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Medical Negligence Payout Amounts

Our expert team of accredited no win no fee lawyers have assisted victims across NSW to win with their medical negligence claims.

Compensation claims arising from injuries caused by medical negligence, also known as medical malpractice, are highly complex and to achieve the best outcome, you need the support of an accredited specialist in personal injury law. Victims of medical negligence face life-changing injuries and disabilities, that at their worst are catastrophic, but all significantly impact all aspects of their lives, their quality of life and even the lives of their families.

We’ve successfully helped people just like you to receive the financial compensation they deserve due to the negligence of doctors, hospitals, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals including physiotherapists. We understand that living with an injury or a serious medical condition usually involves endless medical appointments and makes it difficult to even perform basic activities of daily living. You may suspect that your medical condition or disability was caused by negligence on the part of your treating doctors but do not have the time to investigate those suspicions.

Although information is widely available these days, it might be difficult for you to find information that describes your individual circumstances. This makes it difficult for you to determine if the circumstances leading to your injuries amount to medical negligence. Similarly, you might not understand your legal rights and you might not realise that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. We have included a selection of medical negligence cases that highlight the highly diverse nature of medical negligence claims and some of the compensation amounts that we are able to secure for those claims. Our selection of medical negligence cases will help you understand the following:

    • The different types of medical negligence
    • If your injuries are likely to arise from medical negligence
    • The injuries and losses that are compensable
    • How compensation is calculated

At Garling & Co, we work on a no win no fee basis to ensure that everyone has the means to fight their legal case. To learn if you are eligible, please fill out our free, no-obligation confidential case assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours alternatively, you can give our friendly team a call today at 02 8329 9500 for more information.

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Free Case Assessments

We provide confidential, free case assessments.

Industry Experts

Industry Experts

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

No Win No Fee

No Win No Fee

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

5 star client rating icon

5-Star Client Rating

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

Free Case Assessments

Free Case Assessments

We provide confidential, free case assessments.

Industry Experts

Industry Experts

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

No Win No Fee

No Win No Fee

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

Failed mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

The client underwent a failed mastectomy and botched breast reconstruction as a result of negligent advice by a surgeon.

Compensation: $420,000

Burns from cosmetic chemical peel.

Our client underwent a chemical peel at a skincare clinic which resulted in burns to her face.

Compensation: $40,000

Failure to diagnose meningitis resulting in brain injury

Our client presented to her local hospital with a severe headache, light-sensitivity and projectile vomiting. She was given Panadol and discharged home. A few days later, she returned to the same hospital and was critically ill. She was subsequently diagnosed with meningitis. She sustained injury to her brain.

Compensation: $6.5 million

Failure to diagnose colorectal cancer

Over the course of four years, our client regularly presented to her GP complaining of constipation and blood in her stools. Her GP attributed those symptoms to haemorrhoids and did not refer her for any investigations. She was eventually diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Her cancer was terminal at the time of diagnosis, and she had a significantly reduced lifespan.

Compensation: $1.6 million

Failure to offer an elective Caesarean section

Our client was pregnant with her first child and her pregnancy was uneventful until the last few weeks of her pregnancy. Her obstetric ultrasounds indicated that her baby was likely to be very large, which increases the risks of complications during labour. She was not given the option of a Caesarean section. Her labour was prolonged and complicated. Her son’s birth was delayed and he suffered a brain injury due to deprivation of oxygen to his brain during labour.

Compensation: $9 million

Failure to reduce a fracture with reasonable care

Our client injured his elbow during a game of soccer. He underwent surgery to re-attach a torn biceps tendon. During the surgery, one of the nerves in his elbow was punctured with a surgical pin used to re-attach the biceps tendon. He experienced excruciating pain following the surgery and a second surgery was required to explore the cause of his pain. During the second surgery, the surgical pin was discovered and removed to free the nerve. Unfortunately, his nerve was permanently damaged.

Compensation: $350,000

Unnecessary surgical treatment

Our client was referred by his GP to a neurosurgeon for advice on management of lower back pain. His symptoms did not warrant surgery. His neurosurgeon performed fusion of two levels of his spine instead of treating him conservatively. The surgery only made his lower back pain worse as the fusion placed other segments of his spine under a lot of pressure.

Compensation: $800,000

Failure to deliver a baby in a timely manner

Our client elected to give birth to her second child at a birthing centre. Her labour did not progress as expected and the midwives did not escalate her care to the obstetric team. Her child suffered a cardiac arrest during her labour. Fortunately, the baby girl was resuscitated, but she sustained a significant brain injury due to the cardiac arrest. The other suffered a psychiatric injury.

Compensation: $11 million child $200,000 mother

Failure to treat jaundice

Our client was born with jaundice. His parents were assured that the jaundice was not concerning and that it would resolve after a few days. A blood test was not performed to confirm this. He then developed kernicterus secondary to the untreated jaundice and suffered a brain injury.

Compensation: $8.5 million

Performing surgical treatment without consent

Our client underwent surgery on her uterus to alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding. The surgeon also tied her fallopian tubes during the surgery without her consent.

Compensation: $180,000

Failure to appropriately treat a hand injury

Our client fell in his garden and lacerated the palm of his right hand. He presented to his local hospital. Despite the fact that his wound was clearly contaminated by soil and other dirt from his garden, he was not given intravenous antibiotics and was not taken to theatre for an open washout and debridement of the wound in order to ensure the wound was clean. Instead, the wound was superficially washed with saline and then sutured, trapping microscopic debris inside the wound. He developed a nasty infection, which became chronic and ultimately resulted in amputation.

Compensation: $850,000

Failure to treat post-operative infection

Our client worked incredibly hard to lose weight. As a result of her weight loss, she was left with excess skin, particularly on her arms and tummy. She underwent plastic surgery to remove the excess skin. Her recovery was complicated by infection and her surgeon being dismissed of the early signs of wound infection. She suffered from a chronic infection for a period of almost four years underwent multiple surgeries to treat the infection.

Compensation: $800,000

Failure to diagnose cardiac disease

Our client experienced a feeling of heaviness in his chest and breathless while he was at work. He left work and presented to the nearest public hospital. A blood test and ultrasound of the heart were performed. His symptoms improved a few hours later and he was told that it was safe for him to go home and see his GP the following day. The results of his blood test and ultrasound became available after he left the hospital. Those results were not reviewed or communicated to Tony. Sadly, Tony suffered a heart attack and passed away at home the following day.

Compensation: $950,000

Failure to treat diabetic foot

Our client suffered from peripheral neuropathy due to his longstanding and poorly controlled diabetes. He presented to his GP on several occasions over the course of two weeks with a small ulcer on his big toe. The GP prescribed him antibiotics. His ulcer turned into osteomyelitis as the infection eventually involved the bone and he required amputation of his big toe.

Compensation: $650,000

Misdiagnosis of breast cancer

Our client has a significant family history of breast cancer. She underwent a routine breast ultrasound that reported the finding of a suspicious lump. Her GP did not appreciate the significance of those findings and assured her that she likely had a fibroadenoma, a common benign lump of the breast. One year later, on another routine ultrasound, the same suspicious lump was seen but it was much larger and there were suspicious lymph nodes seen. She was diagnosed with aggressive Stage 3 breast cancer.

Compensation: $900,000

Failure to diagnose lung cancer

Our client complained to her GP of abdominal pain. Her GP referred her for a CT scan of her abdomen. The lower segments of her lungs were visualised during the scan and a tiny lesion was found in her left lung. The GP did not pay attention to the incidental finding of the lung lesion. Three years later, our client began to complain of breathlessness and a persistent cough as the lesion had significantly grown. She was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Compensation: $950,00

Failure to diagnose bowel perforation

Our client underwent a colonoscopy. During the procedure, his bowel was perforated. Following the procedure, he complained of severe abdominal pain, but was assured that the pain that he was experiencing was normal and expected following a colonoscopy. A few days later, he returned to the hospital with a fever, chills and severe abdominal pain. He developed peritonitis and septic shock as a result of faecal matter spilling into his abdominal capacity.

Compensation: $200,000

Failure to diagnose pelvic mass

Our client presented to her GP with lower back pain. An MRI scan was performed and a suspicious pelvic mass was detected. She was referred to a specialist gynaecologist. She underwent a hysterectomy. She continued to experience back pain. Five years later, she was again referred by her GP for a scan and the same pelvic mass was discovered. The mass was a cancerous tumour.

Compensation: $1.1 million

Failure to diagnose viral brain infection

Our client presented to his local hospital with a severe headache and a sore eye. He was given eye drops and told that he probably had a migraine. A couple of days later, he began to feel generally unwell, disoriented and experienced a seizure. He collapsed. James had a viral infection that was affecting his eye and brain.

Compensation: $1.4 million

Botched breast augmentation

Our client underwent a breast augmentation. She was shocked when she finally saw the shape of her breasts and the apparent asymmetry in their size. She later discovered that her surgeon specialises in nose modification procedures and has only recently begun to perform breast augmentations.

Compensation: $300,000

Failure to diagnose spinal stenosis

Our client presented to his local hospital four times over the course of 18 months. He presented with disorientation and difficulty walking. Finally, an MRI scan was performed that diagnosed severe spinal canal stenosis. He underwent emergency surgery but continued to have ongoing functional impairments due to compression of his spinal cord for 18 months prior to diagnosis and treatment.

Compensation: $900,000

Misdiagnosis of skin cancer

Our client presented to her GP with an itchy irritated skin lesion inside one of her ears. She was diagnosed with psoriasis and treated with an ointment. Her lesion kept recurring over a period of almost 5 years. She saw another GP, who referred her to a dermatologist. The lesion was cancerous on biopsy. Unfortunately, the cancer had metastasised to her inner ear and she required extensive surgery.

Compensation: $550,000

Failure to diagnose brain tumour

Our client presented multiple times to her GP with symptoms of cognitive decline. She complained of difficulty concentration and difficulty in articulating her speech. She was referred to a psychologist as her GP considered that her symptoms were secondary to anxiety or depression. Despite being cleared by the psychologist and worsening symptoms over the course of two years, her GP dismissed her concerns. She insisted on a referral to a neurologist and was referred for a brain scan. A benign brain tumour was diagnosed.

Compensation: $700,000

Delayed diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis

Our client presented to her local hospital with abdominal pain and vomiting. She was told that she had a stomach bug and told to go home and drink lots of fluid. She returned the following day with worsening symptoms. She was reassured and told to go home. She woke up the following day with excruciating pain and an ambulance transported her to the hospital. An ultrasound was performed and found that her appendix had ruptured.

Compensation: $150,000

Delayed diagnosis and treatment of blood clot

Our client presented to her GP on a Saturday with a painful and swollen right leg. Her GP gave her a referral for an ultrasound to be performed the following week. The following day, she was found unconscious by her mother. The symptoms in her leg were caused by a blood clot that dislodged and travelled to her lungs. She almost died. Fortunately, she was able to be resuscitated and survived. She developed a severe psychiatric injury.

Compensation: $250,000

Delayed diagnosis of septic arthritis

Our client presented to her GP with a sore ankle. She was told that she likely sprained her ankle despite denying any physical injury to her ankle. Her pain worsened and she began to feel generally unwell and lethargic. Her GP dismissed her concerns and told her to continue to rest her ankle. Her symptoms continued to worsen. She eventually presented to her local hospital and an x-ray was performed. She was diagnosed with osteomyelitis and septic arthritis secondary to superficial shaving cuts on her ankle.

Compensation: $750,000

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 through phone and email. Please contact our experienced workers compensation lawyers to find out how we can help.

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.

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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
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