Legal cases against the NHS have cost the taxpayer nearly £1.5 billion in the last year, figures have revealed.

Data from the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) shows the health service paid hundreds of millions of pounds in damages, claimant and defence costs, after claims were pursued.

The authority fights cases brought against the NHS on issues such as medical negligence.

In the year 2015-16, it was hit with a bill of £418 million to cover the lawyer fees of claimants, prompting accusations that legal firms have "grossly over-inflated" charges.