When patients get hurt as a result of their medical care and treatment, this is known as “iatrogenic harm”. Many people have experienced iatrogenic harm, such as post-surgical infection or difficult side effects from medication, often unaware that it falls within the realm of medical negligence — and could therefore entitle them to compensation. Kerstin Scheel, a specialist medical negligence solicitor from UK Top 100 law firm RWK Goodman, is sharing an insight to raise awareness and understanding of iatrogenic harm for those who may be entitled to take action.

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Tragically, a lot of people endure iatrogenic harm without knowing they’ve been a victim of complications caused by medical treatment or advice from healthcare professionals. This can range from common issues like bed sores to severe outcomes like permanent kidney damage. Often, sufferers of iatrogenic harm don’t even know that they’re entitled to compensation for these negative experiences and finding out later down the line can be too late.

Though there might be some risks involved, often the benefits of treatment or surgery outweigh the overall risks associated. It’s vital the patient fully understands the risks and benefits before treatment takes place to give informed consent.

“If a patient isn’t given clear advice or doesn’t understand it, they can’t agree to a treatment knowing all the facts. If they get hurt from a surgery or treatment and didn’t fully agree to it, they might be able to claim that the doctor was careless.” Says Kerstin Scheel “They just need to prove they would have chosen differently if they knew all the risks and other treatment choices. Even with informed consent, treatment or surgery should meet acceptable standards; medical negligence arises when a patient experiences avoidable harm due to a clinician’s lack of reasonable skill and care.”

Delayed diagnosis and treatments are another huge concern and example of medical negligence. Currently, patients with suspected cancer are waiting months for diagnosis due to admin errors, hidden waiting lists or falling off the radar after referrals. The delays can exacerbate health issues, as conditions worsen without timely intervention. In one of RWK Goodman’s cases, a client was awarded £96,000 compensation, having waited 7 years for a correct diagnosis of colorectal cancer, which by that time was in an advanced state. In another, someone was awarded £ 3.4 million for a delay in diagnosing cauda equina syndrome.

RWK Goodman is a law firm specialising in clinical negligence, which has represented many clients suffering from serious, life-changing injuries caused by preventable iatrogenic harm. They note that more awareness about iatrogenic harm needs to be raised so individuals can be well-informed about their rights. When something of this nature happens to an individual or their family member, they should be empowered with knowledge and avenues for recourse.