According to NHS Resolution, the organisation which deals with clinical negligence claims on behalf of the NHS, the cost of settling claims increased in the 2022/2023 financial year, although the number of new reported claims fell.
The cost of settling clinical negligence claims reached nearly £2.7bn, including damages and costs, an increase of over £230m or 9.5% from the 2021/2022 financial year. However, the number of new claims and reported incidents reduced by over 10%, from 15,078 in 2021/2022 to 13,511.
Claims involving obstetric or maternity care represented 64% of the total cost of claims in 2022/2023, a slight increase of 2% from the previous financial year. However, they constitute only 13% of the number of claims reported during the financial year, emphasising the complexity and value of claims, and the impact of negligence, in maternity care.
Provision for the cost of future settlements fell significantly, from £128.5bn to £69.6bn (45.8%), due to changes in the HM Treasury discount rates used to calculate future loss. There was a further increase in the number of claims settled without Court proceedings, from 77% to 80%, continuing the trend seen in previous years, and illustrating the increased use of mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
Clinical negligence claims are frequently complex, and it is important that anyone considering such a claim seeks advice at the earliest opportunity.
If you believe you have a claim for clinical negligence and wish to find out more or discuss your individual requirements in further detail, our Client Relations Team will be on hand to help, and can arrange an appointment with one of our specialist Clinical Negligence Claims team. Please contact our Client Relations Team on 01603 693510 or email us using the 'Make an enquiry' form.
