Infected blood scandal: Legal support for those affected

The infected blood scandal has tragically impacted thousands of individuals and families in the UK. This medical damage, stemming from contaminated blood transfusions in the 1970s and 1980s, resulted in numerous victims contracting life-altering viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C. Recent developments indicate that victims could receive over £2 million in compensation, a step towards acknowledging their suffering and loss.

Understanding the scandal
During the 1970s and 1980s, blood products supplied by the NHS were tainted with deadly viruses, infecting thousands of patients. This primarily affected individuals requiring regular blood transfusions, such as those with haemophilia. The government’s failure to adequately screen and ensure the safety of these blood products resulted in a public health disaster.

The term ‘victim(s)’ refers to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by infected blood who is eligible for compensation.

Eligibility
As defined by the Government website [1] you were a victim of infected blood, whether you were infected or affected as follows:

An infected person is someone who has:

• HIV through the use of NHS supplied blood, blood products and/or tissue;
• An acute or chronic case of Hepatitis C through the use of NHS supplied blood, blood products and/or tissue
• A chronic case (more than 6 months) of Hepatitis B through the use of NHS supplied blood, blood products and/or tissue
• An acute case (less than 6 months) of Hepatitis B through the use of NHS supplied blood, blood products and/or tissue and died as a result of Hepatitis B infection during the acute period

A person who suffered the impact of infected blood through their relationship with a living or deceased infected person is known as an affected person. Affected persons include:

• Spouses
• Civil partners
• Partners cohabiting with an eligible infected person for at least one year following the infection

Partners who separated from the eligible infected person prior to infection will not be eligible for compensation.

People who were registered on current UK IBSS or who were in receipt of support payments from Alliance House Organisation (AHO) will automatically be eligible and registered for the scheme.

Estate application
The infected person who has passed away, the personal representatives of the deceased person’s estate may apply for compensation on behalf of the estate of the infected deceased person.

Compensation
The compensation due will be judged under the five criteria’s below:

1. Injury and harm caused
2. Social impact from stigma and isolation
3. Impact on autonomy and private life, such as not being able to have children
4. Care costs
5. Financial loss

Legal implications and compensation
The infected blood scandal has led to numerous inquiries and legal actions over the years. The recent discussions around compensation signify a major development in addressing the grievances of the victims. According to the latest figures, affected individuals could receive more than £2 million, reflecting the severity of their suffering and the profound impact on their lives.

However, securing this compensation is not straightforward. It involves intricate legal procedures and the need for substantial evidence to support claims. This is where the expertise of a specialist solicitor will be crucial.

How we can help
We can assist you at all stages of your claim from the initial registering of your potential claim through to gathering all necessary medical evidence and other supportive documentation so your claim can be assessed and thereafter to an amicable conclusion ensuring you recover the maximum level of damages to which you are entitled.

Support
Beyond legal representation, we offer empathetic support. We understand the emotional toll of such a situation and strive to provide a compassionate approach to help you through this challenging time.

The infected blood scandal represents one of the most significant healthcare disasters in the UK. As victims now have a potential path to significant compensation, it is crucial to have skilled legal representation to navigate the complexities of these claims. With extensive experience in PI and medical negligence cases, I am dedicated to helping victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one have been affected by this scandal, do not hesitate to seek professional legal assistance to explore your options.

For further information or advice please get in touch with Victoria Harvey or Asif Ali:

Victoria Harvey: 07776 859163 – vrh@blasermills.co.uk

Asif Ali: 01494 478607 – axa@blasermills.co.uk

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[1] Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Summary – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)