Being in a road traffic accident can be an extremely distressing experience, but what happens when the driver responsible for the incident flees the scene? Not only can you be left with potentially life-changing injuries and financial loss, but you may also be stressed about whether you can seek compensation if the driver who hit you is untraceable. If this is the case for you, we’re here to put your mind at ease and explain how the hit and run claims process works.

Key Takeaways In Hit And Run Claims

• Drivers have a legal obligation to stop at the scene of a road traffic accident if there are injuries or damage to another party other than themselves.
• It can be an offence to leave the scene of a road traffic accident without exchanging details where appropriate.
• CCTV, dashcams, and other video footage can be used to help trace drivers who flee the scene of an accident.
• If the negligent driver cannot be traced or is uninsured, you may be able to claim compensation through the non-profit Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). 
• A specialist No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel could help you gather evidence and secure a settlement reflective of your pain, suffering, and financial loss.

Making a claim can seem daunting at first, especially if you’re focusing on recovering from your injuries. That’s why our advisors and panel of solicitors are here to help. Get in touch today for a free claims assessment and see if you can get started pursuing compensation for your hit and run accident with a solicitor who will always be by your side:

Jump To A Section

1. Can I Claim Compensation For A Hit And Run?
2. Who Will Pay My Hit And Run Claim Compensation?
3. What Compensation Can I Get For A Hit And Run?
4. What Should I Do After Being Involved In A Hit And Run?
5. What Is The Hit And Run Claims Process?
6. Do Time Limits Apply To A Hit And Run Claim?
7. How Can A Solicitor Help Me To Claim After A Hit And Run?
8. Learn More

Can I Claim Compensation For A Hit And Run?

Yes, you can make a compensation claim for a hit and run if you can prove that you were injured because of the negligent actions of another driver. All road users owe one another a duty of care. Essentially, this is the responsibility to navigate in a way that avoids causing injury to anyone on the road (including themselves). This duty of care also requires adherence to The Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act 1988. 

In particular, Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 declares that those who have been in an accident on the road must stop at the scene and exchange details with everyone else involved if any damage or injuries have been suffered. 

As such, to be eligible to claim compensation for a hit and run accident, your circumstances must meet the following criteria:

1. A driver owed you a duty of care at the time of the hit and run.
2. They breached their duty of care.
3. This caused you to be injured. 

What If The Driver Cannot Be Traced?

If the negligent driver cannot be traced after a hit and run accident, your claim for compensation would be made through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), rather than directly against the road user’s insurance company. Nevertheless, the main eligibility criteria, as outlined above, would remain the same. 

The MIB is a UK-based organisation that offers compensation to victims of a road traffic accident when the liable driver is either:

• Untraceable. 
• Uninsured. 

If you connect with a personal injury solicitor from our panel, they will be able to make an online claim to the MIB and gather as much evidence as possible on your behalf. So, please contact our advisors today for a quick and carefully reviewed case assessment to see if you’re eligible to begin the hit and run claims process.

Who Will Pay My Hit And Run Claim Compensation?

An insurance company will pay your hit and run claim compensation if the driver can be traced after the accident, while the MIB will be responsible for any payout if the road user cannot be identified.

All motor insurance companies in the UK are legally required to be members of and contribute to the MIB’s funding, as per the Road Traffic Act 1988. These companies contribute to the MIB’s funding through a levy scheme. This levy is spread across the insurance industry and is ultimately covered by policyholders through their premium payments. 

This way, the MIB can pay out compensation.

You can seek advice 24/7 to help you take your first steps toward starting the hit and run claims process. As part of our advisory team’s free services, they can assess your case to see if you can claim with a solicitor from our panel and get personalised support from start to finish. 

What Compensation Can I Get For A Hit And Run?

The compensation you can get for a hit and run will depend on the injuries you’ve sustained, their impact in the short and long term, and whether they have caused you financial losses. Ultimately, compensation is valued depending on each hit and run victim’s individual circumstances.

Hit and run compensation can cover:

• General damages: The physical and psychological effects of any injuries suffered.
• Special damages: The financial losses that have resulted from your injuries.

To value general damages, legal professionals often turn to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) and the claimant’s medical records. The JCG is a document containing guideline compensation brackets for all sorts of injuries. 

In the table below, you can find some of these guideline compensation brackets. However, remember, none of them can be guaranteed, as all hit and run claims are different. 

Please also note that the very top figure hasn’t been sourced from the JCG. Additionally, the bottom 2 figures are from the fixed tariff set by the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021. If you have suffered whiplash in your hit and run accident, please read our dedicated guide on whiplash injuries to learn more. 

Injuries	Guideline compensation	Severity
Multiple very severe injuries + special damages	Up to £1,000,000+	Associated financial costs may be for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and loss of earnings.
Paralysis	£396,140 to £493,000	Tetraplegia (a) - cases at the top end of this bracket include when physical pain and inability to communicate are present.
	£267,340 to £346,890	Paraplegia (b) - level of award depends on factors such as degree of independence, life expectancy, and pain.
Neck	In the region of £181,020	Often linked to incomplete paraplegia or a neck injury that results in spastic quadriparesis that is permanent.
	£30,500 to £46,970	Includes dislocations or fractures with symptoms that are severe and immediate, potentially requiring spinal fusion.
Back	£111,150 to £196,450	Severe (a)(i) - the most severe damage to nerve roots and spinal cord that leads to very serious consequences.
	£33,880 to £47,320	Moderate (b)(i) - e.g a prolapsed intervertebral disc that necessitates surgery.
Knee	£85,100 to £117,410	Severe (a)(i) - where there's been gross ligamentous damage and disruption to the joint.
	£18,110 to £31,960	Moderate (b)(i) - dislocations or torn cartilages that result in mild future disabilities.
Whiplash	£4,345	Lasting between 18-24 months - where at least 1 minor psychological injury is suffered as well.
	£4,215	Whiplash on its own lasting between 18-24 months.

Special Damages In A Hit And Run Claim

As touched on above, special damages can reimburse the present and future financial losses that you incur as a result of the hit and run injury. For example:

• Loss of earnings if you’ve required time off work to recover. 
• Future loss of earnings if you’re unable to work again due to the injury. 
• Damage to your car/vehicle repairs. 
• Medical bills for private treatments, prescriptions, and occupational therapy.
• Modifications made to your home or vehicle to support independence and improve overall accessibility.

You must keep financial evidence such as receipts, bank statements, payslips, and invoices in order to recover these losses. A solicitor from our panel can help you gather and present this evidence. 

For more information on the support offered by our panel of solicitors and how hit and run claims are valued, feel free to reach out any time during the week.

What Should I Do After Being Involved In A Hit And Run?

After being involved in a hit and run accident, you should ensure your safety, seek medical attention, inform the police, and write down details about what happened. In particular, the following steps can help protect yourself and improve your chances of having a successful compensation claim:

1. Ensure your safety – Move to a safe area within the accident scene if possible, such as a parking bay or hard shoulder. Switch your hazards on and turn the engine of your vehicle off (if you are in one).
2. Check whether you’re injured – Even if you and any passengers seem okay, you should still always seek medical attention. This is because some symptoms may take a while to show. 
3. Call the police – Notify the police as soon as you can to give them a better chance of finding the negligent driver. If you cannot swap details with the other drivers involved in a road traffic accident, you have a legal obligation to report the incident. 
4. Write down basic details – Record the accident location, the date and time the incident took place, details about the vehicle (model, colour, registration plate, etc.), and witness contact details.
5. Stay at the accident scene – Don’t try to follow the hit and run driver, as the police may hold you equally responsible for the accident. You could also lose the chance to gather valuable evidence, such as witness contact details. 

We know that this can be a lot to take in after an accident, so please reach out today to see whether you can connect with our panel of specialist solicitors.

What Is The Hit And Run Claims Process?

The hit and run claims process involves reporting the incident to the police, gathering as much evidence as you can at the accident scene, contacting your insurance company, and consulting with an experienced solicitor.

Step 1 – Report The Incident

Your first step after a hit and run incident will be to report what happened:

• Go to your local police station or phone the police as soon as possible. 
• File a report and get a crime reference number. 
• Give the police as much detail as possible regarding the hit and run incident, such as the liable vehicle’s make, model, and colour. 

Step 2 – Gather Evidence

Next, you will want to gather evidence to support your version of events and show you have sufficient grounds to pursue compensation:

• Take photographs of the accident scene and any damage to your vehicle. 
• Collect contact details from witnesses. 
• Get copies of your medical records if you have been injured and sought medical attention. 
• Request CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident. 

• Record what medical treatment you’re receiving.

Step 3 – Contact Your Insurance Company

The third step to take is to contact your insurance company to inform them about the hit and run:

• Tell your own insurance company about the incident with as much detail as possible. 
• Provide them with the police crime reference number and all the evidence you have collected so far. 
• Have them review your policy to determine what it may cover in such an incident (e.g., courtesy car and/or other benefits).

Step 4 – Seek Guidance From A Solicitor

Finally, seek guidance from a solicitor with a proven track record in handling road traffic accident claims to help you pursue compensation:

• Get in touch with a specialist road traffic accident solicitor. 
• Our panel of solicitors, in particular, work nationwide and have decades of experience combined working on hit and run claims. 
• They can help you navigate the process of claiming via the MIB.
• They strive to put their clients first and can gather evidence on your behalf.

Contact us today to check whether you can pursue a hit and run claim today. We can help set your claim up and connect you with a specialist road traffic accident solicitor from our panel, who can guide you through the hit and run claims process. 

Do Time Limits Apply To A Hit And Run Claim?

Yes, a 3-year time limit will typically apply to a hit and run claim, commencing from the date the accident took place. This is established by the Limitation Act 1980, but this legislation does pause the time limit for minors and mentally incapacitated individuals. That is because individuals from these categories cannot claim on their own if they are under 18 or lack the capacity to manage their own affairs.

Instead, the claims time limit will only take effect from the date of a claimant’s:

• 18th birthday. 
• Recovery of their mental capacity, if at all. 

While the time limit is paused for these claimants, a loved one can step in and pursue compensation for them as a litigation friend. 

To learn more about the role and the limitation period in general, please read our dedicated car accident claims time limit guide. You can also have a chat with one of our advisors, who would be happy to answer any questions you have.

How Can A Solicitor Help Me To Claim After A Hit And Run?

A solicitor can help you to claim after a hit and run by identifying and obtaining sources of evidence, communicating with all parties involved, and negotiating the best settlement possible for you. Here at UK Law, our panel of No Win No Fee solicitors offers the kind of client-focused support that can only be provided thanks to years of combined experience advocating on behalf of clients nationwide.

To help you in many ways through each step of the hit and run claims process, they can:

• Collect and present your evidence. 
• Negotiate to ensure that the settlement is fair and accurately covers all of your suffering. 
• Correspond with all parties involved in the case on your behalf. 
• Organise the legal representation you need if the case is sent to court (which will be very unlikely, as most hit and run claims are settled before ever reaching this stage).
• Set you up with rehabilitation specialists to assist your recovery in the short and long term. 
• Explain legal jargon you come across. 
• Send you prompt updates to keep you in control of the claims process. 

The fact that these services are provided on a No Win No Fee basis (under a Conditional Fee Agreement) means you:

• Don’t have to pay any upfront service fees for your solicitor’s work.
• Don’t get charged service fees while the case is in progress. 
• Don’t pay any fees at all for your solicitor’s work if the case is lost. 

Moreover, you will keep the majority of the compensation if the case is successful. That is because your solicitor will just keep a small, legally-capped percentage of your compensation if you win (known as the success fee).

Contact UK Law’s Advisors

For further guidance, contact UK Law’s friendly advisors to chat anytime about your hit and run accident. They are available 24/7, and can confirm your claim eligibility with no pressure or obligation to proceed with our services:

• Call 020 3870 4868
• Fill out the form on our ‘Claim Online‘ page. 
• Send a message in our live on-screen chat box. 

Learn More

You can learn more about road traffic accident claims by browsing our related guides:

• Read about split liability claims.
• See how to claim as a passenger.
• Find out who is liable in a multi-vehicle pileup.

Additionally, you can explore these pages:

• Police.UK – Information on what to do after road collisions and incidents. 
• Think! – Government campaign featuring advice for road users.
• Gov.UK – apply for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you’ve taken time off work for your injuries. 

We hope that you now feel more confident about the hit and run claims process, and please remember that our friendly advisors are here to answer any questions you may have at any time.

Experiencing complications after childbirth can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. If you have specifically suffered unnecessarily from a retained placenta because of substandard medical care, you may be asking yourself what your options are. Our guide will reveal how claiming retained placenta compensation can help your recovery as you navigate this distressing time.

Key Takeaways

• You may be eligible to start a retained placenta compensation claim if you suffered unnecessary harm due to substandard medical care.
• There are three main types of retained placenta – adherens, trapped and accreta, all of which can lead to serious harm if not properly managed.
• Even if your birth was a vaginal delivery, you may still have a valid claim if negligence occurred during or after the third stage of labour.
• Medical negligence compensation may cover the emotional, physical, and financial impact.
• Claims can be made directly or on behalf of a loved one under a No Win No Fee agreement with our panel of solicitors.

For free advice and confidential guidance on the claims process, speak to our advisors today:

• Call 020 3870 4868
• Fill out our ‘claim online‘ form.
• Message us live via our on-screen chat box.

Jump To A Section

1. What Are Retained Placenta Claims?
2. Can I Claim For Retained Placenta Compensation?
3. What Compensation Could I Get For Retained Placenta?
4. The Common Causes Of Placenta Retention
5. What Injuries Could Be Caused By A Retained Placenta?
6. How Can I Make A Retained Placenta Compensation Claim?
7. Get Free Advice From UK Law
8. Learn More

What Are Retained Placenta Claims?

Retained placenta claims involve seeking compensation when a placenta fails to be fully delivered after childbirth and causes harm due to negligent care. This condition is known as retained placenta and may be classed as a medical emergency when not treated properly by healthcare professionals.

There are 3 main types of retained placenta:

• Placenta Adherens: The uterine muscles fail to contract, preventing the placenta from detaching.
• Trapped Placenta: Here, the placenta detaches but cannot exit due to a closed cervix.
• Placenta Accreta: In this case, the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall and cannot detach naturally, often requiring emergency surgery.

Negligent care may occur if, for instance, medical professionals fail to take appropriate steps to identify symptoms of retained placenta, resulting in a delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. If this poor care causes otherwise avoidable suffering, you may be eligible to make a retained placenta negligence claim.

If you’ve experienced harm caused by retained placenta, speak with our advisors today for a free case assessment. Our advisors are here to help you understand your options for claiming retained placenta compensation.

Can I Claim For Retained Placenta Compensation?

You may be eligible to claim retained placenta compensation if you can prove that medical negligence occurred. All healthcare professionals, including those in the public sector and private providers, owe a duty of care to their patients. This obligation also extends to hospitals, GP practices, and other facilities. Essentially, it means the correct standard of care must be delivered to patients at all times.

To make a valid claim, you will need to meet certain eligibility criteria:

1. You were owed a duty of care by a healthcare provider.
2. That duty was breached through substandard medical care.
3. You suffered avoidable harm due to that breach.

These 3 criteria might be met, for example, if you developed sepsis or needed a blood transfusion due to a medical professional failing to adequately monitor for retained placenta symptoms. Had they done so, you may not have suffered as you did, hence the term ‘avoidable harm.’

However, it’s important to remember that harm does not always result from substandard care. In some instances, it’s unavoidable, even when a patient is given the correct standard of medical care. 

We strongly recommend speaking with our advisory team for a free consultation to determine if you have an eligible claim for retained placenta compensation.

Can I Still Claim If I Had A Vaginal Delivery?

Yes, you can still make a retained placenta compensation claim if you had a vaginal delivery. Retained placenta negligence is not limited to caesarean births and can occur during any type of labour if the placenta fails to pass naturally and is not treated appropriately. What matters is whether the medical staff breached their duty of care and caused you unnecessary harm.

In some cases, active management is used to assist the placenta in being expelled. If medical professionals fail to monitor the third stage of labour properly or do not adequately respond to signs of a trapped placenta or placenta adherens, avoidable harm may result. That may include severe bleeding, infection, or long-term trauma.

Am I Able To Make A Claim On Behalf Of A Loved One?

Yes, you may be able to claim retained placenta compensation on behalf of a loved one if they are unable to do so for themselves. This is done through a role known as a litigation friend.

A litigation friend may be required if a loved one cannot pursue compensation independently of others due to being:

• Under the age of 18.
• The individual lacks the mental capacity to make their own decisions.

In such cases, you can represent their interests and help pursue a claim for them. You would need to perform various duties related to the case and do what you can to keep your loved one informed about the claim.

Families often contact our advisors when a loved one has suffered due to placenta medical negligence. If this is your situation, please reach out for compassionate and clear guidance on the next steps to take. Our advisors are here 24/7 and are always ready to provide a free, no-obligation case assessment.

What Compensation Could I Get For Retained Placenta?

If your retained placenta negligence claim is successful, you may be awarded general and special damages as part of your compensation. General damages compensate for the physical pain, psychological suffering, and overall impact on your quality of life. If that harm were to result in financial loss, it can be claimed for under special damages.

Several factors can influence the value of your general damages, such as:

• The severity of the physical pain and discomfort caused by the harm.
• How long your recovery takes and whether symptoms persist.
• The emotional or psychological trauma you’ve experienced.
• The extent to which your daily life or relationships have been affected.
• Any long-term or future health issues.

The compensation paid out under general damages will vary from case to case. To help guide solicitors in their assessment of these damages, the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) publishes a framework of suggested compensation brackets for a wide range of harm, including those relating to childbirth and psychological conditions.

Below is a table showing several brackets from the latest edition of the JCG, included here for guidance only. No compensation can be guaranteed, as all retained placenta negligence cases are different and must be assessed on their facts and evidence. The top row is also not from the JCG.

Type of harm	Severity	Guideline compensation brackets
More than 1 type of severe harm with special damages (e.g. the cost of therapy)	Severe	Up to £500,000+
Female reproductive system	Infertility with sexual dysfunction, severe depression/anxiety pain, and scarring (a)	£140,210 to £207,260
	Sexual dysfunction (b)	£52,490 to £124,620
	Infertility with no aggravating features or sexual dysfunction (c)	£68,440 to £87,070
	Infertility with no medical complications or sexual dysfunction (d)	£21,920 to £44,840
	Infertility where claimant wouldn't have had any children (e)	£8,060 to £22,800
Psychiatric damage	Severe (a)	£66,920 to £141,240
	Moderately severe (b)	£23,270 to £66,920
	Moderate (c)	£7,150 to £23,270

How Can Special Damages Be Applied To A Retained Placenta Claim?

Special damages can be applied to your retained placenta claim if you have evidence of any out-of-pocket expenses caused by the harm you experienced.

Examples of financial losses include:

• Lost income from time off work, as well as future earnings
• Cost of private medical treatment or therapy.
• Travel for medical appointments, including the cost of petrol or bus fares.
• Childcare if you required extra support with this.
• Adaptations to the home or vehicle, if necessary. For instance, you may have been left with mobility needs that necessitated the installation of a walk-in shower.

You’ll need to provide evidence such as receipts, payslips, invoices, and bank statements to support your claim for special damages.

If you ever require assistance with proving a financial loss, one of the solicitors from our panel can help obtain and assess evidence on your behalf. Contact our advisory team now to learn how they can help you with the processing of recovering the financial losses that have resulted from your avoidable harm.

The Common Causes Of Placenta Retention

Below, you will see some of the most common causes of retained placenta in situations involving substandard medical care:

• Despite you presenting with clear symptoms of a retained placenta, including heavy bleeding and abdominal pain, the medical staff during your delivery failed to act on these signs. This delay in treatment led to you developing sepsis and requiring intensive care.
• You were known to have risk factors for placenta accreta, but the antenatal team did not arrange the appropriate scans or surgical planning. As a result, you underwent an emergency hysterectomy following delivery, which could have been avoided.
• Following your vaginal birth, the midwife noted that the placenta had not been delivered within the expected timeframe, but no effort was made to inform the obstetrician. This failure to alert them in a timely manner resulted in you suffering a severe infection.
• You were given physiological management during the third stage of labour. However, despite warning signs indicating issues with the placenta, staff did not initiate active management. This lack of intervention caused you to lose a significant amount of blood, leaving you in need of a transfusion.
• There was a delay in performing surgery to remove a trapped placenta due to poor communication between medical teams. As a result, you experienced long-term damage to your uterus, affecting your future fertility.

If you believe similar failings occurred in your care, you may have grounds to claim retained placenta compensation. Speak to our advisors today for a free review of your case and see if you could get started with a claim.

What Injuries Could Be Caused By A Retained Placenta?

A retained placenta can cause many injuries, including:

• Sepsis or severe infection.
• Heavy bleeding requiring a blood transfusion.
• Uterine damage or need for further placenta surgery.
• Psychological trauma from the birth experience.
• Fertility issues or future pregnancy complications.

If you suffered any of the above due to negligent medical care, you could potentially claim compensation for a retained placenta. However, our advisors understand that every situation is different, so please reach out to share your own experience of harm. You can rest assured that all advice given is free and completely confidential.

How Can I Make A Retained Placenta Compensation Claim?

To make a retained placenta compensation claim, you must be able to prove that medical negligence occurred. Strong supporting evidence will be essential to establishing that you were on the receiving end of substandard medical care, leading to otherwise avoidable harm.

You may be asked to provide the following types of evidence:

• Medical records showing your treatment history, including notes on the third stage of labour and postnatal care.
• Witness contact details, such as family members or attending staff who can support your account. They may be asked by your solicitor to give a witness statement later on in the claims process.
• Photographs or personal notes detailing your symptoms, physical effects or complications.
• An independent medical assessment carried out by an expert to confirm the extent and severity of the harm you experienced.
• Hospital complaint correspondence, including any response or findings.

If you connect with one of the specialist solicitors from our panel, they will be able to guide you through the process of proving a claim and help collect evidence on your behalf.

Time Limits For Retained Placenta Claims

In addition to gathering evidence, it’s vital to be aware of the time limits for beginning retained placenta claims. As established by the Limitation Act 1980, you typically have 3 years from the date the negligence occurred (or the point you became aware of it) to begin a claim for compensation.

There are exceptions for minors and mentally incapacitated adults. As highlighted earlier, neither group can claim for themselves, meaning time limits are paused unless:

• A minor turns 18. While there is a pause on time limits, a litigation friend can step in to claim on a child’s behalf.
• An individual regains their mental capacity, at which point time limits would take effect. Otherwise, there will be no time limit, allowing a litigation friend to represent them in a claim.

Speak to our advisors today to check if you’re within the retained placenta compensation claims time limit and see how to build a strong, evidence-backed case.

Get Free Advice From UK Law

You can get free advice from UK Law’s advisory team throughout the week. Our advisors work around the clock to provide tailored guidance to potential clients just like you. They understand that deciding to claim after a traumatic birth experience is never done lightly, which is why they always offer clear, honest, and compassionate advice from start to finish.

If eligible, you could be connected to one of the experienced medical negligence solicitors from our panel, who can handle your case under a No Win No Fee agreement. The specific type of No Win No Fee arrangement our panel offers is known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). While you work with a solicitor under a CFA, there are:

• No upfront solicitor fees to begin your claim.
• No ongoing solicitor fees to move your case forward.
• No solicitor fees to pay if the retained placenta compensation claim fails.

Should your claim win, a success fee will be taken from your compensation. This is a capped percentage and is paid to your solicitor for the work they’ve done on your case. As it will be clearly explained to you before you proceed, there will be no surprises in store if your claim succeeds.

The CFA offered by our panel of solicitors ensures you get access to high-quality services regardless of your financial situation. Those services include:

• Professional, expert representation during negotiations and case-related correspondence.
• Help accessing specialist support from psychologists, occupational therapists, and more.
• An independent medical assessment to help assess your harm and strengthen the evidence for your claim.
• Consistent updates to keep you fully informed about the case.
• Transparent, straightforward advice and clear answers to any questions you might have.

Contact Our Team

Whether you’re still recovering or are ready to start your claim, one of the dedicated solicitors from our expert panel is here to help you every step of the way. They work hard to take the strain out of pursuing retained placenta compensation and provide practical, honest advice tailored to your situation.

Start your journey today by contacting us now:

• Call 020 3870 4868
• Fill out our ‘claim online‘ form.
• Message us live via our on-screen chat box.

Learn More

For further support on related topics, browse our other guides:

• Read about claiming for contraceptive coil negligence.
• Make a broken bone birth injury claim.
• Learn about stillbirth compensation claims.

These other pages might also be useful for you:

• NHS – placenta complications
• Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) – the standards of competence for registered midwives.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) – find a hospital to check its care quality.

If you’re ready to claim retained placenta compensation or you simply want more information about the process, please reach out to our advisory team today.

Medical negligence can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Whether you suffered due to a surgical error, a misdiagnosis, or delayed treatment, compensation could help you move forward by covering the financial, physical, and emotional damage caused by negligent care.

If you’re unsure about compensation or want to learn about the clinical negligence claims process, you’ll find all the information you might need in this guide. From examples of medical negligence payouts to the factors that can influence how compensation is calculated, our guide will demystify this part of the claims process.

Key Facts Include:

• All medical professionals have an obligation to provide their patients with the correct standard of care.
• Medical negligence compensation claims may cover a person’s pain, suffering, and associated financial losses.
• Birth injuries, surgical mistakes, delayed diagnoses, and anaesthetic errors can all lead to significant compensation payouts.
• You will need evidence to support your case and any claim for financial losses.
• If eligible, you could claim through a No Win No Fee agreement with one of the solicitors from our panel.

If you believe you’ve suffered unnecessarily because of medical negligence, contact our team of advisors for free today to see if you have a valid case to claim compensation:

• Call 020 3870 4868
• Fill out our ‘Claim Online‘ form.
• Send a message in our on-screen live chat box.

Jump To A Section

1. Examples Of Medical Negligence Payouts UK
2. How Much Compensation For Birth Injuries?
3. Compensation Payouts For Misdiagnosis Or Delayed Diagnosis
4. Medical Negligence Settlements For Surgical Errors
5. Medication Error Payout Amounts
6. Anaesthesia Medical Negligence Compensation
7. Gynaecological Negligence Settlement Amounts
8. How Much Compensation Can I Get For Never Events?
9. What Other Damages Can Be Covered In Medical Negligence Payouts?
10. Claim Medical Negligence Compensation On A No Win No Fee Basis
11. More Information

Examples Of Medical Negligence Payouts UK

Examples of medical negligence payouts in the UK show that compensation can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each claim. These payouts can consist of general and special damages.

General damages are awarded to compensate for the pain and suffering that has resulted from suffering unnecessary harm. If that harm causes financial loss, then it may be possible to claim for these out-of-pocket costs under special damages.

When assessing the possible value of general damages, solicitors are often guided by the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). That is because this document provides suggested brackets for compensation that cover a wide range of different types of harm.

Factors that might influence the value of general damages include:

• The type and severity of the harm.
• The duration and persistence of symptoms.
• The level of physical and emotional pain experienced.
• Loss of enjoyment of life or independence, termed a loss of amenity.
• Whether the harm causes lasting disability or scarring.
• Prognosis and the likelihood of future complications.

In the sections below, you will find tables featuring a selection of brackets from the JCG. However, considering that these brackets are purely suggestive, they should be used only for guidance, as all medical negligence claims are assessed individually. Additionally, please note that the top figure in each table isn’t from the JCG, as they are a combination of general and special damages.

If you think you have a valid case to claim compensation, speak to our advisory team today for a free case assessment. They can evaluate your circumstances throughout the week to determine whether you are able to proceed with a medical negligence claim.

How Much Compensation For Birth Injuries?

Birth injuries can result in some of the highest medical negligence compensation payouts due to their life-altering impacts. They may affect either mother or baby, and might arise from a medical professional providing substandard care during pregnancy, labour, or delivery.

That substandard care may involve failing to monitor the mother and baby properly, misusing medical instruments, or making errors in medication or anaesthesia. In some cases, delayed treatment or failure to respond to distress signals can lead to severe and permanent avoidable harm.

Our table contains some examples of harm affecting the brain or shoulder, with their accompanying guideline brackets:

If you or your child has suffered from birth injuries due to negligent medical care, speak to our advisors today. They can guide you through the claims process and potentially connect you with a specialist solicitor from our panel.

Compensation Payouts For Misdiagnosis Or Delayed Diagnosis

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can cause avoidable suffering and worsen a patient’s condition, often resulting in significant harm. It may occur when a medical professional fails to recognise clear symptoms, does not arrange timely tests, or dismisses a patient’s concerns without appropriate investigation.

In such cases, the delay or error can allow a condition to progress, sometimes leading to irreversible damage or necessitating more invasive treatment.

For our table, we have added 8 of the JCG’s guideline brackets for compensation, covering hernias, PTSD, and damage to kidneys and the bowels.

If you believe you’ve suffered unnecessary harm due to a misdiagnosis, please get in touch with one of our advisors as soon as possible. They’re here to help you start your compensation claim today.

Medical Negligence Settlements For Surgical Errors

Surgical errors occur due to mistakes during procedures, resulting in often serious, avoidable harm that sometimes requires further surgery. These errors can involve operating on the wrong site, damaging surrounding tissues due to negligent actions, or leaving surgical instruments inside the body. Such poor care often leads to further complications, prolonged recovery, or permanent harm.

This table contains another selection of suggestive brackets, featuring arm amputations and facial scarring of varying severities.

If a surgical procedure resulted in harm that could have been avoided, call our team of advisors today. They can help you find out whether you have a case to claim medical negligence compensation.

Medication Error Payout Amounts

Medication errors, such as giving the incorrect dosage or prescribing the wrong drug, can cause serious harm and even long-term damage. These errors can lead to allergic reactions, toxic overdoses, or complications with existing conditions.

You may be able to claim compensation for such an error if you are avoidably harmed because a healthcare provider fails to review medical records, overlooks allergies, or administers medication without verifying the dosage. In our table, you’ll see suggested compensation brackets for damage to the bladder, bowels, and digestive system.

Call our advisors today to find out if one of the solicitors from our panel can help you claim for your medication error experience.

Anaesthesia Medical Negligence Compensation

Negligent actions when administering anaesthesia can lead to severe pain and a range of lasting health problems, including brain and nerve damage. An anaesthetist may provide inadequate care if they fail to properly monitor a patient, use the incorrect dosage, or overlook known contraindications or allergies.

Mistakes involving anaesthesia can have life-changing consequences for those affected by it, including awareness during surgery or permanent neurological damage.

The table contains various brackets from the JCG, ranging from brain damage and paralysis to back damage and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Contact our advisors now if you’ve experienced unnecessary harm due to negligently administered anaesthesia. Your path to compensation starts with a free, confidential chat.

Gynaecological Negligence Settlement Amounts

Gynaecological negligence can lead to significant physical and psychological suffering for those impacted by it. This type of negligence may occur in circumstances where a medical professional fails to diagnose a gynaecological condition, makes surgical errors, or provides inappropriate treatment that affects fertility or reproductive health.

These errors can result in long-term pain, trauma, and, in some cases, permanent impairment. The table below contains brackets for harm affecting the reproductive system, pelvis, and hips.

Reach out to one of our advisors at any time to see how our panel of solicitors have helped clients nationwide seek compensation for gynaecological negligence.

How Much Compensation Can I Get For Never Events?

Never events refer to serious incidents that should not have occurred in a healthcare setting where proper procedures and safety protocols are followed. These events typically involve fundamental safety failings by healthcare providers. In some cases, never events may lead to death:

• Wrong-site surgery – Operating on the wrong part of the body, such as removing the healthy kidney instead of the diseased one.
• Retained foreign object post-procedure – Surgical instruments, sponges, or other materials accidentally left inside a patient after surgery.
• Wrong route administration of medication – For example, delivering medication intravenously instead of orally.
• Misplacement of a nasogastric or feeding tube -Where the tube is inserted into the lungs instead of the stomach, causing lung damage or death.
• Administering incompatible blood during transfusion – Leading to acute haemolytic reaction, organ failure, or death.
• Failure to monitor oxygen saturation during sedation – Resulting in preventable brain damage due to lack of oxygen.

Our table contains a broad selection of suggested compensation brackets for varying types of harm, including brain damage, paralysis, and loss of sight.

Since never events are entirely preventable, healthcare providers are held to strict accountability standards. If liability for a never event that caused harm is admitted, compensation may reflect both the physical consequences and emotional trauma endured by the patient.

If you have suffered unnecessarily due to a never event, speak with our advisors today. They can assess your case in full confidence and help you take your first steps on your path to claiming compensation.

What Other Damages Can Be Covered In Medical Negligence Payouts?

As mentioned earlier in this guide, medical negligence payouts may also award damages that reflect your financial losses. Special damages can have a meaningful role in helping you navigate the practical and economic consequences of the harm you experienced. After all, costs like physiotherapy and travel to medical appointments can quickly add up, especially if you’re unable to work during your recovery.

To claim special damages, you will need to provide proof of your financial losses, which may include:

• Payslips or tax records to demonstrate loss of income.
• Invoices and receipts for care services or private treatment.
• Travel tickets or fuel receipts for medical journeys.
• Quotes for home or vehicle adaptations.
• Bank statements showing out-of-pocket expenses.

Without sufficient documentation, your ability to recover these costs may be limited. That’s why it’s important to keep a detailed record of all expenses and financial impacts related to your medical negligence claim. If you need help with this task, you can get support from one of the solicitors making up our expert panel.

Below are some examples of the types of financial losses you can be reimbursed for through special damages:

Loss Of Earnings

You may be able to recover lost income if you were forced to stop working temporarily or permanently. This category encompasses both past and future earnings, bonuses, and pension contributions:

• Loss of salary during recovery or treatment
• Loss of future earning potential due to reduced capacity
• Missed opportunities for promotions or bonuses
• Impact on pension contributions

Cost Of Care

If you required help with daily tasks due to the harm you experienced, you may be able to claim for the cost of care provided by others. That care can include both professional assistance and support from friends or family:

• Paid carers for personal assistance
• Help with cooking, cleaning, or mobility
• Care provided informally by family members
• Night-time or live-in support arrangements

Cost Of Further Treatment

The harm you suffered may have also resulted in various medical expenses, including costs already paid and anticipated future costs:

• Private corrective surgery
• Ongoing prescriptions or the purchase of medical devices
• Physiotherapy, counselling, or specialist consultations
• Regular medical appointments or scans

Cost Of Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation costs can be included in situations where therapy is necessary to restore physical or psychological function:

• Physiotherapy sessions to support mobility and reduce or otherwise manage pain
• Occupational therapy to restore daily independence
• Mental health services, such as therapy or counselling
• Long-term rehabilitative care in specialist facilities

Home Adaptations

In some cases, the home may require modifications to improve accessibility in order to accommodate new mobility needs or disabilities:

• Installing ramps or stairlifts
• Converting bathrooms into wet rooms
• Widening doorways or installing handrails
• Lowering kitchen worktops or controls

Car Adaptations

If your ability to drive has been affected, you may need to modify your vehicle to retain independence and adapt it to any disability you now have:

• Hand controls or joystick steering
• Swivel seats or wheelchair lifts
• Customised driving seats or pedal adjustments
• Vehicle replacement suitable for disability

Travel Expenses

You can claim back costs for necessary travel related to your treatment. For instance, you may have needed to take the train to attend physiotherapy sessions because you suffered severe damage to your legs that made driving impossible:

• Fuel and parking for hospital visits
• Taxi or transport hire for those unable to drive
• Train or bus fares for medical appointments
• Travel to attend medical assessments

To learn more about examples of medical negligence payouts in the UK concerning special damages, please contact our advisory team at a time that is convenient for you. They’re available 24/7, so you’ll always get a quick response to your queries.

Claim Medical Negligence Compensation On A No Win No Fee Basis

If eligible, you may be able to claim medical negligence compensation on a No Win No Fee basis with one of the solicitors making up our panel. They offer a specific type of No Win No Fee contract through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA).

With this type of arrangement:

• You don’t pay any solicitor fees upfront
• There are no solicitor fees charged during the claim
• If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t need to pay a solicitor’s fee for the work done on your case

Should you win, a success fee is deducted from your compensation as a payment for your solicitor’s work. It’s agreed upon before your claim begins, and the percentage is capped. This makes the process of hiring No Win No Fee solicitors more accessible to a wider range of people, particularly those already facing financial pressure due to the harm they suffered.

Our panel of solicitors see CFAs as just one part of the compensation journey, having seen firsthand the devastating impact of medical negligence on those affected by it. That is why they always approach every case with the utmost professionalism and compassion, and their support doesn’t stop there.

Here are just some of the many ways that a solicitor from our expert panel can help you:

• Expertly negotiating with the defendant’s team to secure the maximum compensation for you.
• Obtaining proof for your case and putting it together to create a compelling narrative of evidence.
• Organising an independent medical assessment to strengthen your claim.
• Providing clear, transparent advice that is always straightforward and free of confusing jargon.
• Putting you in touch with physiotherapists, psychologists, and other specialists to support your recovery.

Get In Touch With UK Law

Our panel of solicitors understand how devastating clinical negligence can be, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with UK Law’s team of advisors. They’re here 24/7 to help you get started with your claim for compensation:

• Call 020 3870 4868
• Fill out our ‘Claim Online‘ form.
• Send a message in our on-screen live chat box.

More Information

Explore some of our other medical negligence claims guides:

• Learn about the medical negligence claims time limit.
• Find out what evidence you need to prove medical negligence.
• How to report a doctor for medical negligence.

These external resources might also be useful for you:

• Royal College of Nursing (RCN) – A nurse’s duty of care.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) – Find a hospital and check its quality of care.
• General Medical Council (GMC) – What professional standards are expected from doctors.

We hope that this guide on examples of medical negligence payouts in the UK has been insightful.