Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by tanya

Missed Blood Thinners Can Lead to a Medical Negligence Claim

 

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced under the oversight of Michael Jefferies, First Personal Injury Director, who brings over 30 years of legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

 

Top FAQs on Compensation Claims for Missed Anticoagulants

Blood thinners are medicines that stop dangerous blood clots from forming, so missed blood thinners can lead to a medical negligence claim. This is if there was substandard care which directly resulted in harm to the patient.  Known as anticoagulants, blood thinners are typically prescribed to people with heart problems, irregular heartbeats, or a history of strokes or blood clots. When a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional fails to prescribe or give blood thinners, the consequences can be serious. In England and Wales, such mistakes may lead to a medical negligence claim if they cause harm.

If you want to find out more about starting a claim for compensation, contact our team. We partner with lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and who offer a free, no-obligation consultation.

 

Why Blood Thinners Are Critical

Blood thinners, such as warfarin, stop clots from forming in the blood, which helps prevent life-threatening events.

Failing to prescribe or administer blood thinners may increase the risk of:

 

• Stroke, particularly for people with atrial fibrillation.
• Pulmonary embolism, a clot that blocks blood flow to the lungs.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), clots in the legs that can travel to other organs.
• Heart attack, in patients with certain heart conditions.

 

Healthcare professionals have a legal responsibility to make sure at-risk patients receive the right blood thinners on time. Ignoring this duty can be grounds for a medical negligence claim.

 

How Blood Thinner Failures Happen

Errors in prescribing or administering blood thinners can occur in different healthcare settings. Common examples may potentially include:

 

1. Failure to Prescribe

A doctor may fail to prescribe blood thinners even when they are clearly needed. This could be due to misdiagnosis, oversight, or poor assessment of risk factors.

 

2. Hospital Administration Errors

Even when blood thinners are prescribed, nurses or other staff may fail to give the medicine on time or at all. Mistakes can happen during busy shifts, staff handovers, or miscommunication.

 

3. Poor Monitoring and Follow-Up

Some blood thinners, such as warfarin, need blood tests to check clotting levels. Failing to monitor these tests or adjust the medication accordingly can leave patients at risk.

 

4. Discharge Mistakes

Patients leaving hospital may not be given proper prescriptions or instructions. Missing blood thinner prescriptions after discharge can put patients at serious risk at home.

 

Legal Implications of Missed Blood Thinners

If a medical professional fails to prescribe or give blood thinners and the patient is harmed, a medical negligence claim may be possible. Key points include:

 

1. Showing a Breach of Duty

The patient must prove that the healthcare professional did not provide care according to accepted standards. Examples may include:

 

• Not prescribing blood thinners when indicated.
• Failing to give medication in hospital.
• Not monitoring blood levels when required.
• Providing inadequate instructions after discharge.

 

2. Proving the Mistake Caused Harm

It must be shown that the failure directly led to injury, such as a stroke or clot. Medical records and expert opinions usually provide this evidence.

 

3. Claiming Damages

If a claim is successful, compensation may cover:

 

• Physical and psychological injuries caused by the failure.
• Medical costs, rehabilitation, or surgery.
• Lost earnings if the injury affects work.
• Pain, suffering, or reduced quality of life.

 

Steps to Take If You Suspect a Missed Blood Thinner

If you believe a healthcare professional failed to prescribe or give blood thinners, you should act quickly:

 

Seek medical attention immediately – Your health comes first.

Keep records – Note hospital visits, prescriptions, blood tests, and communication with staff.

Request medical evidence – Ask for records, discharge notes, and test results.

Consult a specialist solicitor – Medical negligence claims are complex and an experienced solicitor can guide you and help you to claim the compensation you deserve.

 

Time Limits for Claims

In England and Wales, medical negligence claims usually have a three-year limit under the Limitation Act 1980. This generally starts from:

• The date of the injury, or
• When you became aware of the link between the healthcare error and your injury.

Special rules apply for children or individuals lacking mental capacity, so seeking early advice is important.

 

FAQs: Medical Negligence Claims for Missed Blood Thinners

1. Can I claim compensation if I wasn’t given anticoagulants?

Yes, if clinicians should have prescribed or administered anticoagulants and the failure caused avoidable harm such as stroke, DVT or pulmonary embolism.

 

2. What injuries are commonly linked to missed anticoagulants?

The most common outcomes include ischaemic stroke, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, limb ischaemia, and complications requiring long-term rehabilitation or care.

 

3. Is it negligence if a doctor chose not to prescribe blood thinners?

Not automatically.  A court looks at whether the decision fell below acceptable medical practice.

 

4. What if anticoagulants were stopped in hospital and not restarted?

This is a common basis for claims, especially after surgery or during discharge. The key issue is whether the omission caused a clotting event that would likely have been prevented.

 

5. How do you prove the missed anticoagulants caused a stroke?

You usually need independent expert evidence showing that, on the balance of probabilities, appropriate anticoagulation would have prevented the stroke or significantly reduced the risk. Your personal injury solicitor can help you arrange an appointment.

 

6. Can I claim if the hospital failed to give anticoagulants after surgery?

Potentially, yes. Many post-operative patients require thromboprophylaxis. A failure to assess risk properly or follow protocol may support a claim.

 

7. What compensation can I receive after a stroke caused by missed anticoagulants?

Compensation may include pain and suffering, loss of earnings, private rehabilitation, care costs, equipment, housing adaptations, and future support needs.

 

8. How long do I have to make a claim for missed blood thinners in England and Wales?

Most adults have three years from the date of injury or the date they became aware negligence caused it. Different rules apply for children and people lacking capacity.

 

Take The Next Step Now – Free Consultation

Blood thinners save lives, but when healthcare professionals fail to prescribe or give them, the results can be serious. In England and Wales, such failures may lead to a medical negligence claim if they cause harm.

Patients and families should keep records, and seek specialist legal advice early if harm occurs.

We can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for your free consultation.

This article provides general legal information and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. In all instances you should always consult with a medical professional around life expectancy questions.