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Medical Negligence Payout Amounts

Our expert team of accredited no win no fee lawyers have assisted victims across NSW to win with their medical negligence claims.

Compensation claims arising from injuries caused by medical negligence, also known as medical malpractice, are highly complex and to achieve the best outcome, you need the support of an accredited specialist in personal injury law. Victims of medical negligence face life-changing injuries and disabilities, that at their worst are catastrophic, but all significantly impact all aspects of their lives, their quality of life and even the lives of their families.

We’ve successfully helped people just like you to receive the financial compensation they deserve due to the negligence of doctors, hospitals, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals including physiotherapists. We understand that living with an injury or a serious medical condition usually involves endless medical appointments and makes it difficult to even perform basic activities of daily living. You may suspect that your medical condition or disability was caused by negligence on the part of your treating doctors but do not have the time to investigate those suspicions.

Although information is widely available these days, it might be difficult for you to find information that describes your individual circumstances. This makes it difficult for you to determine if the circumstances leading to your injuries amount to medical negligence. Similarly, you might not understand your legal rights and you might not realise that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. We have included a selection of medical negligence cases that highlight the highly diverse nature of medical negligence claims and some of the compensation amounts that we are able to secure for those claims. Our selection of medical negligence cases will help you understand the following:

    • The different types of medical negligence
    • If your injuries are likely to arise from medical negligence
    • The injuries and losses that are compensable
    • How compensation is calculated

At Garling & Co, we work on a no win no fee basis to ensure that everyone has the means to fight their legal case. To learn if you are eligible, please fill out our free, no-obligation confidential case assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours alternatively, you can give our friendly team a call today at 02 8329 9500 for more information.

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Industry Experts

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

No Win No Fee

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

5 star client rating icon

5-Star Client Rating

You’ll receive outstanding service. We maintain a 5-star client rating.

Free Case Assessments

Free Case Assessments

We provide confidential, free case assessments.

Industry Experts

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

No Win No Fee

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

Failed mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

The client underwent a failed mastectomy and botched breast reconstruction as a result of negligent advice by a surgeon.

Compensation: $420,000

Burns from cosmetic chemical peel.

Our client underwent a chemical peel at a skincare clinic which resulted in burns to her face.

Compensation: $40,000

Failure to diagnose meningitis resulting in brain injury

Our client presented to her local hospital with a severe headache, light-sensitivity and projectile vomiting. She was given Panadol and discharged home. A few days later, she returned to the same hospital and was critically ill. She was subsequently diagnosed with meningitis. She sustained injury to her brain.

Compensation: $6.5 million

Failure to diagnose colorectal cancer

Over the course of four years, our client regularly presented to her GP complaining of constipation and blood in her stools. Her GP attributed those symptoms to haemorrhoids and did not refer her for any investigations. She was eventually diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Her cancer was terminal at the time of diagnosis, and she had a significantly reduced lifespan.

Compensation: $1.6 million

Failure to offer an elective Caesarean section

Our client was pregnant with her first child and her pregnancy was uneventful until the last few weeks of her pregnancy. Her obstetric ultrasounds indicated that her baby was likely to be very large, which increases the risks of complications during labour. She was not given the option of a Caesarean section. Her labour was prolonged and complicated. Her son’s birth was delayed and he suffered a brain injury due to deprivation of oxygen to his brain during labour.

Compensation: $9 million

Failure to reduce a fracture with reasonable care

Our client injured his elbow during a game of soccer. He underwent surgery to re-attach a torn biceps tendon. During the surgery, one of the nerves in his elbow was punctured with a surgical pin used to re-attach the biceps tendon. He experienced excruciating pain following the surgery and a second surgery was required to explore the cause of his pain. During the second surgery, the surgical pin was discovered and removed to free the nerve. Unfortunately, his nerve was permanently damaged.

Compensation: $350,000

Unnecessary surgical treatment

Our client was referred by his GP to a neurosurgeon for advice on management of lower back pain. His symptoms did not warrant surgery. His neurosurgeon performed fusion of two levels of his spine instead of treating him conservatively. The surgery only made his lower back pain worse as the fusion placed other segments of his spine under a lot of pressure.

Compensation: $800,000

Failure to deliver a baby in a timely manner

Our client elected to give birth to her second child at a birthing centre. Her labour did not progress as expected and the midwives did not escalate her care to the obstetric team. Her child suffered a cardiac arrest during her labour. Fortunately, the baby girl was resuscitated, but she sustained a significant brain injury due to the cardiac arrest. The other suffered a psychiatric injury.

Compensation: $11 million child $200,000 mother

Failure to treat jaundice

Our client was born with jaundice. His parents were assured that the jaundice was not concerning and that it would resolve after a few days. A blood test was not performed to confirm this. He then developed kernicterus secondary to the untreated jaundice and suffered a brain injury.

Compensation: $8.5 million

Performing surgical treatment without consent

Our client underwent surgery on her uterus to alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding. The surgeon also tied her fallopian tubes during the surgery without her consent.

Compensation: $180,000

Failure to appropriately treat a hand injury

Our client fell in his garden and lacerated the palm of his right hand. He presented to his local hospital. Despite the fact that his wound was clearly contaminated by soil and other dirt from his garden, he was not given intravenous antibiotics and was not taken to theatre for an open washout and debridement of the wound in order to ensure the wound was clean. Instead, the wound was superficially washed with saline and then sutured, trapping microscopic debris inside the wound. He developed a nasty infection, which became chronic and ultimately resulted in amputation.

Compensation: $850,000

Failure to treat post-operative infection

Our client worked incredibly hard to lose weight. As a result of her weight loss, she was left with excess skin, particularly on her arms and tummy. She underwent plastic surgery to remove the excess skin. Her recovery was complicated by infection and her surgeon being dismissed of the early signs of wound infection. She suffered from a chronic infection for a period of almost four years underwent multiple surgeries to treat the infection.

Compensation: $800,000

Failure to diagnose cardiac disease

Our client experienced a feeling of heaviness in his chest and breathless while he was at work. He left work and presented to the nearest public hospital. A blood test and ultrasound of the heart were performed. His symptoms improved a few hours later and he was told that it was safe for him to go home and see his GP the following day. The results of his blood test and ultrasound became available after he left the hospital. Those results were not reviewed or communicated to Tony. Sadly, Tony suffered a heart attack and passed away at home the following day.

Compensation: $950,000

Failure to treat diabetic foot

Our client suffered from peripheral neuropathy due to his longstanding and poorly controlled diabetes. He presented to his GP on several occasions over the course of two weeks with a small ulcer on his big toe. The GP prescribed him antibiotics. His ulcer turned into osteomyelitis as the infection eventually involved the bone and he required amputation of his big toe.

Compensation: $650,000

Misdiagnosis of breast cancer

Our client has a significant family history of breast cancer. She underwent a routine breast ultrasound that reported the finding of a suspicious lump. Her GP did not appreciate the significance of those findings and assured her that she likely had a fibroadenoma, a common benign lump of the breast. One year later, on another routine ultrasound, the same suspicious lump was seen but it was much larger and there were suspicious lymph nodes seen. She was diagnosed with aggressive Stage 3 breast cancer.

Compensation: $900,000

Failure to diagnose lung cancer

Our client complained to her GP of abdominal pain. Her GP referred her for a CT scan of her abdomen. The lower segments of her lungs were visualised during the scan and a tiny lesion was found in her left lung. The GP did not pay attention to the incidental finding of the lung lesion. Three years later, our client began to complain of breathlessness and a persistent cough as the lesion had significantly grown. She was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Compensation: $950,00

Failure to diagnose bowel perforation

Our client underwent a colonoscopy. During the procedure, his bowel was perforated. Following the procedure, he complained of severe abdominal pain, but was assured that the pain that he was experiencing was normal and expected following a colonoscopy. A few days later, he returned to the hospital with a fever, chills and severe abdominal pain. He developed peritonitis and septic shock as a result of faecal matter spilling into his abdominal capacity.

Compensation: $200,000

Failure to diagnose pelvic mass

Our client presented to her GP with lower back pain. An MRI scan was performed and a suspicious pelvic mass was detected. She was referred to a specialist gynaecologist. She underwent a hysterectomy. She continued to experience back pain. Five years later, she was again referred by her GP for a scan and the same pelvic mass was discovered. The mass was a cancerous tumour.

Compensation: $1.1 million

Failure to diagnose viral brain infection

Our client presented to his local hospital with a severe headache and a sore eye. He was given eye drops and told that he probably had a migraine. A couple of days later, he began to feel generally unwell, disoriented and experienced a seizure. He collapsed. James had a viral infection that was affecting his eye and brain.

Compensation: $1.4 million

Botched breast augmentation

Our client underwent a breast augmentation. She was shocked when she finally saw the shape of her breasts and the apparent asymmetry in their size. She later discovered that her surgeon specialises in nose modification procedures and has only recently begun to perform breast augmentations.

Compensation: $300,000

Failure to diagnose spinal stenosis

Our client presented to his local hospital four times over the course of 18 months. He presented with disorientation and difficulty walking. Finally, an MRI scan was performed that diagnosed severe spinal canal stenosis. He underwent emergency surgery but continued to have ongoing functional impairments due to compression of his spinal cord for 18 months prior to diagnosis and treatment.

Compensation: $900,000

Misdiagnosis of skin cancer

Our client presented to her GP with an itchy irritated skin lesion inside one of her ears. She was diagnosed with psoriasis and treated with an ointment. Her lesion kept recurring over a period of almost 5 years. She saw another GP, who referred her to a dermatologist. The lesion was cancerous on biopsy. Unfortunately, the cancer had metastasised to her inner ear and she required extensive surgery.

Compensation: $550,000

Failure to diagnose brain tumour

Our client presented multiple times to her GP with symptoms of cognitive decline. She complained of difficulty concentration and difficulty in articulating her speech. She was referred to a psychologist as her GP considered that her symptoms were secondary to anxiety or depression. Despite being cleared by the psychologist and worsening symptoms over the course of two years, her GP dismissed her concerns. She insisted on a referral to a neurologist and was referred for a brain scan. A benign brain tumour was diagnosed.

Compensation: $700,000

Delayed diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis

Our client presented to her local hospital with abdominal pain and vomiting. She was told that she had a stomach bug and told to go home and drink lots of fluid. She returned the following day with worsening symptoms. She was reassured and told to go home. She woke up the following day with excruciating pain and an ambulance transported her to the hospital. An ultrasound was performed and found that her appendix had ruptured.

Compensation: $150,000

Delayed diagnosis and treatment of blood clot

Our client presented to her GP on a Saturday with a painful and swollen right leg. Her GP gave her a referral for an ultrasound to be performed the following week. The following day, she was found unconscious by her mother. The symptoms in her leg were caused by a blood clot that dislodged and travelled to her lungs. She almost died. Fortunately, she was able to be resuscitated and survived. She developed a severe psychiatric injury.

Compensation: $250,000

Delayed diagnosis of septic arthritis

Our client presented to her GP with a sore ankle. She was told that she likely sprained her ankle despite denying any physical injury to her ankle. Her pain worsened and she began to feel generally unwell and lethargic. Her GP dismissed her concerns and told her to continue to rest her ankle. Her symptoms continued to worsen. She eventually presented to her local hospital and an x-ray was performed. She was diagnosed with osteomyelitis and septic arthritis secondary to superficial shaving cuts on her ankle.

Compensation: $750,000

Have you suffered a serious injury?

We specialise in helping people recover compensation for serious injuries. To see if your case qualifies, please complete our Confidential Free Claim Check. Our experienced lawyers will review your information and contact you the next business day if we can help.

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You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

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Our team of expert injury lawyers will help you get maximum compensation.

T M
08:15 27 Feb 25
To describe my experience with Garling & Co Lawyers as transformative would be an understatement. From the moment I engaged their services, I was met with a level of professionalism, compassion, and... legal acumen that is truly unparalleled. At the heart of this exceptional team is Mr. Matthew a man whose profound intellect, vast experience, and unwavering commitment to his clients set him apart as one of the finest advocates in the field of personal injury law.Mr. Matthew possesses an extraordinary depth of knowledge, honed by years of navigating the complexities of personal injury claims. His ability to anticipate challenges, strategize effectively, and counteract adversarial tactics is nothing short of remarkable. In my case, where I suffered a debilitating back injury as a result of a workplace accident, the road to recovery both physically and legally felt insurmountable. Insurance companies and medical examiners sought to downplay the severity of my condition, attempting to minimise my impairment rating and deny me the compensation I rightfully deserved. Yet, Mr. Matthew stood firm, refusing to let them diminish the gravity of my suffering.What struck me most about Mr. Matthew and indeed the entire team at Garling & Co is their genuine care for their clients. Mr. Matthew is not merely a lawyer; he is a compassionate advocate who understands the human element behind every case. He listened intently as I described the chronic pain, mobility limitations, and emotional toll caused by my back injury , treating my story with the seriousness it warranted. His internal and external team, equally brilliant and dedicated, worked tirelessly to gather medical evidence, consult specialists, and build an unassailable case that highlighted the true extent of my injuries. Together, they formed an unstoppable force, driven by a shared mission to deliver the best possible result for their clients.The professionalism exhibited by Garling & Co is of such a high caliber that it defies belief. Every interaction was marked by courtesy, precision, and transparency. They communicated with me regularly, keeping me informed at every stage of the process and ensuring I felt empowered rather than overwhelmed. Their ability to simplify even the most intricate legal matters into understandable terms speaks volumes about their expertise and client-centered approach.Thanks to Mr. Matthew and his team, what began as a daunting and disheartening journey ended in triumph. Facing a severe back injury that left me unable to work or enjoy life as I once did, I encountered countless obstacles designed to diminish my claim. Yet, under Mr. Matthew’s guidance, those barriers were dismantled one by one. The result he achieved for me was not just satisfactory it was extraordinary. He secured the maximum compensation I deserved, restoring not only my financial stability but also my faith in the legal system.If you find yourself grappling with the aftermath of a personal injury, whether it be a back injury , workplace accident, or any other trauma, I implore you to place your trust in Garling & Co Lawyers. They are more than capable of turning despair into hope, adversity into victory, and injustice into resolution. With Mr. Matthew leading the charge, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the utmost integrity, intelligence, and tenacity.In closing, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Matthew and the entire team at Garling & Co. You have made an indelible impact on my life, and I will forever be indebted to you for your tireless efforts and unwavering support. To anyone seeking representation that combines brilliance, professionalism, and genuine care, look no further Garling & Co is the epitome of excellence.read more
S Z
07:46 27 Feb 25
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional support and dedication provided by Garling & Co Lawyers, particularly Mr. Matthew, Alison, and their incredible team. They have been nothing... short of a lifeline during one of the darkest chapters of my life a time when I felt abandoned, broken, and unsure if anyone could truly help me.After sustaining multiple disabilities from a workplace injury, I was left grappling with physical pain, emotional turmoil, and overwhelming uncertainty about my future. I had initially turned to another law firm one of those big names everyone talks about but they failed me. Despite their promises and polished reputation, they couldn’t deliver when it mattered most. Faced with insurance medical examiners determined to downplay my injuries and strip away my rights, I felt powerless. It seemed like no one was on my side until I found Garling & Co.From the very first conversation, Matthew, Alison, and the entire team showed me what real compassion looks like. They didn’t just hear my story; they felt it. Every phone call I made was answered with patience and understanding. Every question I had was met with clarity and reassurance. For the first time in months, I felt seen, heard, and valued not as a case file, but as a person.What sets Garling & Co apart isn’t just their unmatched legal expertise it’s their humanity. They understood the weight of what I was carrying, and they carried it with me. Where others saw obstacles too great to overcome, they saw opportunities to fight harder. Their wisdom, determination, and relentless pursuit of justice transformed a losing case into a victory that exceeded all expectations.The difference between my previous lawyers and Garling & Co? Heart. My former lawyers treated my case like a transaction; Garling & Co treated it like a mission. They refused to let the insurance company minimize my suffering or dismiss my struggles. Instead, they fought tooth and nail to secure the maximum impairment compensation I deserved a result I never dreamed possible after everything I’d been through.If you’re reading this and feeling lost, scared, or defeated, please know there is hope. No matter how complex or challenging your situation may seem, Garling & Co will stand by you. They’ll dig deep, work tirelessly, and leave no stone unturned in their quest for fairness and justice. You won’t just be hiring lawyers you’ll be gaining advocates who genuinely care about your well-being and your future.To Matthew, Alison, and the entire team at Garling & Co: thank you!!! doesn’t feel like enough. You’ve given me back my dignity, my peace of mind, and my belief that good people still exist in this world. If anyone is searching for a team that will pour their heart and soul into your case, look no further. These are the lawyers who will turn your darkest days into brighter tomorrows.read more
Jude M.
03:54 21 Feb 25
I rang Mr Matthew Garling on a matter, and Matthew gave me his time and honest advice from goodwill. Matthew is a very honest, good man of integrity who went beyond the call of duty. I would highly... recommend Matthew and his company.read more
Pouya Zadbar T.
01:36 15 Feb 25
Garling and Co were very helpful and did their best to get the most payout for my mothers workers compensation claim. We were very happy with their patience and understanding as this was a long and... trying process with the insurance. I Would definitely recommend their services.read more
Don T.
05:59 13 Feb 25
I had an occupational accident for 2 years and after the surgery for a whole year there was no good result and my body was in so much pain that I could not return to work. Everyone told me to find a... lawyer immediately, I did not know which lawyer could help me so I searched on Google. After searching I found that many clients were very satisfied with Garling & Co, so I texted Garling & Co. They immediately called back and asked if I felt pain and could not come to the office, they would come to see me but I replied that I could come. And the legal journey started from there. I met Mr. Garling who was about my age but very enthusiastic and dedicated and he explained and advised me in a way that I could understand all the questions and I agreed with him very much, then he handed over my case to Ms. Allison to contact me. Everything went very well according to his arrangements from the first step to the last step. Until the last day, he explained how the negotiation was going and I understood the whole story. I did not ask for too much and the number I gave was quickly agreed to avoid lengthy legal headaches. In total, after 4 years of the accident and almost 2 years with the help of Garling & Co, everything was resolved happily for all parties. Once again, I thank Mr. Garling, Ms. Allison and everyone at Garling & Co for helping me, they are wonderful and I hope they will continue their good work helping people who need legal help like I need help. Thank you very much Garling & Co.read more
Pedro M.
04:26 11 Feb 25
Thank you so much for all the help and support this past years.I recommend it to anyone who needs help.Thanks again and all the best for the Garling & Co team and a special thanks to Kerry Byrnes.
Ron J.
03:49 11 Feb 25
I had an overall good experience with Garling and Co. I was the victim of a major motorvehicle accident in April 2021. There were a few complications in my case including me having to move overseas... for 2 years temporarily during the progression of my claim and original lawyer from Garling that handled my case leaving the firm. The move overseas resulted in the insurer cutting off my income replacement, which lasted for 9 months, which as you can imagine created a major financial strain on the family On both these occasions, Garling worked to get a good result. They fought in front of the NSW Panel, and got a reported decision that states that all Permanent Residents and Citizens of Australia have the right to be paid income replacement even when overseas, during an accident claim under CTP cover. They also worked very hard in the face of a typically uncooperative and obstructive insurer to progress my claim over the last (almost 4 years) and the replacement lawyer Kerry Burns has done amazing work, with care, empathy and professionalism. I've had a good experience with them!read more
Sandra C.
03:27 06 Feb 25
Garling & Co Lawyers were professional from start to finish. They made me feel like I was as important to them as all their clients. Emma Perkins and her team went over and above in all aspects to... exceed my expectations. Highly recommended.read more
kokomo U.
01:38 15 Jan 25
Such a difficult time for me and so grateful to have alison and Mathews help...knowing I could trust in their knowledge, along with the understanding and compassion I received helped make a trying... time easier to navigate. Thankyou guys, would highly recommendread more
Sam H.
09:47 17 Dec 24
Very knowledgeable, explains everything very clearly and highly recommend.
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