligence claim

A medical negligence claim can help you recover compensation for your physical injuries, emotional suffering and your out-of-pocket expenses. You may also claim the cost of ongoing care and assistance and any loss of earnings. To pursue a claim, you will require a copy of your relevant medical records, documentation of your injuries from your treating doctors, and expert evidence is support of the allegations of negligence and the likely cause of your injuries and disabilities. Your solicitor will be able to request your relevant medical records, review those records, determine if your case is viable and procure all of the necessary expert evidence on your behalf. Your solicitor will guide you through the investigation stage and the litigation process. Your solicitor will advance the best arguments on your behalf to mount your claim and will act in your best interests during any settlement negotiations to ensure that you attain reasonable compensation and the best outcome possible. Your legal team will also represent you at any hearing of your claim, should your matter proceed to hearing.

4. How long do I have to file a medical negligence claim?

The time limit for filing a medical negligence claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies depending on the date on which the alleged negligence occurred and the state or territory where the alleged negligence occurred. It is essential to consult with a medical negligence solicitor as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss the limitation deadline.

5. Can I file a medical negligence claim if my family member died due to negligence?

Yes, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of your deceased family member or on behalf of any dependents of the deceased family member if the death resulted from medical negligence. Speak with a medical negligence solicitor to understand your legal options.

6. What damages can I recover in a medical negligence claim?

If you can establish medical negligence, you will be entitled to compensation. The compensation would ultimately depend on the nature, extent and severity of your injuries and any associated physical limitations. Compensation in a medical negligence claim may include the cost of past and future personal care and domestic assistance, medical expenses, allied health expenses, lost wages, pain, and emotional distress. There are specific caps and thresholds applicable to compensation claims and these are set out in the relevant legislation. Your medical negligence solicitor will be able to explain those matters to you and advise you on the categories of compensation to which you are entitled.

In some cases, involving intentional wrongful acts by health practitioners, such as treatment without consent, you may be entitled to claim exemplary damages.

7. How much does it cost to hire a medical negligence lawyer?

Many medical negligence law firms work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for you. A law firm will provide you with a retainer that sets out the basis on which they are prepared to act for you and provide you with their legal services. Be sure to carefully read the retainer and discuss the fee structure with your solicitor before retaining a lawyer and proceeding with your case. It is open to you to seek independent legal advice regarding the terms of the retainer.

8. What is the standard of care in a medical negligence case?

The standard of care refers to the level of care that a reasonably competent healthcare professional provided at the time the service was provided. In New South Wales, the standard of care is one that is widely accepted in Australia by peer professional opinion (doctors of the same specialty) as competent professional practice. To establish negligence, one of the elements of negligence that you must prove is that a healthcare provider failed to treat you in a manner that was consistent with the standard of care at the time that the treatment was provided.

More Faqs

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