Blood clots can be serious and even life-threatening if not treated immediately. Unfortunately, in some blood clot cases, patients can be seriously harmed because they received substandard medical care from a doctor or other professional. If that has happened to you, you may have a valid claim for blood clot compensation.
At MNCC, our advisors have helped clients across the country get the information they need to start their medical negligence claims journey. They understand completely that poor medical care can have a long-lasting physical and mental toll on patients and their loved ones. If you’re eligible, they can connect you with one of the specialist solicitors from our panel, who will work tirelessly to support you and ensure that your case for compensation is strong.
Get in touch with our advisory team now to see if a specialist solicitor from our panel can help you make a medical negligence claim today:
- Call on 0330 1230 546
- Contact us online
- Use the live chat on this page
Jump To A Section
- Can I Make A Blood Clot Claim?
- How Much Blood Clot Compensation Can I Get?
- What Are The Common Causes Of A Blood Clot?
- The Long-Term Risks Of A Blood Clot, DVT Or Pulmonary Embolism
- How Could Blood Clots Be A Result Of Medical Negligence?
- Can I Claim Blood Clot Compensation With A No Win No Fee Solicitor?
- Learn More
Can I Make A Blood Clot Claim?
You may be able to make a blood clot claim if you fulfil the following criteria:
- A medical professional had a duty of care towards you.
- They breached this duty of care through a negligent act or omission (essentially doing or failing to do something).
- This breach resulted in you experiencing unnecessary or otherwise avoidable harm.
All medical professionals must deliver a level of care that meets the minimum standards expected of them. This is the duty of care that is owed to you as a patient. This requirement applies to all healthcare providers, such as nurses, doctors, surgeons, and technicians. It also extends to medical facilities, including hospitals and GP practices.
It’s important to note that substandard care will not be the cause of all blood clots. Moreover, some patients are more susceptible to them due to genetics and underlying health conditions. In such cases, a healthcare provider may be negligent if, say, they failed to check a patient’s medical history to identify such risk factors (or even ignored them). If that failure led to avoidable harm, in this case a blood clot, there may be valid grounds for compensation.
Once your claim is determined to be eligible, it is essential to take note of the time limit for claiming and to collect evidence in support of your case. Our advisory team can help with both steps to ensure you fully understand the process and know exactly how to prove medical negligence.
Can I Claim Against The NHS For A Blood Clot?
If you have an eligible case, you can claim against the NHS for a blood clot. The claims process doesn’t differ much from that of suing a private hospital.
While private practitioners pay medical negligence compensation through liability insurance, NHS Resolution is responsible for handling claims on behalf of NHS trusts. This arm’s length body has its own funding to pay compensation, ensuring successful claims have no impact on public healthcare.
Am I Able To Claim Blood Clot Compensation For A Loved One?
You may be able to claim blood clot compensation for a loved one if they are:
- Minors: Individuals need to be 18 years old in order to start their own compensation claim.
- Have limited mental capacity: Those who cannot manage their own affairs are also unable to pursue compensation independently of someone else.
In order to start a claim on behalf of the persons mentioned above, an eligible adult will have to apply to become a litigation friend. The court will make the appointment after confirming that they meet these suitability requirements:
- They can decide fairly and competently on behalf of the person.
- There is no conflict of interest which would prevent the candidate from making reasonable decisions.
Compensation For A Fatal Blood Clot
If you’ve lost a loved one due to a fatal blood clot, you may be able to claim for medical negligence resulting in death. Under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, eligible dependants can claim for how they are affected by a loved one’s death. However, only the deceased’s estate can make a claim in the first 6 months of a loved one’s passing, as per the Law Reform (Miscellaneous) Provisions Act 1934. They can also claim for dependants during this period. If that doesn’t happen, then those relatives can pursue compensation once that 6-month window is closed.
Call our advisors now for more information on making fatal medical negligence claims.
How Much Blood Clot Compensation Can I Get?
Since every medical negligence claim is unique, how much blood clot compensation you can get will depend on various case-specific factors. The starting point for compensation is general damages, which would cover the unnecessary harm you suffered. If you also suffered financial loss due to that harm, you may be able to claim special damages.
Your medical negligence solicitor may calculate the potential value of general damages using the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). The JCG is a document that is useful for this, as it publishes suggested compensation brackets for many kinds of harm.
We have compiled a table below using a selection of JCG brackets. However, the top row figure hasn’t been taken from the JCG, and you must use this table only for guidance.
Harm Severity Notes Compensation Guideline
Multiple Very Severe Forms of Harm and Special Damages Very Severe Alongside multiple very severe forms of harm, there will be expenses, such as the cost of professional care and private medical treatment. Up to £1,000,000+
Paralysis Tetraplegia Typical mid-range award will be appropriate for a claimant who does not have physical pain, has a life expectancy of at least 25 years, and retained speech, sight, and hearing. However, they will need assistance with bodily functions. £396,140 to £493,000
Paralysis Paraplegia This bracket is affected by considerations such as age, life expectancy, sexual function impact, and depression. £267,340 to £346,890
Brain Very Severe For this bracket, claimant's compensation will be influenced by factors such as sensory impairment, capacity to communicate, life expectancy, and extent of physical limitation. £344,150 to £493,000
Brain Moderate (i) Speech, sight and other senses are impacted. Cases in this bracket will also feature an intellectual deficit that is moderate to severe, no employment prospects, and a significant epilepsy risk. £183,190 to £267,340
Arm Amputation Loss of an Arm (i) This bracket is for an amputation at the shoulder. Not Less Than £167,380
Arm Amputation Loss of an Arm (ii) The amputation is above the elbow. There may be difficulties with using prosthetics due to a shorter stump. That would put compensation towards the top end of bracket. £133,810 to £159,770
Leg Amputation Loss of 1 Leg Above the Knee The successful outcome of any prosthetics, stump problems (such as pain), the severity of any phantom pain, and connected psychological impact are some of the factors which would be considered. £127,930 to £167,760
Loss of 1 Leg Below the Knee Age, psychological impact, and the increased chance of the claimant developing osteoarthritis in remaining joints of both their limbs are amongst the factors that will determine the level of compensation. £119,570 to £162,290
Chest Damage to Chest and Lungs (c) The claimant will experience some ongoing disability due to the damage. £38,210 to £66,920
Calculating The Final Blood Clot Compensation Amount
When calculating the final blood clot compensation amount, special damages may be taken into account. However, in order to claim for special damages, you must have evidence of your financial losses, such as payslips and bank statements. If you have such proof, you could be reimbursed for the cost of:
- Physical aids, such as arm casts, crutches or wheelchairs.
- Lost earnings if you are unable to work due to the blood clots.
- Ongoing physiotherapy or occupational therapy
- Other medical costs, including prescriptions for blood thinners, tests, and private treatments (e.g. a Thrombectomy).
- Travel for attending appointments, including petrol and parking fees, as well as bus or train tickets.
For further guidance, you can use the medical negligence calculator on our website or speak to an advisor now.
What Are The Common Causes Of A Blood Clot?
Some of the most common causes of a blood clot include:
- Physical trauma to the blood vessels.
- Medical procedures, such as the insertion of catheters into the blood vessels.
- Prolonged periods of immobility, like bed rest after surgery or sitting in the same position during long trips.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) And Pulmonary Embolism
Blood clots are semi-solid masses which can form in arteries and veins to prevent excessive bleeding. Usually, blood clots disappear by themselves, and clotting is essential for wounds to heal. However, if they start moving across the veins towards the organs and are untreated, they may cause conditions like:
- Heart attack
- Organ failure
- Paralysis
- Stroke
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a specific type of blood clot found in the veins, usually in the leg. Some common symptoms are:
- Swollen veins
- Dark or red patch of skin around the site of pain
- Swelling and tightness in the leg
- Throbbing pain around the thigh or calf while moving or standing
- Warm skin around the site of pain
DVT can be life-threatening if not treated. Therefore, it is essential to go to the A&E if you experience the above symptoms.
On the other hand, a pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels from its site of origin to the lungs and blocks the blood vessels, preventing blood flow. Some symptoms include:
- Coughing up blood.
- Sudden difficulty in breathing.
- Chest pain which increases while breathing.
A pulmonary embolism is life-threatening and can cause serious damage, such as heart and lung failure. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
What Are The Risk Factors For Blood Clots Developing?
Some risk factors for blood clots developing include:
- People aged 65 and above.
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Undergoing hormone therapy or taking birth control pills.
- Suffering from cancer or undergoing cancer treatment.
- Being prescribed limited movement or bed rest.
Read our guide on claiming for never events and the harm which could’ve been avoided had you not experienced negligent medical care. You can also reach out to our advisors for how such events might relate to your blood clot compensation claim.
The Long-Term Risks Of A Blood Clot, DVT Or Pulmonary Embolism
Some of the long-term risks associated with a blood clot, DVT, or pulmonary embolism are:
- Recurring blood clots.
- Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH), or increased blood pressure within the lungs.
- Damaged veins.
- Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS).
- Mental health struggles, such as depression or anxiety.
Get in touch with our advisors now for more information on the long-term consequences of a missed blood clot.
How Could Blood Clots Be A Result Of Medical Negligence?
There are many ways in which medical negligence could result in blood clots, including:
- Delayed diagnosis: A patient has been complaining about the feeling of tightness in their leg and was referred for an ultrasound. However, the GP failed to review the scan and detect the blood clot, causing the patient to suffer a stroke.
- Medication error: A patient is recovering from foot surgery, and since they are unable to walk, they need to be prescribed blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots. However, the nurse fails to administer the patient’s medication, leading to a blood clot in the leg.
- Misdiagnosis or failure to identify symptoms: A patient is receiving treatment in a hospital for pneumonia. The doctor notices redness and swelling near the patient’s leg but mistakes the symptoms for an inflammation. This leads to a lack of action to prevent DVT or other risks.
Call our advisors today to book a complimentary consultation where your claim for blood clot compensation will be discussed in complete confidence.
Can I Claim Blood Clot Compensation With A No Win No Fee Solicitor?
So long as you have a valid case, you can claim blood clot compensation with a No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel. They will work on your blood clot claim through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which means that there will be no upfront or ongoing solicitor fees to pay for their services. If you lose your claim, no payment will be charged for these fees.
Your medical negligence solicitor will only receive a success fee if you win. This fee will be a legislatively capped percentage of your compensation, ensuring you keep the bulk.
Through the beneficial terms of a CFA, you will gain access to a range of services without the worry of spiralling solicitor fees. Those services include:
- Simplifying complicated terms and fully explaining the claims process.
- Assisting in the collection of evidence and ensuring that proof is put together effectively.
- Communicating with the other party on your behalf.
- Making sure your medical negligence claim is filed in time.
- Providing regular updates on the progress of your case.
- Putting you in touch with specialists to support your recovery and get you the care you need.
Get In Touch With Medical Negligence Claims Care
If you’re ready to get connected with a medical negligence solicitor from our panel, please contact our advisory team now via the details below:
- Contact us online.
- Call on 0330 1230 546
- Use the live chat on this page
Learn More
You can read some more of our guides:
- Information on fertility negligence.
- Our guide on meditation errors.
- Details on claiming for an incorrect prescription.
For more information, you can check these links:
- NHS guidance on thalassemia disease.
- Information from the NHS on heart palpitations.
- Government resource on the various benefits available.
Thank you for reading our guide on making a blood clot compensation claim.