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DVT Claims
Suing the NHS or private healthcare providers for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) negligence
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat with our specialist clinical negligence solicitors.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation chat.
Call us on 0333 987 4161 or submit a form below.
What Counts as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Negligence?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most often in the leg, though it can also affect the pelvis or arm. Negligence arises where that clot is not properly assessed, prevented, diagnosed, or treated, and this failure leads to avoidable harm, particularly if the condition is allowed to progress untreated.
Healthcare professionals are expected to assess risk, recognise symptoms, carry out appropriate tests, and provide timely treatment such as anticoagulant medication. Where these steps are not taken, an untreated blood clot can progress, sometimes leading to life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism or even amputation.
In short, a compensation claim may arise where earlier diagnosis or proper management would have prevented the injury from occurring or worsening.
Common Types of DVT Compensation Claims
Most DVT claims involve failures at one or more stages of care, including:
- Failure to assess risk: not carrying out DVT risk assessments for hospital patients, particularly after surgery, prolonged immobility, or during pregnancy.
- Failure to prevent blood clots: not prescribing preventative measures such as anticoagulants, compression stockings, or early mobilisation where risk factors were present.
- Delayed or missed diagnosis: ignoring symptoms such as leg swelling, pain, or failing to arrange appropriate tests like ultrasound scans or D-dimer blood tests.
- Failure to treat diagnosed DVT: prescribing incorrect medication, incorrect dosages, or failing to monitor treatment properly.
- Progression to pulmonary embolism: Where a DVT is left untreated and a clot travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism that could have been avoided with timely care.
We will cover the costs unless we win your case.
No-win-no-fee
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Specialist negligence solicitors
No-win-no-fee
24/7 Support
Specialist negligence solicitors
Am I Eligible to Make a Claim?
To bring a successful claim, four key elements must usually be proven:
1
Duty of care
The healthcare provider had a legal responsibility to care for you.
2
Breach of duty
The care fell below acceptable medical standards.
3
Causation
The harm you suffered was a direct result of that substandard care.
4
Damage
You experienced physical, emotional, or financial harm as a consequence.
Is there a time limit?
You usually have three years from the date of the incident or when you first realised negligence may have occurred. Exceptions may apply for children or those lacking mental capacity.
Related Claims
Medical Errors
A&E Negligence Claims
Hospital Neglect
Delayed Treatment
Your Questions Answered
Can I make a claim on behalf of someone else?
Yes – if the person affected is unable to bring the claim themselves, a litigation friend can act on their behalf. This applies if the individual:
- Is under 18
- Has limited or no mental capacity
- Has experienced cognitive decline or disability that prevents legal decision-making
Litigation friends are often family members or close friends. They make legal decisions in the claimant’s best interest and liaise with the solicitor to progress the case.
How do I know if my DVT should have been diagnosed sooner?
Doctors are expected to recognise risk factors and symptoms and investigate them appropriately. If warning signs were present and no reasonable steps were taken to rule out or confirm DVT, this may indicate negligent care. Independent medical experts are used to assess whether earlier action would have changed the outcome.
What evidence is used in DVT negligence claims?
These claims rely heavily on medical records and expert analysis. Evidence commonly includes:
- GP and hospital notes showing symptom history
- Records of risk assessments and medication decisions
- Imaging results, such as ultrasounds or scans
- Independent expert opinions on what should have happened
You are not expected to gather this yourself – it is obtained as part of the investigation.
Can I bring a claim against the NHS?
Yes. If deep vein thrombosis or a related complication was missed or not properly treated during NHS care, you are entitled to seek compensation.
These claims are handled through NHS Resolution, a national scheme set up specifically to deal with medical negligence claims. Compensation is funded centrally and does not come from hospital budgets or affect frontline care.
What if my care was provided privately?
You can also bring a claim if negligent treatment occurred in a private hospital or clinic.
Private healthcare providers and consultants are required to carry professional indemnity insurance. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may rest with the hospital, the consultant, or both. The legal process is similar to an NHS claim, but the funding and insurer differ. In either case, our specialist solicitors can help you navigate the process.
Additional Resources
Who do you want to file a claim against?
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What’s the reason for your claim?
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