And this is with no reference to a classic Soft Cell song; in fact, this story is of the 70’s-80’s tainted blood incident, leaving many with HIV and Hepatitis C through receiving ‘unclean’ blood during blood transfusion operations. And according to sources from the BBC,one man has just won a high court battle challenging the level of compensation awarded to the victims of such tragedies (source)
Thirsty six year old Andrew March has criticised the governments miss-matched payout scheme in its refusal to match higher payouts in the Republic of Ireland. In the mid 80’s nearly 5000 people were exposed to Hepatitis C from blood transfusions before the days of heat treating to kill off viruses; and more than 1200 contracted HIV as a result, and almost 2000 have died since. Many of the affected were haemophilia sufferers, who were given products to help their blood clot.
Mr March was one of the thousands who at the age of 9 contracted the virus from ‘tainted’ blood. Has been commended by the judge for his “tenacity” in brining the case, and Lord Morris of Manchester, also President of the Haemophilia Society has stated that it is an “historic decision, most warmly welcomed by the haemophilia community”.
Reportedly there was an independent inquiry last year led by Lord Archer of Sandwell calling for an overhaul of payouts for the victims of receiving the infected blood in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Misters harshly refused, promising only HIV victims £12,800 per year, with those with Hepatitis C paid separately.
This of course is a tragic story of what modern technology failed to resolve in the latter decades. Mistakes similar to this, now we have the technology to prevent such mix ups occurring, leaves the medical practice involved liable for any damages caused. If for example this where to happen today at a modern NHS hospital, then a claim can be brought against the responsible NHS Trust.
All cases involving some form of medical negligence are difficult to run. That’s the reason its best to get a specialist independent personal injury lawyer to represent you for your case – and guarantee the best out of your claim!
