Last Updated on April 30, 2025 by tanya

Compensation for Never Events

 

What You Need to Know About Filing A Claim

 

Compensation for Never Events result from serious patient safety incidents which are considered to have been preventable. These generally happen in a hospital environment and are typically linked to failures in procedure or poor clinical practice.

According to provisional NHS data which has been released in a report, there were a total of 375 Never Events between April 2024 and February 2025. Furthermore, the NHS has stated that Never Events highlight where safety needs to be improved and that each instance of a Never Event is fully investigated to prevent similar instances.

However, if you have been harmed by a Never Event, you may be entitled to file a clinical negligence claim for compensations. This includes many different types of injuries or har and includes from a swab being left behind during surgery to unnecessary operations being performed.

 

If you suspect you have suffered from a Never Event, we can help as we work with lawyers who offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ option and who can assess your case at no cost to you.

 

What Is a Never Event?

A Never Event is a critical patient safety incident which was avoidable had correct procedures been followed.

According to the latest NHS report, the most common types included:

 

• Wrong site surgery – 171 cases, including procedures performed on the wrong part of the body to removal of an organ when the plan was to keep it.
• Retained foreign objects – 101 incidents where surgical instruments, swabs, or other materials were left inside patients after surgery.
• Incorrect implants or prosthetics – 46 incidents, which included during hip and knee procedures.
• Medication errors – Instances includes oral medication was given intravenously.
• Feeding tube misplacement and blood transfusion errors, both leading to harm.

 

Can You Claim Compensation for a Never Event?

If you or a loved one has been affected by a Never Event, you may want to find more about compensation through a clinical negligence claim.

To be eligible, you must be able to prove:

 

That a medical professional breached the standard duty of care.

That the breach directly caused the harm or injury.

 

However, these claims can be complex, which is why it’s essential to seek expert legal advice.

 

What Should You Do If a Never Event Happens?

It’s important to act quickly as evidence is easier to gather early on after the event:

 

Seek A Second Opinion

Prioritise your health and safety. Get a second opinion or follow-up care to ensure your condition is properly treated and documented.

 

Gather Evidence

Start compiling all relevant information which may include:

 

• Request a full copy of your medical records. You’re legally entitled to obtain them
• Keep notes of your symptoms and any additional treatments or surgeries.
• Document how the incident has affected your daily life and emotional wellbeing.

 

File a Formal Complaint

Submit a written complaint to the hospital or medical provider involved, clearly stating what happened and the outcome.

 

What Can Compensation Cover?

Compensation for Never Events typically covers your medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages and travel and accommodation costs related to treatment.

Generally, you have three years to file a clinical negligence claim from the date of the incident, or from when you realised something had gone wrong.

 

Get In Touch

Our team at First Personal Injury is here to support you as you take the first steps toward making a compensation claim. We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, meaning you will only pay if you win your claim. They will assess the details of your case and advise whether your claim is likely to be valid.

Call us today on 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.