Cardiology Negligence Claims

The heart is one of the body’s most important organs. Any issues could lead to long-term disabilities and even fatalities in some cases. All doctors in the UK must live by a strict code of conduct, and failing in their duty of care means you might be able to make a medical negligence compensation claim.

If you can prove that your GP, surgeon or another medical professional acted negligently and caused an injury or further complications, you have every right to claim compensation.

Despite all of our advances in technology, heart disease remains the world’s leading cause of death. The British Heart Foundation estimates that 68,000 people die each year in the UK from heart disease, with around 7.6 million individuals living with a circulatory or cardiac condition.

• Heart Attacks: When the arteries become blocked, it can result in a heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction). Many are avoidable through exercise, healthy diets, and reducing cholesterol.
• Coronary Heart Disease: occurs when plaque buildup causes blockages in the arteries, which can also narrow.
• Valve Disease: When heart valves malfunction, it restricts blood flow to the heart.
• Angina: Restricted blood flow to the heart can lead to severe pain. Angina isn’t as severe as a heart attack, but it can lead to complications and worsen when left untreated.
• High Blood Pressure: As one of the most common conditions, high blood pressure occurs for physical and emotional reasons.
• Arrhythmia: If a heart beats too slow or fast, it’s known as arrhythmia.
• Heart Failure:Heart failure occurs when the body can’t pump enough blood to accommodate the heart’s requirements.

Negligent treatment can occur during all stages of a patient’s journey, from initially seeking medical support to complications during the recovery and aftercare process. If any of the following apply to you, it could constitute medical negligence:

• Misdiagnosis: When a specialist fails to correctly identify a heart condition – for example, misdiagnosing a mild heart attack as indigestion, it can have devastating consequences. Younger people are particularly at risk because specialists are less likely to identify heart disease, leading to high premature death rates (Sky News).
• Delayed/Missed Diagnosis: Doctors assess a patient’s symptoms and order the necessary tests. Your condition could worsen if you don’t receive a referral or have the right tests. For example, failing to identify hypertension could lead to a stroke or heart attack.
• Treatment Mistakes: Not treating a heart condition correctly leads to symptoms worsening or still existing. An example of this would be prescription errors, which can lead to extreme side effects and even cause heart attacks.
• Surgical Errors: Every surgical procedure that involves the heart comes with risks, but surgeons are highly trained professionals. Making surgical errors, such as injuring arteries or nerves during the procedure, can lead to extreme complications and even fatalities.
• Medical Equipment Issues: In some cases, a patient might be offered specialist equipment, such as a pacemaker to regulate the heart. If this equipment malfunctions or is programmed incorrectly, it might count as negligence.

Your medical treatment depends on the condition and how it impacts your life. While some people might require surgery, it’s most common for patients with blood clots, blockages, and congenital heart issues.

A professional might recommend surgery after a heart attack or stroke. Due to the potential complications, surgical procedures are only recommended when medicine and other forms of treatment won’t have an effect.

While there are no concrete figures, NHS Resolution paid out £2.8 billion in compensation during 2023/24. Due to the complex nature of heart conditions, negligence claims aren’t as rare as you might think.

During 2020/21, cardiac negligence claims came close to £170 million, highlighting issues with diagnosing and treating heart conditions.

It’s important to remember that cardiology negligence claims aren’t limited to the medical profession. Some claims occur due to heart attacks at work, which means you could be eligible for worker’s compensation. Common examples of workplace negligence include:

• Dealing with a high-pressure environment caused existing conditions to worsen or lead to cardiac arrest.
• Failing to provide the right emotional and physical support or not making adjustments to accommodate the employee’s needs.
• Forcing the employee to work long hours without considering their individual needs.

These cases are notoriously difficult to argue, as your solicitor must prove that the workplace environment or employer caused the injury. It’s also easy for the negligent side to argue that a poor diet or lack of exercise contributed to the condition.

The first step in determining whether you can claim compensation is to call 0800 234 6438 or use the online form and receive access to free legal advice. The specialist will ask about any medical treatment you or a loved one received and assess your case.

If they think you’re eligible to make a cardiology negligence claim, they’ll connect you with a no-win, no-fee solicitor.

While you can go the traditional route, most lawyers charge an hourly rate, and there’s no guarantee that your claim will be successful.

No win, no fee medical negligence solicitors don’t charge any upfront fees. Instead, they’ll only receive a payment if you receive compensation.

Cardiology negligence claims range from minor complications to fatalities or lifelong disabilities. Due to their complexity, estimating the amount you might receive is incredibly hard.

For example, a delayed diagnosis that meant you required some medication is worth less than failed cardiac surgery that results in a fatality. Some claims are settled for over £100,000, while other people might receive millions.

While a compensation calculator can offer a general idea of how much you might receive, speaking to a specialist solicitor is the best way to get a realistic estimate.

Your medical negligence team will need to prove your case by presenting evidence to the negligent party’s insurance provider or NHS Resolution. While the solicitor will do this on your behalf, you can speed the claim along by collecting evidence yourself. The most important forms of evidence include:

• Medical Records: Any medical appointments, tests, and treatments provide documented evidence of how a GP or cardiologist approached your symptoms. These records also prove a missed or delayed diagnosis and treatment errors.
• Witness Reports: Asking family, friends, and even coworkers for a witness statement can strengthen your cardiac compensation claim. They can help your solicitor prove negligence and also detail the impact it’s had on your life.
• Expert Reports: Your solicitor might also ask an independent specialist to assess your condition and provide their recommendations. It’s important to remember that the negligent party might also ask you to attend a medical assessment.
• Journal: Recording your day-to-day life after the negligence can confirm any difficulties and help your solicitor prove the loss of amenity.
• Financial Records: Keeping track of your expenses is vital for securing special damages. You should write down your lost earnings and keep receipts for travel, care, home adaptations, and other costs incurred by negligence.

Most claims have a time limit of three years from the date of the injury, but cardiology claims can be challenging to prove. It’s best to make your claim as soon as possible, as it gives the solicitor plenty of time to put a case together and ensure you receive the amount you’re entitled to.

If a child was the victim of a delayed diagnosis or surgical errors, they can claim compensation up to three years from the date they turn 18.

It depends on whether the negligence party is receptive to the claim and is willing to negotiate a settlement. If you’re making an NHS negligence claim, the process should be relatively smooth, as the resolution service aims to avoid going to court.

Claims against private hospitals can take longer because they go through the insurance company, but presenting conclusive evidence means you should be able to avoid court.

Yes, if you lost a spouse or next of kin due to negligence, you might be able to file a cardiology claim. Every case is different, so it’s best to seek legal advice by calling 0800 234 6438 or using the online form.

If you are eligible, the advisor will refer you to expert medical negligence solicitors who will handle the claim on your behalf. No amount of money can compensate for losing a loved one, but it can provide some financial support and hold the negligent party accountable.