DVT Deep Vein Thrombosis Medical Negligence Compensation Claim Solicitors

Thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs where a blood vessel is blocked by a blood clot or other biological substance that has travelled through the bloodstream and is known clinically as a thrombolytic event. The two main types of thrombolytic event that give rise to a solicitors medical negligence compensation claim are venous thromboembolism (VTE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Failure to diagnose and properly treat a venous thromboembolism or a deep vein thrombosis may amount to clinical negligence and entitle the victim to make a claim for compensation. Medical negligence by a healthcare practitioner which includes hospitals, clinics, specialists, doctors, nurses and technicians may occur in the following circumstances, which are not exclusive :-

• failure to diagnose a blood clot
• failure to act promptly once a blood clot is diagnosed
• failure to follow established protocols once diagnosis is confirmed
• failure to prescribe adequate medication either pre or post-surgery if appropriate.
• Failure to prescribe adequate medication

Thrombosis & DVT Risk Factors

It is estimated that there are over 10,000 unnecessary deaths annually in the United Kingdom due to deep vein thrombosis that could have been treated had adequate medical care been administered. The highest risk category for DVT is represented by those who have recently undergone surgery and it is estimated that about 50% of all hospital in patients are at risk. In addition there is increased risk for pregnant women, those with problematic circulation, air travellers and those suffering from a myriad of other illnesses the risk from which increases with age. Serious consideration is being given to make a risk assessment for thrombosis or pulmonary embolism for all new in patients. The main causes of blood clots are as follows :-

• immobility ( including travel, surgery, illness or injury)
• contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• age related risk factors
• pregnancy
• obesity
• certain medical conditions and illnesses
• damaged veins (vasculitis, certain drug use or abuse, previous DVT)

No Win No Fee Solicitors

Most medical negligence compensation claims relating to deep vein thrombosis are based on a failure to diagnose DVT, with common symptoms such as swollen ankles or swollen calf being associated with other less serious conditions. There is however a number of tests that can unequivocally diagnose DVT and failure to instigate investigations by a doctor or nurse may amount to medical negligence. Our lawyers are medical negligence specialists, certified by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as clinical negligence experts and they operate the no win no fee scheme. If you would like free advice from a qualified solicitor with no further obligation just call the helpline.