
Series 03 | Episode 04
The Law on Secondary Victims in Medical Negligence Claims
A “secondary victim” is someone who suffers psychiatric injury after witnessing a traumatic event affecting a person close to them. But can secondary victims make a claim in medical negligence cases?
In Series 3, Episode 4 of Medical Negligence Matters, Gillian Gadsby talks to Tami Frankel about the inconsistent history around secondary victim claims in medical negligence, and how the Supreme Court’s Ruling in Paul vs Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust changed the landscape for these types of claims.
They also explain why a doctor’s duty of care does not extend beyond their patient, the differences in secondary victim claims for medical negligence and personal injury cases, and more in this compelling episode.
In this video, we cover:
0:00 - Introduction
1:02 - What is a secondary victim in medical negligence claims?
2:26 - The Alcock Test for secondary victims
3:29 - The subjectivity and inconsistency of testing secondary victim claims
5:41 - Paul v Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
8:09 - Secondary victims in medical negligence vs personal injury cases
9:12 - A doctor’s duty of care does not extend beyond their patient
11:23 - Secondary victim cases related to birth injury claims
12:32 - What can secondary victims do in fatal medical negligence cases?
13:43 - Compensation in fatal medical negligence claims
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In this episode, you’ll discover:
Who is classified as a secondary victim in legal claims
Why determining secondary victims in the past was often subjective and inconsistent
How the ruling of Paul vs Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust closed the door on secondary victim claims in medical negligence – and whether this is fair
The different hurdles of making secondary victims in medical negligence vs personal injury cases
Why a doctor’s duty of care does not extend beyond their patient
What secondary victims do in fatal medical negligence cases
And much, much more.
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Medical Negligence Matters is the podcast that guides you through the complexities of medical negligence law.
Hosted by Gillian Gadsby, Managing Partner at Gadsby Wicks and a solicitor with over 35 years of specialist experience, this podcast covers everything you need to know about the unique, sensitive world of medical negligence.
If you liked this video, you can find more episodes of Medical Negligence Matters right now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7i5R5R8HmA2hOIKDF8aCxf
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/medical-negligence-matters/id1739788044
If you believe you have been impacted by medical negligence, speak to our expert team for advice on making a claim. Visit our website at https://www.gadsbywicks.co.uk or call us on 01245 494929.