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Surgical Error Claims Lawyers | Wollens Solicitors, Devon

Surgery should be carried out with the highest standards of skill, care and precision. While every operation carries some degree of risk, avoidable mistakes made during or after surgery can have life-changing consequences. If a surgeon, anaesthetist or other healthcare professional fails to provide an acceptable standard of care, you may be entitled to make a surgical negligence compensation claim.

At Wollens, our specialist Clinical Negligence solicitors represent individuals who have suffered harm as a result of surgical errors in both NHS and private healthcare settings. Claims may involve damage to surrounding organs or nerves, retained surgical instruments, incorrect-site surgery, avoidable infections, anaesthetic errors or delays in recognising post-operative complications. These mistakes can lead to further surgery, prolonged recovery, permanent disability and significant emotional distress. We provide clear, compassionate legal advice throughout the claims process and, where appropriate, offer a No Win, No Fee service together with a free initial assessment and confidential, no-obligation advice.

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Legal 500 Top Tier Firm

☏

Free Initial Assessment

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Specialist Legal Experts

⌖

Offices Across Devon

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Trusted Across Devon & The UK

★

Legal 500 Top Tier Firm

☏

Free Initial Assessment

✓

Specialist Legal Experts

⌖

Offices Across Devon

★

Trusted Across Devon & The UK

Ready To Discuss Your Claim?

Speak to our specialist Clinical Negligence team for a free, confidential assessment of your circumstances.

Get A Free Initial Assessment Call 01803 213251

Our Team

Catherine Pinnegar

Associate Solicitor

catherine.pinnegar@wollens.co.uk 01803 225112

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Elizabeth Larner

Partner

Elizabeth.Larner@wollens.co.uk 01803 225135

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Hannah Goodman

Trainee Solicitor

hannah.goodman@wollens.co.uk 01803 225159

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Rachel Coward

Paralegal

rachel.coward@wollens.co.uk 01803 225185

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How Wollens Can Help With Surgical Negligence Claims

Surgical negligence claims often involve complex medical issues and require a detailed investigation into the care provided before, during and after an operation. At Wollens, our specialist Clinical Negligence solicitors work closely with independent surgeons, anaesthetists and other medical experts to establish whether your treatment fell below an acceptable professional standard and whether that negligence caused avoidable harm.

We regularly investigate claims involving damage to organs or nerves, retained surgical instruments, incorrect-site surgery, anaesthetic errors, avoidable infections and failures to diagnose or treat post-operative complications. A successful surgical negligence compensation claim can help fund corrective surgery, rehabilitation, specialist treatment, loss of earnings, ongoing care and other financial losses resulting from negligent treatment. While compensation cannot reverse the harm caused, many clients also seek answers, accountability and reassurance that lessons will be learned to improve patient safety. Our experienced team will guide you through every stage of your claim with compassion, expertise and clear legal advice.

Case Studies

Read some examples of cases we have successfully handled

This practice is extremely professional, yet approachable and friendly. I feel in very safe hands and that my solicitor understands my requirements fully.

My contact is Elizabeth Larner. She is so knowledgeable, helpful and professional and doesn’t mind going over things many times so I totally understand the process. She is also very caring and understands the upset and despair that goes with a medical negligence claim.

Catherine Pinnegar goes above and beyond in helping you with any questions about your case. Nothing is too much trouble and she always keeps me informed in any updates, you never have to chase her for information. I always highly recommended Wollens due to her exceptional service.

Very informative, professional and take the time to understand how you have been impacted. They treat you as a person and not a number.

Catherine Pinnegar and Hannah Goodman have excelled themselves to be kind, caring and always keep you informed of how the case is coming along! I will always recommend them and the firm.

A clinical negligence team with a great breadth of knowledge and a clear understanding of what is required to get the best results.

Elizabeth Larner and Catherine Pinnegar have wonderful client skills and are pragmatic, but are also tenacious and deliver excellent results.

A very efficient and effective team. A breath of fresh air and no nonsense.

The team has demonstrated excellence in the claimant clinical negligence market. They have an impressive level of expertise in this field. They are able to progress complex cases through to very good outcomes for their clients.

Elizabeth Larner and Catherine Pinnegar are the-go to clinical negligence specialists in their area.

Makes a difficult time easier to deal with. Great support

Elizabeth Larner is the solicitor I’ve been dealing with and I’m very lucky to have her acting for me. She has kept me informed at every stage.

Wollens’ clinical negligence practice have a growing reputation nationally, having proved themselves as leaders in the field in the South West.

Free Wollens guide

Questions about medical negligence?

It can be difficult to know where to start if you believe medical care has caused you or someone close to you harm. Our free guide answers common questions about medical negligence claims, including what you may need to prove, time limits and different types of claim.

Download the free guide

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Surgical Negligence Claims FAQs

Find answers to common questions about surgical negligence claims, surgical errors, operation mistakes, compensation, time limits and No Win No Fee funding.

Can I make a surgical negligence claim?

You may be entitled to claim compensation if your surgeon, anaesthetist or another healthcare professional failed to provide an acceptable standard of care during or after an operation and this caused avoidable injury, pain or additional treatment.

What types of surgical errors can lead to a claim?

Claims can arise from damage to organs or nerves, retained surgical instruments, wrong-site surgery, anaesthetic errors, avoidable infections, poor surgical technique, delayed treatment of complications or inadequate post-operative care.

Can I claim if surgery made my condition worse?

Not every poor outcome is caused by negligence. However, if your condition worsened because mistakes were made during surgery or because appropriate post-operative care was not provided, you may have grounds to pursue a compensation claim.

What compensation can I claim for surgical negligence?

Compensation may include damages for pain and suffering, corrective surgery, rehabilitation, medical treatment, care costs, loss of earnings, travel expenses and future financial losses. Every claim is assessed according to its individual circumstances.

How long do I have to make a surgical negligence claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the negligent treatment or from the date you first became aware that medical negligence may have caused your injury. Different rules can apply in some circumstances, so early legal advice is recommended.

How are surgical negligence claims investigated?

Our Clinical Negligence solicitors will obtain your medical records, operation notes and diagnostic imaging before working with independent surgical experts to determine whether your treatment fell below an acceptable professional standard and whether this caused your injuries.

Will my surgical negligence claim go to court?

Most surgical negligence claims are resolved through negotiation without a full court hearing. If court proceedings become necessary, your solicitor will explain the legal process clearly and represent your interests throughout your claim.

Can I claim following surgery carried out by a private hospital?

Yes. Surgical negligence claims can arise following treatment provided by either the NHS or private healthcare providers. We can advise you on your legal options regardless of where your surgery took place.

Can I make a No Win No Fee surgical negligence claim?

Many surgical negligence claims can be funded through a No Win No Fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement. We will explain the available funding options, potential costs and any applicable deductions before you decide whether to proceed.

Discuss Your Surgical Negligence Claim