Last Updated on May 7, 2025 by tanya

Claim Compensation For A Delayed Ambulance

When Delay May Result in A Clinical Negligence Claim

 

In a medical emergency, every second counts, so you may be eligible to claim compensation for a delayed ambulance if your condition worsened because of the delay.

An ambulance’s late arrival may not only frustrating, but crucial. This is particularly if it is a time-related call, such as a heart attack, stroke or even a serious allergic reaction. If this delay contributes to further injury or deterioration in health for you, or a loved one, it may be grounds for a medical negligence claim. You will have to be able to show that the delay was unreasonable and led to avoidable harm.

So, if you suffered due to delayed emergency care, First Personal Injury can advise you on how to claim compensation.

 

When Is a Delay Considered Negligent?

Not every delay constitutes clinical negligence. Delays may occur for various reasons, including staff shortages, handover delays at hospitals, or possibly bad weather or traffic congestion.

To bring a clinical negligence claim, you should be able to establish that there was an unreasonable delay or failure in the service provided. Furthermore, that this delay caused or contributed to harm that could have otherwise been avoided.

Essentially, you must prove that the level of care fell below what could reasonably be expected and this directly resulted in your injury or worsened condition.

 

Common Scenarios Where Ambulance Delays Lead to Claims

Ambulance delays can result in clinical negligence claims in several circumstances. Here are a few examples:

 

Cardiac Arrest or Heart Attack

Minutes are critical when someone is suffering a heart attack. A delay in emergency response can significantly reduce the chances of survival or cause permanent damage to the heart.

 

Stroke

Rapid treatment is essential for strokes, especially for administering clot-busting drugs.

 

Severe Bleeding or Trauma

Failure to reach and stabilise a patient quickly can result in excessive blood loss or infection.

In all instances you should always consult with a medical professional around life expectancy questions.

 

How To Start A Claim

If you believe you have grounds for a clinical negligence claim due to an ambulance delay, take a look at the following steps to get your claim underway:

 

Seek Legal Advice

Contact a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence. They will assess your case and advise on the likelihood of success.

 

Collect Evidence

This includes ambulance logs, medical records, witness statements, and expert medical opinions to prove causation and breach of duty. Your lawyer will also be able to help you with obtaining the relevant evidence.

Many cases are settled out of court, but if a resolution isn’t reached, the case may go to court for a judge to decide.

 

How Much Compensation Could You Receive?

Compensation in clinical negligence claims is designed to put you back in the position you would have been in had the negligence not occurred. It generally covers:

 

• General Damages: For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
• Special Damages: For financial losses such as lost earnings, care costs, travel expenses, and ongoing medical treatment.

 

The amount awarded varies greatly depending on the severity of the injury, financial impact, and future needs.

 

Time Limits When Making a Claim

Typically, you have three years from the date of the incident or the date you became aware that negligence caused your harm to start your claim. Exceptions may apply for children and those lacking mental capacity.

 

Contact Us

Proving clinical negligence due to a delayed ambulance can be complex. This is especially in emergency cases where a poor outcome may have occurred regardless of the delay. So, it is essential to consult with a lawyer who has considerable experience in clinical negligence cases.

 

We partner with highly experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Contact First Personal Injury today at 0333 358 2345. Alternatively, you can complete our online contact form to schedule an initial, no-obligation consultation with a member of our friendly team.