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While medical negligence cases remain relatively rare in the UK, we’ve still seen a marked increased in claims over the course of the last 16 years or more.
More specifically, there were 5,426 negligence claims bought against the NHS in 2006/07, with this number increasing by 133% to 12,629 as recently as 2020/21.
This has made medical negligence law an increasingly popular area of interest for students, but how can you maximise your chances of getting into this? Let’s find out!
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Contents
What is Medical Negligence Law?
Medical negligence law is multifaceted by nature, as it takes into account complex aspects of both litigation and healthcare.
More specifically, you’ll need to understand the basic tenants of law while also cultivating a wider comprehension of the ins and outs of the healthcare system in the UK, which can make for a challenging and immersive educational process.
Another key facet of medical negligence law is negotiation, as once the evidence has been gathered to help mount a claim and demonstrate that a healthcare professional is responsible for your clients’ ailments, you’ll be responsible for liaising with third parties to achieve a viable compensation payout and settlement.
What Academic Requirements and Experience do you Need?
In terms of technical requirements, you’ll have to first ensure that you have the requisite academic skills and qualifications to compete for a role in a medical negligence solicitors.
To begin with, students are expected to be proficient in maths and science, while you should progress to complete a basic law degree if you’re to be considered by prospective employers.
If you’re really focused on specialising in this field, we’d also recommend that you take a master’s degree in healthcare law that affords you additional skills, knowledge and standing.
Work experience is also key, as this helps you to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. So, volunteering and arranging training contracts is a key element of your development, especially if you want to hit the ground running in your career.
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How Else Can You Stand Out from the Crowd?
Standing out from the crowd is key if you’re to optimize your chances of career success, but what other steps can you take to achieve this other than completing a master’s degree?
Well, networking through social media sites such as LinkedIn is key, as this enables you to connect with multiple people within the industry and create opportunities for employment.
Integrating knowledge and experience into your resume is also crucial, as this physically demonstrates your suitability to potential employers in real time.