HIV and AIDS claims

Medical negligence claims related to HIV and AIDS

• Early detection of HIV and AIDS can sometimes be difficult. Late diagnosis can impact how effective your treatment is.
• Some individuals contract HIV/AIDS as a result of medical treatment.
• Occasionally, people are diagnosed with HIV or AIDS when they do not have this condition.
• If you have suffered from medical negligence, you may be eligible to claim compensation.

HIV and AIDS are commonly known conditions that many people die of every year worldwide. Sometimes, it can be difficult to detect HIV and AIDS early enough in order for treatment to be effective such that these conditions can be managed.

What are HIV and AIDS?

HIV is Human Immunodeficiency Virus which is a sexually transmitted disease which affects the immune system. There is no cure for HIV and no vaccine to stop you from becoming infected. The effect of HIV is that your immune system will be slowly destroyed making you susceptible to infection and disease such as cancer. AIDS is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Someone is deemed to have AIDS when they have been diagnosed with HIV and have no immune system.

A diagnosis of HIV or AIDS means a lifetime of medication to try and protect your immune system or fight off infection. HIV and AIDS also unfortunately have stigma attached because of a common lack of understanding about these conditions.

What is HIV and AIDS negligence?

HIV and AIDS negligence refers to the failure of individuals or organisations to take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of HIV and provide adequate care and support for those living with AIDS. This can include lack of access to testing, treatment, and education, as well as discrimination and stigma towards those affected by the disease.

Effects of HIV and AIDS

The effects of HIV and AIDS can have a lifelong effect on a person’s life and the long-term support and care that an individual requires can vary significantly. A false diagnosis can result in long-term psychological disorders requiring medication and therapy. Late diagnosis may result in death.

Do you have a compensation claim?

We may be able to help you with a claim for compensation where:

• you have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS following medical treatment such as surgery and you think you have contracted the condition as a result of the surgery. HIV can be spread by the negligence of healthcare professionals when using needles which have not been properly sterilised or from an organ donor who was inaccurately tested;
• you have been diagnosed but have reason to believe you should have been diagnosed earlier;
• you have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS but have later found out that you do not have the condition;
• your relative has died as a result of late diagnosis resulting in treatment being unavailable and you have reason to believe that they should have been diagnosed earlier.

We have a wide range of contacts with organisations who can assist you and can work closely with you including:

• case managers who will assess and organise any support and care you may need;
• support workers who will visit you on a regular basis to provide you support and help;
• community rehabilitation such as occupational therapy.