The Infected Blood Scandal stands as one of the most harrowing injustices in UK healthcare history. For decades, thousands of individuals were tragically infected with life-altering viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C through contaminated NHS blood products. The human cost has been immense, affecting not only those directly infected but also their partners, parents, children, and siblings. While the government has now committed to a comprehensive compensation scheme, navigating the complexities of such claims can be overwhelming. This is where the expertise of a solicitor, often working on a “no win, no fee” agreement, becomes invaluable.

The Infected Blood Scandal: A Brief Overview

Between the 1970s and 1990s, a critical shortage of blood products led the UK to import supplies, primarily from the United States. Unbeknownst to recipients, many of these products were sourced from high-risk donors, including prisoners and drug users, leading to the widespread contamination of blood and blood products. This resulted in an estimated 30,000 people being infected with HIV and/or Hepatitis C, with devastating consequences for their health and lives.

Years of tireless campaigning by victims and their families finally led to the Infected Blood Inquiry, which concluded in May 2024 with a damning report detailing a “catalogue” of failings by health authorities and the government. In response, the government has established the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, with an allocated £11.8 billion to redress the immense suffering caused.

How a Solicitor Can Help Navigate the Compensation Scheme

While the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) is the independent body administering the scheme, the process of making a claim can still be intricate and emotionally challenging. This is where a specialist solicitor can provide crucial support:

• Expert Guidance and Eligibility Assessment: The compensation scheme has specific eligibility criteria for both infected individuals and “affected” family members (partners, parents, children, and siblings). A solicitor can meticulously review your circumstances, medical records, and other evidence to determine your eligibility and the potential categories of compensation you may be entitled to.
• Gathering Comprehensive Evidence: Proving your claim under the scheme requires robust evidence, including medical records, diagnosis reports, treatment history, and statements detailing the personal and financial impact of the infection. Solicitors are skilled at gathering and presenting this vital documentation, often assisting clients in obtaining records they may not readily possess.
• Understanding Compensation Tariffs and Supplementary Awards: The scheme operates on a tariff-based approach, with compensation amounts varying based on the type and severity of infection, social impact, loss of autonomy, care costs, and financial loss. Solicitors can help you understand these complex tariffs and advise on potential “supplementary awards” for exceptional losses or severe health conditions, ensuring you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
• Liaising with the IBCA: Dealing with official bodies can be daunting. Your solicitor will act as your advocate, communicating directly with the IBCA on your behalf, responding to queries, and ensuring all necessary information is submitted accurately and efficiently.
• Addressing Complexities and Appeals: In some cases, claims may be complex, or initial offers of compensation may be deemed insufficient. A solicitor can challenge decisions, pursue supplementary claims, and guide you through any appeals process, fighting for a fair outcome.

Progress on a “No Win, No Fee” Agreement

For many victims and their families, the prospect of legal costs can be a significant barrier to seeking justice. This is precisely why most reputable solicitors handling Infected Blood Scheme claims operate on a “no win, no fee” (also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement) basis.

Under a “no win, no fee” agreement:

• No Upfront Legal Fees: You will not be required to pay any legal fees at the outset of your claim.
• Payment Only Upon Success: Your solicitor only gets paid if your claim is successful and you receive compensation.
• “Success Fee” from Compensation: If your claim is successful, your solicitor will take a pre-agreed percentage (known as a “success fee”) from your compensation award. This fee is typically capped by regulation, ensuring you retain the majority of your compensation.

This arrangement provides crucial peace of mind, allowing victims and their families to pursue justice without the added burden of financial worry, particularly given the long-standing nature of this injustice.

Current Progress of the Compensation Scheme

As of May 2025, the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) is making progress in administering payments. The scheme officially opened in stages, with initial invitations to claim being sent to those already registered with existing support schemes. The government has committed to inviting more individuals to apply in the coming months, with a goal to invite an additional 100 individuals each week from May 2025. While interim payments have been made to some, the full compensation scheme continues to roll out, with the IBCA prioritising claims for those with less than 12 months to live due to any medical condition.

In conclusion, the Infected Blood Scandal represents a profound failure of the state, and the newly established compensation scheme is a crucial step towards acknowledging and redressing this historical injustice. For those affected, navigating the complexities of this scheme can be challenging. Engaging a specialist solicitor on a “no win, no fee” basis offers invaluable support, expertise, and financial protection, ensuring that victims and their families can pursue the compensation they rightly deserve, without additional burden.

Contact us today if you seek assistance with the Scheme and ensure you achieve the outcome you deserve.