Bladder Injury Compensation Claims

The bladder is a muscular sac in the pelvis, located just above and behind the pubic bone.  It collects and stores urine and allows urine to flow out when we go to the toilet.

There are many ways your bladder can be injured.  The most common causes include:

• Trauma – if the region of your body where your bladder is located suffers a severe blunt trauma, the bladder can be ruptured. Thus events such as a car accident or a fall from a height can cause bladder injuries.
• Surgical negligence  – the pelvic region is a complex mass of intestines and organs. Therefore, surgeons need to take particular care when operating near the bladder or on the lower back.  Bladder injuries can be caused by surgeons cutting or nicking the bladder.
• C-section – when a C-section is performed, the bladder is usually pushed downward to create room for the baby to come out. If this is not done carefully, the bladder can be damaged.
• Childbirth – a common reason for women to make bladder injury compensation claims is following the diagnosis of a prolapsed bladder. Stretched and strained pelvic floor muscles can no longer support the bladder, and it can move down to press onto the vagina.  It may be that medical negligence in childbirth caused the eventual prolapse.

Symptoms of a bladder injury include:

• Heavy bleeding
• Agonising pain in the pelvic floor region
• Pain when urinating
• Incontinence
• Blood in the urine or a thick, bloody discharge

If you suffer from these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.  Contact our medical negligence solicitors as soon as possible to see if you have a ruptured bladder compensation claim.

To make a bladder injury compensation claim, speak to one of our medical negligence compensation solicitors today.  They will take the time to listen to the details of your case in an empathetic and caring manner and advise if you have grounds for a claim.  Our team will assess whether the duty of care owed to you was breached, and whether breaching this duty of care caused your injuries.  If so, are likely to have a strong case for compensation.

Your solicitor will take strain off you and handle your case for you, including collating the necessary evidence (including medical records and correspondence) and will write to the organisation responsible for your care, stating the grounds for your claim.  Our team are best placed to be able to understand the response and move your claim forward to a satisfactory resolution.

Yes; the ‘limitation’ period to bring a claim for medical negligence is generally three years from the negligence, or the date of knowledge of the injury.  This means that if you became aware of the injury or diagnosis weeks, months, or even years later, the three-year period is likely to  commence from that point.  For example, a prolapsed bladder may develop many years after childbirth.  Therefore, the limitation period may begin from when you first became aware of the prolapse.

In rare circumstances, the Court may use its discretion to extend the limitation period, but only for exceptional reasons, so it is important to contact us as soon as possible.

Yes; Devonshires Claims can provide:

• A ‘No Win No Fee’ bladder injury claims service.
• A ‘No Win No Fee’ arrangement is also known as a ‘Conditional Fee Agreement’. Under a No Win No Fee agreement, you will not be charged any legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful*.

If you win your case there will be some deductions from your damages**.

The timescale for a bladder injury claim will depend on the facts of your case; however, most claims commonly take between 2 and 3 years to conclude fully.  Factors which will affect how long your claim takes may include:

• The severity of your bladder injury and associated complications
• your long-term prognosis
• whether ongoing care is required
• how much rehabilitation is needed
• whether you require costs to cover home modifications
• Whether the defendant admits liability (if they do, claims are usually settled quicker).

Compensation claims for a bladder injury not only reflect the physical and mental pain and suffering experienced but also:

• Allow you to obtain justice for the mistreatment and negligence you experienced
• Highlight failings in clinical practice, standards of care and protocols
• Provide you and your family with an explanation of the incident and an apology if shortcomings are acknowledged

The amount paid in compensation will depend on several factors:

• Your pain and suffering
• Your prognosis
• The impact of the delay and / or negligence on your health and quality of life – including current and future care requirements, medical aids, home adaptations or other necessary assistance
• Any financial losses you have incurred as a result of the injuries – including past loss of earnings, medical expenses, travel expenses and equipment costs
• Any future financial losses, e.g. loss of wages, loss of promotion prospects, pension

Compensation for medical negligence injury fall into two main categories:

• General compensation (General Damages): this includes compensation for pain and suffering and the impact of the injury on lifestyle and quality of life.
• Financial losses and expenses (Special Damages): these include the costs associated with private treatment, care support, travel expenses, other medical expenses, specialist equipment and loss of income.