Last Updated on June 5, 2025 by tanya

Claim for a Blocked Shunt

 

Hydrocephalus and Clinical Negligence

 

A claim for a blocked shunt may be made if there has been clinical negligence which has caused harm. Hydrocephalus is a serious condition which involves fluid on the brain and it is commonly treated with a shunt being inserted to drain off excess fluid.

However, if the sunt becomes blocked or malfunctions, the results may be devastating. Clinical negligence may be considered if there is a failure to diagnose or treat a blocked shunt.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of a blocked shunt, you may want to find out more about filing a clinical negligence claim for compensation.

We partner with highly experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis who can assess your case and advise if it is valid.

 

What Is Hydrocephalus and a Shunt?

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition where an accumulation of fluid leads to increased pressure on the brain. If left untreated, it can have severe consequences, So, to treat hydrocephalus, doctors often implant a shunt which is a medical device that helps drain the excess fluid.

While these shunts are life-saving, they are also prone to malfunctions, infections, and blockages. Therefore, when a shunt fails, prompt recognition and treatment are critical.

 

What Are the Red Flags of a Blocked Shunt?

Recognizing a blocked shunt early can prevent what could be serious harm for the patient. The symptoms may vary depending on the patient’s age, but some common red flags include:

 

• Severe or persistent headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Seizures
• Difficulty with balance or walking
• Cognitive decline or confusions
• Loss of consciousness

 

If any of these symptoms appear and are not rapidly acted upon by medical professionals, the delay could be grounds for a clinical negligence claim.

 

When Is a Blocked Shunt Considered Clinical Negligence?

Importantly, not every shunt failure will be caused by to medical negligence. However, there are circumstances where a failure to diagnose or treat a blocked shunt may be negligence. This may include:

 

• Failure to act on symptoms: If a patient presents with clear signs of a blocked shunt and medical professionals fail to investigate or delay imaging/tests.
• Misdiagnosis: Attributing symptoms of a blocked shunt to less serious conditions such as migraines or stress.
• Delayed surgery: Once a blocked shunt is identified, any delay in corrective surgery may worsen the patient’s outcome.
• Improper aftercare: Failure to monitor the patient after shunt placement or revision could lead to preventable complications.

 

How to File a Clinical Negligence Claim for a Blocked Shunt

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to the mismanagement of a blocked shunt, you may be eligible to file a clinical negligence claim. Here’s what to do:

 

Obtain Medical Records and Diagnosis

The first step is to gather your medical records as these will be essential evidence, including:

 

• Diagnosis of hydrocephalus
• Details of shunt surgeries and revisions
• Hospital visits, especially those involving reported symptoms
• Imaging reports (CT, MRI scans)
• Discharge summaries and follow-up notes

 

Contact a Specialist Clinical Negligence Solicitor

Choose a lawyer who is experienced in clinical negligence cases. They will help you to gather the relevant evidence and negotiate on your behalf to get the best compensation settlement.

The majority of claims are settled before going to court, but if it does proceed to court, your solicitor will represent your interests.

 

Get an Independent Medical Opinion

Also, your solicitor will likely consult with an independent medical expert whose report will be critical to your claim. This expert will review your records to determine the following:

 

• Whether the standard of care was breached
• Whether the breach directly caused harm
• The extent and prognosis of the injury

 

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

There is a three-year limitation period to file your claim from:

 

• The date the negligence occurred, or
• The date you first became aware that negligence caused the injury (the “date of knowledge”)

 

However, for children, the three-year time limit only begins on their 18th birthday. For patients without mental capacity, the time limit may be extended indefinitely.

 

What Does Compensation Cover?

Compensation for clinical negligence may include:

 

• General damages: For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
• Special damages: Covering medical expenses, loss of income, future care costs, and travel expenses

 

Why Filing a Clinical Negligence Claim Matters

Suffering complications from a blocked shunt can be traumatic, and navigating recovery while facing financial and emotional stress is challenging. Filing a claim:

 

• Helps you receive compensation for your injuries and losses
• Can fund future medical treatment and rehabilitation

 

Get in Touch

If you suspect that a medical error contributed to complications from a blocked shunt which caused harm, it’s advisable to speak to a lawyer as early as possible. This is to ensure you are within the legal time frame and to prevent evidence being misplaced or lost as time passes.

At First Personal Industry, we work with expert lawyers who operate on a No Win, No Fee basis, ensuring you get the support you need without financial risk. Call us at 0333 3582345 or contact us online and we can call you back at a time suitable for you.

 

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.