Surgical procedures are stress-inducing, but advances in technology and improved medical knowledge mean that the vast majority are completed successfully. However, mistakes do occasionally happen.

Data published by NHS England showed more than 300 patients suffered a preventable medical accident in 2015. This included failing to remove foreign objects after surgery, providing improper prosthetics to patients and removing incorrect body parts.

Medical errors can cause life-changing and irreversible damage as happened in the case of a 35-year-old Manchester woman, who suffered a serious brain injury after a surgeon at the Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust accidently inserted medical equipment too far into her brain. She now suffers from speech and sight problems, mental health issues and has a limited life expectancy.

If you feel that you have suffered an injury as a result of a surgeon’s negligence, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.

Linda Millband, national practice lead of the medical negligence team at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “In a clinical environment, one error can turn a person’s life upside down. Suffering long term complications after you have put your life in the hands of a medical professional is unacceptable.

“The specialist lawyers at Thompsons have successfully represented many patients who have fallen victim to negligent medical care and by securing interim payments to cover rehabilitation, at the same time as working closely with charities and support groups, such as Headway we can ensure that the injured receive a high level of care both during and after the case has concluded. On principle we only work for victims of accidents and injuries, and never for insurance companies or employers.

“If you feel that you have suffered as a result of the negligent actions of those you entrusted with your medical care, our medical negligence team will go to the ends of the earth to ensure you receive full support and are properly remunerated for your suffering up to the date of settlement and into the future.”