Pulmonary Embolism, DVT & Blood Clot Negligence Claims
Blood Clot, DVT & Pulmonary Embolism Compensation Claims
If you have suffered from a Blood Clot, DVT, or PE due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential impacts of these conditions is crucial in pursuing a successful compensation claim.
Call 020 7485 8811 today.
“Osbornes handles a wide range of high-value and complex clinical negligence cases, with particular expertise in birth injury, delayed cancer diagnosis, spinal injury, and fatal claims.”
“Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.”
Introduction to Blood Clot, DVT & Pulmonary Embolism Compensation Claims
Blood clots, including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE), are serious medical conditions that can lead to significant health complications and even be life-threatening. If you have suffered from a blood clot, DVT, or PE due to medical negligence or unsafe working conditions, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential impacts of these conditions is crucial in pursuing a successful compensation claim. Our comprehensive guide provides essential information on how to navigate the claims process, ensuring you receive the justice and financial support you deserve.
What are blood clots?
The ability of blood to clot is vital: when we are injured, a clot plugs the damage, stopping the bleeding and providing a mechanical defence against infection. The clot is protective. However, when clots occur where they are not necessary, they can cause harm. A blood clot in the lungs is called a Pulmonary Embolism.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot (thrombosis) that forms within a deep vein. DVT most commonly develops in the deep veins of the leg or calf but can occur within any deep vein including those within the pelvis or abdomen. DVT commonly occurs in the legs but can occur in any area of the body.
Typical symptoms of a leg DVT include pain and swelling in the leg and red, warm skin over the affected area. However, some DVTs do not cause any symptoms at all. The danger of DVTs is that there is a risk that a piece of the clot breaks off and enters the free-flowing blood stream, which takes blood to your lungs.
If a clot blocks off one of the blood vessels in your lungs, you could become seriously ill, with shortness of breath and chest pain. You may feel lightheaded and could cough up blood. If your symptoms are severe the clot can be quickly fatal. A clot formed this way in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). Around 1 in every 10 people who have an untreated DVT will develop a PE. For this reason, DVTs and PEs require urgent medical attention.
Diagnosing DVT
There are several different tests that can help diagnose a DVT. A D-dimer blood test picks up the presence of a blood clot in your bloodstream. However, the D-dimer count can also be raised because of other things such as recent injury or pregnancy, so it is only useful as an indicator that something may be wrong. A Doppler ultrasound scan of your leg can detect blood flow in your leg’s deep veins, and if there is a clot present, the flow will be slowed or even stopped completely. Finally, there is a venogram, during which a dye is injected into your leg blood vessels and an X-ray is taken. A blocked vessel should show up clearly on the film.
Signs and symptoms of a DVT can include the following:
- Swelling usually in one leg or arm. Rarely there is swelling in both limbs;
- Pain or tenderness usually in the leg. The pain usually starts in the calf and can feel like cramping;
- Skin discolouration usually blue/red/purple and on the leg;
- A sensation of warmth in the skin.
Who is at greater risk of suffering a DVT?
What strikes me from the cases I have run relating to the misdiagnosis of DVTs is that it can occur in people of all ages, male/female, and what I find most concerning is that some of my clients have been apparently very healthy and therefore it has not occurred to them nor their doctor that they may be experiencing symptoms of a DVT or PE. A common thread running through my cases have been clients who have a low BMI, are physically active, non-smokers, young and are essentially healthy people but have suffered sporting injuries and then developed the DVTs during a period of immobility either as a result of surgery or a lower leg cast. On the other hand, other DVT cases have featured people who are at higher risk of DVT or PE but their doctors have failed to recognise this and act on suspicious symptoms.
A DVT is more likely in patients who are:
- Over 60;
- Smokers;
- Overweight;
- Previous history of DVT;
- Taking the contraceptive pill or HRT;
- Cancer patients;
- Recent lower leg surgery or a period of immobility;
- A history of varicose veins;
- Pregnant.
Diagnosing a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
In addition to the DVT tests, there are a couple of special tests that are used to see if there is a lung clot. Like the venogram for your leg, pulmonary angiography is when dye is used to show up the blood flow in your lungs, and it is visualised using a CT scan, instead of an X-ray. Then there is a specialised scan known as a ventilation-perfusion or V/Q scan which examines both the blood and airflow in your lungs.
Signs and symptoms of a PE will often include:
- Shortness of breath;
- Chest pain;
- Coughing.
Another blood clotting condition is thrombocytopenia which develops when the blood platelet count is so low that the blood cannot clot efficiently and internal bleeding can occur. Common signs/symptoms are:
- Easy or excessive bruising;
- Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash or small reddish-purple spots on the lower legs;
- Excess bleeding from cuts;
- Bleeding from gums or nose;
- Blood in urine or stools;
- Excess menstrual bleeding;
- Fatigue.
Treatment of DVT and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
The main treatment for any type of clot is anticoagulant medication. These are drugs that stop blood clotting quickly. If you are unable to take anticoagulant medication for any reason, it is possible to have a filter placed inside the largest vein ( the vena cava) which will trap any clots that may arise, preventing them from going to your lungs.
What happens if a DVT is misdiagnosed?
Misdiagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) can have serious, potentially life-threatening consequences. When DVT is not correctly diagnosed and treated, the risks increase significantly. Here are the key consequences of misdiagnosed DVT:
- At best you become susceptible to damage of the surrounding tissues and at worst you are vulnerable to the development of a life-threatening PE, which happens in around 50% of people with DVT. This occurs when a part of the blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking a pulmonary artery. PE can be fatal if not treated immediately.
- Long-term damage to the veins, resulting in chronic venous insufficiency. This condition impairs the blood flow in the veins, causing swelling, pain, and skin changes in the affected limb. Over time, this can lead to venous ulcers, which are difficult to treat and significantly impact the quality of life.
- Post-thrombotic syndrome is a common complication of DVT that occurs when the clot damages the veins and their valves. Symptoms include chronic pain, swelling, and discolouration of the skin in the affected leg. PTS can be debilitating and can lead to severe mobility issues.
- Without proper treatment, the impaired blood flow due to DVT can cause tissue damage in the surrounding areas. In severe cases, this can lead to gangrene, where the tissue dies and becomes infected.
- The failure to diagnose and treat DVT promptly increases the overall risk of dying. This is particularly true for high-risk individuals, such as those with a history of clotting disorders, recent surgery, or prolonged immobility.
DVT and Pulmonary Embolism Negligence Claims
To make a successful claim for medical negligence, it must be shown that a duty of care was owed to the patient and that duty of care was breached, causing harm.
Speak to a specialist
If you think that you have been the victim of a DVT or PE misdiagnosis and that you have a case to claim for compensation, please get in touch with our specialist team.
Our promise to you
- We will review your DVT negligence claim by advising you on the NHS complaints procedure or other alternative procedures if your case does not relate to NHS care and treatment.
- We provide an initial consultation and case review
- We can assist you with any issues that you may have regarding the complaints procedure or that you encounter in obtaining copies of your medical records.
- We will advise you of the course of action with respect to your case.
Contact us
Call us 020 7485 8811
For all new enquiries, please submit your details via the contact forms on our website. This will ensure your query reaches the right team and is handled promptly.
He also has a niche specialism in claims involving cauda equina syndrome.
Elline Demetriou is building a strong practice as a clinical negligence solicitor, handling a wide variety of cases including delayed diagnosis, surgical negligence and birth injuries.
Elline is always a pleasure to work with and always on top of complex cases.
Elline is a gifted lawyer and possesses a powerful combination of legal and medical skills, being tactically astute and having strong client care skills.
Elline is a delightful to work with and super reliable; you know she'll do a perfect job.
She advises on spinal injury claims.
Jodi Newton acts for clients on claims arising from negligent obstetric care, sepsis and delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Jodi is passionate and balances that with the ability to see the right way to run a case from her first involvement.
Jodi is very knowledgeable, gets outstanding results for her clients, and is always available when assistance is required.
Jodi is an absolute star.
Hugh has particular strength handling issues of causation and informed consent.
Hugh Johnson advises on claims regarding failures to diagnose and manage spinal injuries, as well as failings in psychiatric care.
He thinks outside the box and is always thinking a step ahead of his opponent.
Hugh is utterly charming, highly empathetic and a first rate lawyer. He always comes in with good observations.
Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.
The team has particular expertise in cases stemming from delays in diagnosis as well as surgical injury and wrongful birth claims.
Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.
They are a very tight team. They're very friendly, helpful and obtain excellent results for clients.
A quality firm of solicitors with excellence at all levels of the team.
They know the law inside out and proactively work with counsel to drive cases forward. They are a go-to for complex claims.
Ben Posford, head of catastrophic injury, is well-known for spinal cord and cauda equina claims, including high-profile fatality work.
Josie Robinson brings 20 years of experience to the team, with specialist insight into pelvic mesh claims and maternal death cases.
Elline Demetriou supports the team on catastrophic injury cases and has a growing caseload in maternity and care home negligence.
Elline Demetriou is an up and coming associate. She is thorough and empathetic, with great client care skills.
Nicholas Leahy leads the firm’s inquests work and has developed a specialism in stillbirth and surgical fatality claims.
Nicholas Leahy is a very impressive associate. He is sharp and gets to the crux of the case quickly.
Jodi Newton is a fierce advocate for her clients and a very genuine person. She cares about each case.
Jodi Newton is fantastic. She's detail orientated and a really capable head of birth and paediatric negligence. She's a joy to work with.
Jodi Newton is particularly noted for her work on cerebral palsy and maternal injury claims.
Osbornes handles a wide range of high-value and complex clinical negligence cases, with particular expertise in birth injury, delayed cancer diagnosis, spinal injury, and fatal claims.
I am always happy to get instructions from Osbornes. They have excellent quality work, the team knows exactly what they are doing and are a real pleasure to work with. Excellent legal knowledge.
The team has excellent leadership and provide an above and beyond service for their clients.
A close knit team with excellent knowledge and technical acumen across the board.
You get a real sense that they care about clients and each other, working together to get the best results.
The team works very well together as they are genuinely kind and friendly people.
Hugh's technical knowledge is superb.
He is excellent with very complex cases and their nuances.
I am very confident with Hugh representing me and always value his expertise and advice. He's always many steps ahead.
He is a master tactician and so on the ball; not a single thing goes under his radar. He really understands the medical side and is always thinking about how to achieve the best outcome for clients.
Hugh Johnson is fiendishly intelligent, with a laser sharp focus on the issues that matter.
Josie Robinson- very experienced, caring and professional. Excellent.
Elline Demetriou is one to watch for the future. She is determined and thoughtful, with a real dedication to her clients.
She is very tough, a real fighter, and drives a hard bargain for her clients. She has good judgment, and a good sense of the strengths and weaknesses of a case.
Jodi Newton is a passionate, hard-working and committed partner. She is excellent with clients, and gives absolutely 100% to all of her cases.
Nicholas Leahy - understands client needs very well, very responsive and proactive.
Jodi is very experienced and knowledgeable
It is a pleasure to work with Jodi. She has an excellent understanding of the issues and provides a good service.
Osbornes are always professional and diligent in respect of their clients.
Osbornes has an excellent depth of experience across the team.
Across the board, they are all a pleasure to work with. They always keep a pragmatic head and all have an eye on the best outcome for the client.
Jodi Newton - very hands on, gives every case her heart and soul
Jodi Newton is rapidly becoming the go-to partner for cerebral palsy cases. She has the determination to fight for her clients and is involved in some of the biggest cases at the moment.
Nicholas Leahy is a very safe pair of hands and really compassionate with clients. I expect great things from him in future.
Small but very effective and experienced team so every client benefits from the personal touch but also highly skilled litigation know-how. Capability of the team means they can handle all aspects of very complex cases as well as straightforward matters.
Ben Posford typically operates in the team’s spinal cord and cauda equina syndrome litigation.
Jodi Newton holds over 20 years of experience in birth and surgical injury cases, including those pertaining to cerebral palsy, negligent treatment of sepsis, and negligent A&E treatment.
The team frequently represents claimants in complex cognitive and spinal injury disputes, involving hypertensions, spinal fractures, as well as inadequate treatment of heart and blood diseases.
The team handles a host of complex maternal claims, including cognitive injuries as a result of delayed birth treatments, cerebral palsy, and vaginal mesh litigation.
Josie Robinson is fantastic with clients, very commercial and hugely experienced. Opponents respect her and she gets great results.
Osbornes is a very respected firm in the marketplace.
They handle really complex cases very well
The clinical negligence team are knowledgeable and professional in their approach and demonstrate a high level of skill in litigation work.
Osbornes Law offers experience in obstetric and fatal claims as well as niche cauda equina cases.
Osbornes Law is an established firm which handles a breadth of complex and high-value clinical negligence matters.
Jodi is really tenacious; she demands the best results and manages to secure them. She's got real drive and energy.
Jodi is passionate about what she does and is a good lawyer.
Jodi is very astute and compassionate.
Jodi Newton is passionate about her work and is a really creative lawyer, always trying to find practical and innovative solutions to problems encountered.
Jodi Newton is knowledgeable and well regarded.
Jodi Newton has specific expertise regarding birth negligence cases, including those which involve cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy injuries.
Osbornes has a skilled team of solicitors advising clients on a wide range of clinical negligence matters.
Hard working, approachable, good knowledge of clinical negligence and clients’ specific conditions
A joy to work with and always 100% client focused at all times.
The clinical negligence team at Osbornes is much lauded for its ability to ‘represent the diverse range of London-based clients
“The team is very quick and efficient in responding."
"Obsbornes Law is always client-focused and works tirelessly to obtain the best outcomes for clients."
Ben Posford leads the catastrophic injury team and regularly represents claimants in neurological injury and fatal accident claims. He also has a niche specialism in claims involving cauda equina syndrome.
Jodi Newton acts for clients on claims arising from negligent obstetric care, sepsis and delays in diagnosis and treatment. She also advises on spinal injury claims.
"She is really wonderful in sensitively handling clients in extreme situations and is a real fighter."
"Jodi Newton is approachable and always has the client's best interest at heart."
‘They are ambitious for their clients and expect high standards from all who work with them.’
"Osbornes somehow combine the accessibility of a local firm, with the professional standards of a national or city outfit."
"I’ve been hugely impressed by Jodi Newton – she’s truly passionate about her cases and her clients, a real fighter and a star in the making."
"Jodi Newton has carved out a niche specialism in cerebral palsy and serious claims arising out of childbirth. She is so committed to her clients and their claims that she always gains and deserves their respect. A true specialist."
"Osbornes, is described as having ‘superb judgement and a medical knowledge that is second to none."
"Ben Posford’s particular expertise in this area focuses upon cauda equina claims, of which he is an undisputed powerhouse."
"Jodi Newton is a tenacious and intelligent fee earner. She fights tooth and nail for her clients and gains their trust and respect from the outset."
"Nicholas Leahy works extremely hard and understands the commercial sensitivities of clinical negligence litigation."
"Her persistence, perspicacity, determination and efficiency are simply outstanding, as are her legal, analytical and negotiating skills."
They are an excellent firm who achieve fantastic outcomes for their clients. They are also very prominent in injuries to those travelling to or from Europe. Multiple languages are spoken by the team.
This firm is responsive and efficient. Their rapidity in dealing with complications or hiccups is excellent.
Jodi Newton is brilliant – a very capable, experienced and empathetic solicitor who has experience of handling high value and complicated cases. I am working with her on a cerebral palsy case at the moment, in which she has obtained an admission of liability and a substantial interim payment. A first class addition to the team.
Really great clinical negligence practice, staffed by experienced practitioners who know how NHS Trusts work. They also build great rapport with clients.’
The team at Osbornes was recently strengthened by the arrival of 'experienced and empathetic' associate Jodi Newton. She joins a department noted for its expertise in delayed diagnosis and wrongful birth claims.
A stand-out solicitor with a huge track record of successful clinical negligence work. She is forensic in her attention to detail, but also sees the broad sweep of strategic considerations”.
Excellent service from Osbornes throughout on a difficult clinical negligence claim. Nicholas Leahy who handled the claim was responsive and professional throughout, while also providing pragmatic advice and clear drafting.
Working with Osbornes Law was the best decision I could have made. Nick was really attentive to my issue and did a very thorough job. He truly made the process headache free! Highly recommend them.
Nick Leahy has been my Solicitor throughout this journey and has been absolutely amazing; kind, approachable and extremely supportive... Through some dogged determination by Nick we achieved our goal without having to go to trial. I cannot thank Nick, Stephanie and all of the team at Osbornes highly enough for achieving a very favourable settlement, the outcome of which will make a huge difference to myself and my family.
“The stand-out solicitor is Jodi Newton, who has a huge track record of successful clinical negligence work. She is forensic in her attention to detail, but also sees the broad sweep of strategic considerations”.
"An excellent firm which achieves fantastic outcomes for clients."
Osbornes provides a very intimate and personal client service which is increasingly rare in this sector.
The lawyers in the team are highly experienced and will drive cases very hard on behalf of their clients.
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"Offers specialist expertise in cauda equina syndrome cases."
"Osbornes often handles claims valued at over £1m, particularly relating to severe brain and spinal cord injuries and niche areas such as cauda equina syndrome and cycling accidents."
"The team were extremely professional in putting my needs first. There was a joined-up approach to catering for the client, and all lawyers involved were briefed and constructive."
Quite simply excellent, with a highly competent and well-rounded team. They understand complex medical litigation and have been our lifesavers, and we will always owe them our immense gratitude.
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Supreme Court Allows Children to Claim Lost Years...
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