The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of British life, offering free healthcare to millions. Most of the time, it works wonders, saving lives and supporting families. But what happens when things go wrong? A recent BBC News article revealed a shocking truth: some couples have aborted healthy babies due to NHS mistakes. These errors, often tied to incorrect diagnoses of serious genetic conditions, have left families devastated. If you’ve been affected by something similar, you might be wondering: Can I claim compensation for NHS negligence? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Happened?
Imagine being told your unborn baby has a life-threatening condition, only to find out later it was perfectly healthy. That’s the nightmare some families faced, as reported by the BBC on 6 February 2025. At Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, couples were mistakenly advised their babies had severe genetic issues like Patau’s Syndrome. Based on this, they made the heart-wrenching decision to end their pregnancies—only to discover the diagnoses were wrong. One couple, Carly Wesson and Carl Everson, even nicknamed their lost baby “Ladybird,” a poignant reminder of their loss.
Another family nearly terminated their pregnancy but a last-minute scan showed their baby was fine. Today, they’re raising a healthy nine-year-old. These stories highlight a harsh reality: NHS errors can have life-altering consequences. The trust has apologised, and a major review led by senior midwife Donna Ockenden is underway, expected to conclude in June 2026.
How Common Are NHS Mistakes?
Mistakes like these aren’t isolated. The NHS handles millions of patients yearly, and while most care is excellent, errors do happen. According to NHS Resolution—the body that deals with NHS legal claims—clinical negligence payouts hit £2.8 billion in 2023/24. Half of that was linked to maternity care issues, including misdiagnoses and poor monitoring during pregnancy or birth. A Guardian report from May 2024 noted £4.1 billion paid out over a decade for brain damage to babies during birth alone. These figures show that when things go wrong, the impact is huge—both emotionally and financially.
Can You Claim Compensation?
If you’ve suffered due to an NHS mistake, you might be entitled to compensation. This isn’t about blaming hardworking doctors or nurses—it’s about getting support when errors cause harm. The process is called a clinical negligence claim, and it’s there to help you recover losses, whether that’s emotional distress, medical costs, or time off work.
To claim, you need to prove two things:
- The NHS got it wrong—they didn’t meet the expected standard of care (like misdiagnosing a healthy baby).
- It caused harm—the mistake directly led to your loss or injury.
The good news? You don’t have to figure this out alone. National Claims will help you get in touch with experienced solicitors who specialise in NHS cases. They’ll guide you through the process, making it less stressful and more straightforward.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
The big question: how much could you get? Compensation depends on your situation. There’s no one-size-fits-all amount, but here’s a simple breakdown:
- General Damages: This covers your pain, suffering, and emotional loss. For losing a healthy baby due to a misdiagnosis, awards could range from £10,000 to over £100,000, depending on the trauma.
- Special Damages: This is for financial losses—like medical bills, travel costs, or lost earnings. If you took unpaid leave to recover, this could add thousands more.
For severe cases, like birth injuries causing lifelong disability, payouts can reach millions. NHS Resolution data shows cerebral palsy claims alone cost £980 million over five years. Your solicitor will assess your case to estimate what’s fair. With National Claims, you’ll connect with experts who’ll fight for the maximum you deserve.
How Do You Start a Claim?
Starting a claim might feel daunting, but it’s simpler than you think. Here’s the basic process:
- Get Advice: Contact a solicitor through National Claims. They’ll offer a free chat to see if you have a case.
- Gather Evidence: This includes medical records and any proof of the mistake—like test results or letters from the hospital.
- File the Claim: Your solicitor sends a “Letter of Claim” to the NHS, outlining what went wrong.
- Wait for a Response: The NHS has a few months to admit fault or argue back. Many cases settle without going to court.
You usually have three years from the incident—or from when you realised the mistake—to claim, as per UK law (check gov.uk for legal time limits). Don’t delay—evidence fades, and time runs out.
Why Claim Compensation?
Some people feel guilty about claiming against the NHS, but it’s not about attacking the system. Compensation helps you rebuild after a loss. It can pay for counselling, replace lost income, or fund care if a mistake left you or a loved one injured. Plus, claims push the NHS to improve—highlighting errors stops them happening again.
The BBC article sparked outrage online, with many calling for better training and accountability. A Telegraph piece on 6 February 2025 echoed this, noting the Nottingham review could hear from 2,500 families. Your claim could be part of that change.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Carly and Carl’s story isn’t unique. Another couple aborted at 23 weeks after being told their baby wouldn’t survive—only to learn post-mortem it was healthy. The emotional toll is unimaginable. Compensation won’t erase the pain, but it can offer closure and practical help.
Source : BBC
Why Choose National Claims?
Navigating an NHS claim solo is tough—legal jargon, deadlines, and negotiations can overwhelm anyone. That’s where National Claims shines. They’ll pair you with solicitors who know NHS cases inside out. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, birth injury, or surgical error, they’ll handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on healing.
Final Thoughts
NHS mistakes like those in Nottingham are rare but devastating. If you’ve been affected—whether by a wrong diagnosis, a birth injury, or another error—you’re not powerless. Compensation can’t undo the past, but it can ease the future. With National Claims, you’ll have expert solicitors by your side, ensuring your voice is heard and your claim is strong.
Don’t let time slip away. Visit gov.uk for basic legal info, or check NHS Resolution’s reports for more on negligence stats. Then, reach out to National Claims today. They’ll help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
Contact National Claims today, and we will put you in touch with an expert solicitor who can guide you through the claims process.📞 Call us now free 0800 029 3849 or 📩 Submit an online enquiry to speak to our team. Your safety and well-being matter, and we’re here to help.
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