Between 1970 and the early 1990s, over 30,000 NHS patients were given blood transfusions or treatments made using contaminated blood products infected with hepatitis C or HIV. Tragically, over 3,000 people have since died, and thousands more continue to live with serious health conditions. In response, the Infected Blood Inquiry has called for immediate compensation and essential reforms in medicine, government, and the civil service.
In August 2024, the UK Government set out its plans for compensation, marking a crucial step in acknowledging and addressing this long-standing injustice.
Progress in Compensation Claims
The first set of regulations allowing the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) to make payments was laid before Parliament in August 2024. By October 2024, IBCA had contacted the first individuals eligible to claim and by December the first compensation offers were made, signalling welcome progress for those affected.
By February 2025, over 200 individuals had been contacted to begin their claims, with 39 compensation offers issued, totalling more than £48 million. The IBCA continues to process claims on a rolling basis, with many more expected to receive offers in the coming months. Additionally, as many as 140,000 bereaved parents, children, and siblings of victims may be eligible to claim compensation in their own right.
The Compensation Calculator
A notable step in the process is that on 17 March 2025, the IBCA released the first version of its compensation calculator. This tool is available for both living infected individuals and those making claims on behalf of an estate. The IBCA is already helping applicants estimate potential compensation, however it is important to understand that:
- The calculator does not initiate a compensation claim.
- It serves only as an estimate tool and does not replace the formal claims process.
- The final compensation amount is assessed against five key criteria: harm caused, social impact (including stigma and isolation), impact on autonomy and private life, care costs, and financial loss.
The IBCA intends to update the calculator by the end of April to provide further clarity and support to those affected.
How Thorntons Can Help
As a full-service law firm, Thorntons understands how complex and emotional this process can be, and we’re dedicated to helping in every way we can working across departments as necessary to ensure a smooth service for claimants and their families during such a difficult time.
No one should have to navigate this alone, and Thorntons are here to help. By working with experienced solicitors, claimants can ensure they receive the full compensation they are entitled to while retaining the option to pursue further legal action where necessary.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the infected blood scandal, please do not hesitate to contact our Personal Injury team for a no-obligation discussion on your legal options.
For further updates and expert legal support to start your claim, contact our specialist team on 0800 731 8434.
