Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
In the UK, around one in every 1000 people will suffer deep vein thrombosis. Many of these occur while a patient is being treated in hospital, as long periods of inactivity can increase the risk. Nevertheless, the NHS is equipped to prevent such clots from happening. Therefore if you have developed deep vein thrombosis in hospital, you might want to consider whether medical negligence is to blame.
What is DVT?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a blood clot develops in one of the body's deep veins, usually in the leg. This can occur for no apparent reason whatsoever, although there are certain factors that increase the risk of DVT developing. These include people who are overweight, immobile, pregnant and suffering medical conditions that cause the blood to clot, such as cancer and heart disease.
Someone who has DVT may not experience any symptoms. Nevertheless, it is possible the condition will cause:-
- A painful and swollen leg;
- A heavy ache in the affected area;
- Skin that is red hot to touch over the affected area.
DVT in hospital
Patients within hospital are particularly prone to developing DVT, especially if they are confined to bed, have had surgery on the lower half of their body or have a history of blood clots. In fact, it is estimate that around 25,000 hospital patients die every year from a preventable blood clot.
In response to these figures, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidelines in January 2010 detailing how DVT can be prevented within a health environment. In brief, this should involve assessing every patient admitted to identify whether or not he/she is at risk of developing a blood clot. If so, preventative treatment should be given, the exact nature of which should suit the individual. Anti-coagulants or compression stockings may be provided, while the 'at-risk' patient should also undergo regular monitoring to ensure a clot has not developed.
Deep Vein Thrombosis and medical negligence
However, not all healthcare professionals follow these guidelines. This causes many blood clots to go undetected, and also causes many patients to develop a blood clot that could have been easily avoided. This can have extremely serious consequences, as a clot that remains untreated will block the blood supply before breaking off and travelling towards the lungs. Here it will become lodged and prevent the blood supply to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, something which is a potentially life-threatening condition.
If this has happened to you or a loved one, you need to question if anyone is to blame. This is because if medical professionals fail to risk assess hospital admissions, and fail to treat and monitor those likely to develop a clot, the standard of care will have fallen below an acceptable level. This could amount to medical negligence, and a patient who has suffered injury as a result (ie. by developing a clot) could be entitled to claim compensation.
If you would like to discuss claiming compensation for DVT medical negligence, you need to contact a solicitor as soon as possible.
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Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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