Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) claims

Examples of DVT/PE medical negligence claims

Because VTE is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world, doctors should assess your risk of VTE and, depending on your risk factors, prescribe treatment to minimise the risk of you developing a DVT or PE.

We have helped a number of patients and their families who have suffered DVT or PE as a result of medical negligence in cases where, for example:

• hospitals have not given blood thinners/stockings to patients at high risk of DVT who were undergoing planned surgery (such as hip replacement and knee replacement procedures)
• there was a failure to properly assess the risk of DVT or PE on emergency admission to hospital and or give blood thinners or stockings to patients at high risk of VTE
• medical staff in A&E did not diagnose or suspect and treat a PE
• there was a failure to discuss the risks and benefits of continuing to monitor the DVT or PE or perform surgery. 
• Medication errors.  NRS Resolution has published an information leaflet relating to medication errors in heparin and anti-coagulation highlighting that these claims are most commonly seen in orthopaedic surgery, general medicine, general surgery, cardiology and emergency medicine and that the key causes for low molecular weight heparin (LWMH) medication error claims were incorrect dose or course length prescribed; delay or an omission in administering; and a failure to ensure that a sufficient course of LMWH was supplied at discharge from hospital.

In July 2020, the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) commenced a national investigation into the timely recognition and treatment of people of suspected pulmonary embolism (PE).  The investigation will look at information sharing between different clinical disciplines, access to diagnostic services, including CTPA and thrombosis centres to quickly diagnose PE and other other systemic safety issues identified during the investigation.