A day in the life of a Medical Negligence solicitor
Medical Negligence is an area of law that often deals with very traumatic and personal circumstances. The role of a Medical Negligence solicitor is to fight for justice and seek sufficient compensation for their clients.
But, what does a Medical Negligence solicitor actually do on a day-to-day basis?
Natalizia Capizzi shares with us her day in the life as a member of the Medical Negligence team at Osborne Morris & Morgan.
8:40am
My day has started slightly earlier than usual, but today is no ordinary day. I was up early to collect the Barrister from Leighton Buzzard Railway Station. We have a trial looming, and a pre-trial conference with the client and the experts has been organised to commence at 9:30. This case concerns a delay in diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis – commonly known as a flesh-eating disease, it is an infection that results in the death of parts of the body’s soft tissue. It is a severe disease that spreads rapidly and can result in life-threating and life-changing implications. The experts in the pre-trial conference consisted of; a Paramedic, a Microbiologist, a Plastic Surgeon and an expert in Emergency Medicine.
11:30am-12:30pm
After returning to my desk and reviewing the day’s post, i am finally able to have my first cup of coffee of the day and read a Letter of Response that we have received on a case concerning knee replacement surgery. Unfortunately, the NHS Resolution have denied all allegations of liability. With limitation in this case approaching, I will have to consider this in further detail on Tuesday.
12:30-1:00pm
Lunchtime, and today I popped home to feed my lovely Persian cat, Principino. I rustled myself up a cheese, ham and mushroom omelette which I managed to eat in my garden – the sun is out!
1:00-1:15pm
Today is “Wear it Blue” day at work to raise money and awareness for the Bedford District and Cerebral Palsy Society. There are cupcakes in reception and a Prosecco raffle draw (unfortunately, I did not win).
1:15-2:45pm
We have taken on a new client with a case concerning negligent cosmetic surgery-really interesting!! The initial risk assessment has been carried out and now I have to draft the funding documentation (colloquially known as a “no win, no fee” agreement. Unlike other firms, here at Osborne Morris and Morgan, we do not deduct a success fee or shortfall in fees from a client’s compensation. This is increasingly unusual and is a real positive in terms of the client focus of the firm.
2:45-3:30pm
At last, I have an opportunity to catch up on my emails and check and sign my post for the day.
3:30-4:45pm
I have an inquest in a couple of weeks and counsel has been instructed. I respond to emails received on behalf of the Coroner’s Officer, and the family. I then spend time checking the bundles of documents before they get sent to the counsel’s chambers. The bundle mainly consists of medical records, with over 4,000 pages of medical notes and records.
4:45-5:15pm
I have a busy couple of weeks’ ahead so I organise a checklist of what needs to be my priority for the following week before turning off my computer.
Home time, and it is the Friday before a bank holiday weekend – bliss!
If you feel you have suffered as a result of wrong or delayed diagnosis, we are here to help. Our Medical Negligence experts are nationally recognised experts in their field, with over 30 years of experience, and will support you through every step of your claim.
Please contact us either by phone on 01525 378177, or online.
