On 3 December, Switalskis proudly celebrated International Day of Persons with Disabilities(IDPD), which promotes the rights and wellbeing of people living with disabilities. It's currently estimated that around one billion people worldwide are living with a disability; that’s 15 percent of the world’s population. In the UK it is estimated that there are 14.6 million disabled people; around 20 percent of the UK’s population.

The theme for this year’s IDPD was ‘Not All Disabilities are Visible’ , highlighting that disabilities occur and present themselves in many different forms. Some people have visible disabilities – this could be someone unable to walk, who relies on the use of a wheelchair. Others may have a ‘non-visible’ disability, such as cognitive impairment caused by a brain injury. Many people have a combination of both, but it is important to remember that non-visible disabilities can affect a person’s life just as much as a visible disability, if not more.

Some people are born with a disability, whereas others can become disabled later in their lifetime. It is estimated that 9% of children within the UK are living with a disability, with 21% of adults at a working age being classed as having a disability. This figure rises to 42% for adults of pension age. These figures demonstrate an increased likelihood of developing a disability at a later stage in life.

As a medical negligence  solicitor and part-time carer for my younger brother who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy , anxiety and severe learning difficulties, amongst other problems, I am acutely aware of the challenges people with both visible and non-visible disabilities have. I understand first-hand what families with disabled children go through, the unfair additional costs they have to face, and the very complex needs.  

We support many inspirational clients with disabilities caused by medical negligence, this can be extremely distressing for all concerned, especially as they find themselves in this position through no fault of their own. Some of these clients’ lives have changed overnight, having had no experience of living with the disability and the challenges which often come with it. This can be extremely difficult to come to terms with.

A medical negligence claim can result in financial compensation being awarded. This happens where it is shown that the standard of medical treatment received, fell below an acceptable professional standard, causing avoidable injury as a direct result. The purpose of a medical negligence claim is to put the injured person back to the financial position they would have been if the negligence not occurred.

When disability is caused by negligence, this can often lead to substantial and often necessary awards of compensation. This compensation will not only reflect the injuries, pain and suffering, but will also take into account the injured person’s subsequent life-long needs, such as the costs of care, specialised equipment and adaptations needed, transport and mobility aids, plus physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

If you think you have been affected by medical negligence, please contact us so that we can begin to support you. Call 0800 138 0458 or email help@switalskis.com