Medical negligence costs rise nearly 60%
The annual report from the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) advises that over £250 million was paid out for solicitors on medical negligence claims during 2010-11, which is almost a 60% rise from the year before.
Just over £60 million of the funds was paid the Authority’s defence panel of solicitors. Other interesting facts to come out of the report are :-
- Just under 5,400 claims resulted in payouts.
- The number of medical claims for the year rose by 30% to 8,655.
The report indicates a belief that the rise in claims, costs and payout sis likely to be at least partially attributable to the attractive enhanced costs orders available for solicitors to take these types of cases on on a no win no fee basis.