investigating a claim

While every medical claim is likely to be different, there are a number of steps which are likely to be necessary to progress your claim including:

• Arrange Funding - it is important to be clear where you stand right from the beginning. We therefore will advise you about all the options (see Funding a Claim) so that you know exactly where you are without having to worry about receiving a bill for enquiring.

• Medical Records - it is likely that we will need to obtain your medical records, with your permission, to review the treatment you have received. These are your notes and only you can give permission for them to be released.

• Statement - an important part of preparing your case will be obtaining a statement from you or anyone who may have been effected directly or indirectly. For instance, we may need to take a statement from someone who has had to look after you.

• Experts Report - as lawyers, we have specialist clinical knowledge but it is likely that we will need to obtain a medical report on the treatment you have received from an expert. It is important to instruct an expert who does not know your treating consultant or doctor to ensure that we receive an unbiased view. For this reason the expert is often outside your geographical area.

For further information, please contact Kerry Fifield on 0117 916 9360 or via email.