Is it possible to claim compensation for contaminated blood in hospital if it was from a blood transfusion that happened many years ago but I am only feeling the effects of it now?
It may be possible for you to claim compensation for contaminated blood in hospital even if the transfusion that caused it was from many years ago, however the only person who will be able to give you a specific answer about this is a medical negligence solicitor who has been informed of your specific situation. The Irish Statute of Limitations allows potential claimants two years to make a claim. Although your blood was contaminated in hospital several years ago, the date that this time limit will begin is the date that whatever medical consequences you have been suffering as a result of contaminated blood was determined to have been caused by this blood transfusion.
Because medical negligence claims can be complicated, it is best to discuss your blood contamination compensation claim with a solicitor at the first convenient moment. Although two years may seem like a sufficient amount of time to pursue a claim, it is always wise to find out the viability of your potential claim, especially if you are unsure of when the date of your two year time limit may begin. After you advise your solicitor about the circumstances in which you underwent a contaminated blood transfusion and the subsequent impact this had on your life, your solicitor will be able to advise you on whether or not you have a claim that is worth pursuing.
The value of your blood contamination compensation claim will be dependent on the nature of the medical consequences you suffered and how it has affected your quality of life. The most common illness that can be contracted from a contaminated blood transfusion is hepatitis C. It is more commonly transmitted through the sharing of dirty needles, however prior to 1991 — before blood screening was introduced in Ireland — it was possible to contract it through blood transfusions. It can go undetected for years due to the fact that early symptoms are similar to that of a cold or flu, but it eventually does damage to the liver; damage that is not dissimilar to that of alcohol abuse. As soon as you find out the nature of your illness, advice should be sought immediately from a solicitor who will be able to inform you of how a claim for when your blood was contaminated in hospital may be calculated.
Generally, factors such as your age, sex, general state of health prior to becoming ill, the pain and suffering experienced and loss of amenity are taken into consideration when evaluating the worth of claim. Loss of amenity is when you have been rendered unable to take part in the same everyday activities that you used to. For instance, if you have been left unable to go to work, partake in hobbies and even domestic tasks you could be compensated for this. If contracting this illness has affected you financially — for instance, through medical expenses incurred or financial losses to due being unable to work — this can be recovered as part of the area of medical negligence claim known as special damages. You should also be compensated for any future pain, incapacity, or financial impact that this illness may have on you in the future.
If you wish to claim compensation for contaminated blood in hospital, you should contact a medical negligence claims solicitor to discuss your claim. They will be able to provide you with professional legal advice that is far more relevant than what has been provided here. It is advisable that you make an appointment for a consultation with a solicitor at the first available opportunity.