Medical negligence claims in Sussex and the Operation Bramber investigation
Recent reports have highlighted serious issues and potential systemic failures in medical care across Sussex hospitals. If you believe that you or a relative have been affected, we may be able to help.
Concerns over the quality of care at hospitals in Sussex have left many families searching for answers. The ongoing police investigation, known as Operation Bramber, is examining numerous cases of potential medical negligence, including those at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
If you or a loved one has been affected by failures in care, you deserve justice. Leigh Day’s specialist medical negligence solicitors are representing families impacted by these issues and may be able to help you.
Contact us for a free consultation
What is Operation Bramber?
Operation Bramber is a police investigation into allegations of medical negligence at hospitals in Sussex, including the Royal Sussex County Hospital, between 2015 and 2021. Sussex Police are looking into hundreds of cases, spanning general surgery and neurosurgery, where patient care may have fallen below acceptable standards. This investigation has brought to light the scale of concerns and the need for accountability.
For families affected, this process can be distressing and confusing. Understanding your legal rights is the first step toward seeking justice.
Are there other concerns about medical care in Sussex?
Whilst Operation Bramber has focused on surgery and neurosurgery at Royal Sussex County Hospital, we are aware of concerns about other types of care provided by the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, which also includes Worthing Hospital, St Richard's Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital. In particular, concerns have been raised about maternity services in a recent report by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Leigh Day solicitors are representing many families affected, and recently settled a case for a client treated at Princess Royal Hospital.
Having investigated many of these cases, our medical negligence team are worried about families in Sussex who may have been impacted. The consequences of medical negligence can be severe, and those affected deserve answers and support.
How Leigh Day can help with medical negligence in Sussex
Leigh Day's team of dedicated medical negligence solicitors has over 35 years of experience representing people who have suffered due to substandard care. We are not just a highly-ranked law firm; we are passionate campaigners for patient safety and justice.
Expert legal advice: Our team has the expertise to navigate complex cases, including those related to the Operation Bramber investigation. We provide a clear, honest assessment of your claim.
A compassionate approach: We listen to your story with care and compassion. For cases involving poor maternity care, our team includes registered midwives who understand the devastating impact of these experiences.
Securing justice: We work tirelessly not only to secure the compensation your family needs but also to find answers and help you understand what went wrong.
How do I bring a medical negligence claim?
The first step is to share your story with us in a free, no-obligation consultation.
Initial consultation: Our experts will listen carefully to your experience and provide an honest assessment of your case.
Investigation: If we take on your case, our solicitors will gather evidence and advise you at every stage of the legal process.
Resolution: We will work to ensure your rights are protected and your voice is heard, aiming to secure the right compensation to help cover medical bills, ongoing care, and other essential needs.
Contact us in confidence
If you have concerns about the treatment you or a loved one received at a Sussex hospital, get in touch. Call us on 020 7650 1200 or fill in our short form for a free consultation.
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Medical negligence FAQs
Your medical negligence claim process can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to settle. Our team will strive to sort it as quickly as possible. The amount of time it takes will depend on:
- The severity of your case
- Amount and speed of gathering evidence
- How long the responsible person or body takes to respond
- Length of court proceedings (most cases settle before trial)
Whoever is dealing with your claim will be able to advise on how long they think the process will take.
An inquest happens when a coroner decides to investigate the circumstances of a death to determine how the person died before registering the death. Learn more about what an inquest is.
If you have suffered medical negligence then you have three years from the point of realisation to make a claim. Special rules apply for children, who are not subject to the three-year limit until they are 18 – so they have until their 21st birthday to claim. People not capable of managing their own affairs due to a mental disability are also exempt and will rely on a ‘litigation friend’ to bring a claim.
To prove medical negligence you’ll need supporting evidence to improve your chances of success. This can include medical documents, witness statements, medical records (such as x-rays, ultrasounds), photographs and financial records.
Yes, you can make a medical negligence claim on behalf of a child under 18 years old or a ‘protected party’ – someone who lacks the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves due to an impairment or disturbance in the functioning of their mind or brain. You will be appointed as a ‘litigation friend’ to make decisions about the case.
It is rare that medical negligence cases go to court – they are normally settled before reaching this stage. However, with complicated cases there is a chance. Our team will support you through the process if this happens.
As part of the supporting evidence for your case, it’s likely that you will have to see a doctor for an expert examination. They will assess the extent of your injuries suffered due to medical negligence to help support your claim.
Compensation can cover the costs of physical and emotional pain caused and the impact on your quality of life.
It could help cover:
- Medication and treatment
- Therapy
- Care
- Transport and/or parking expenses
- Adaptations to accommodation
- Loss of earnings
- Specialist equipment
Examples of successful medical negligence compensation awarded:
- Five-figure settlement for a first-time mother who suffered depression after delayed surgery.
- More than £30 million for lifelong care for a boy starved of oxygen at birth.
- Six-figure settlement for woman who received life-changing facial injuries after delayed diagnosis of sarcoma.
- £2.25 million for a man’s life changing neurological injuries after doctors failed to investigate spinal compression after surgery.
Take the first step towards justice
If you believe you or your child suffered from possible medical negligence during pregnancy or childbirth, don’t wait. Contact us today to start your journey toward answers and possible compensation.
Contact us today
Your family deserves justice, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
See how we helped others
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Toby he lives with cerebral palsy after his symptoms were ignored by medical staff at Portsmouth Hospital