From the 1970’s – 1990’s thousands of people across the UK were infected with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV after receiving contaminated blood products during NHS treatment.
Many were never told. Many are still living with the consequences.
The infected blood scandal is one of the most devastating failures in the history of British healthcare. Victims were exposed to life-altering viruses such as Hepatitis C and HIV through routine medical treatment. The effects have lasted for decades — for individuals and their families.
In 2024, the government launched the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme to recognise the harm done. This scheme, managed by the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), provides financial redress to those affected.
Making a claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you've waited years for answers. That’s why legal advice matters. Our solicitors will guide you through the process, helping you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
You don’t have to go through this alone. TBI Solicitors are here to support you every step of the way.
Call: 01249 225200The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme was created in response to the findings of the Infected Blood Inquiry, a major public investigation into how thousands were infected with bloodborne viruses during NHS treatment.
Launched in 2024, the scheme is backed by the UK Government and is overseen by the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA). Its purpose is to provide financial compensation to individuals and families affected by infected blood and blood products used between the 1970s and 1990s.
The scheme covers three infections - Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV contracted from blodd transfusions, haemophilia treatments, and other blood-based therapies.
You do not need to have taken part in the Infected Blood Inquiry to make a claim.
Whether you were infected directly or lost a loved one due to contaminated NHS treatment, you may still be eligible.
If you're unsure where to begin, we can help you understand your options and guide you through every stage of the process.
You may be entitled to compensation if you were infected through NHS treatment or if you lost a loved one due to them receiving contaminated blood.
The scheme is open to both direct victims and bereaved family members.
You may be eligible to claim if you received blood or plasma products during NHS treatment and were later diagnosed with a serious infection.
This includes people who:
Many infections occurred between the 1970s and early 1990s. In some cases, diagnosis came years or even decades later. You do not need to have been part of the Infected Blood Inquiry to apply.
If you lost a loved one as a result of infected blood, you may be able to make a claim on their behalf.
This includes:
Family members may be eligible to claim for the pain and suffering experienced by the victim, as well as their own emotional and financial losses.
We understand how difficult it is to revisit these events. Our team will listen with care and guide you through the process with compassion and clarity.
No. You can make a contaminated blood claim even if you have not joined the Inquiry or previously applied to one of the previous UK Infected Blood Support Schemes.
Our solicitors can help you with submitting your application to IBCA and we can also advise on how your eligibility may be affected by any past ex-gratia payments awarded from previous government schemes.
Every case is different. If you’re not sure whether you meet the IBCA scheme criteria, we can help you find out. You may still be eligible even if you received treatment decades ago.
We are aware that due to the passage of time, it is often the case that hospital records have been destroyed, resulting in vital evidence of the medical treatment during which contaminated blood was received, being lost We can assist with obtaining the necessary evidence by drafting a detailed witness statement from yourself and other family members and gathering any other available evidence that may support your application, in the absence of medical records.
At TBI Law, we understand how difficult it can be to revisit what happened. Our team will treat your case with compassion and care, and we’ll explain everything in plain English. No pressure, no jargon.
From the 1970s to the early 1990s, thousands of patients received blood products that were unsafe. Some of these products were imported from overseas, including from high-risk sources such as American prisons. The blood was often not screened for viruses, and some plasma-based treatments were pooled from hundreds of donors at a time.
Contaminated blood was used in:
Many patients, including children, were exposed without knowing the risks. Some developed life-threatening illnesses. Others passed infections to partners or family members without realising.
The most common infections linked to contaminated blood are:
Some patients were infected with more than one virus. Many were not diagnosed for years, as symptoms were either missed or misunderstood. The impact has been long-lasting and deeply personal.
Contaminated blood was used across a wide range of NHS treatments. Some of the most common include:
If you had any of these treatments during the affected period and later developed health problems, you may be eligible to make a claim.
If you or a loved one has been affected by contaminated blood, you may be entitled to claim compensation from IBCA. This can help cover the financial and emotional impact of your experience — and provide security for the future.
No two cases are the same. The amount you can claim depends on whether you are claiming via the Core Route or the Supplementary Route. Our solicitors will take time to understand your situation and work to secure the maximum compensation available to you.
You may be able to claim for both financial losses and non-financial harm.
A Core Route based on a tariff of set amounts of compensation for each blood borne virus.
A Supplementary Route (instead of the Core Route) which is based on an individual’s particular individual losses which can be proved. Under this route it may be possible to claim for the following heads of loss if additional evidence in support can be provided:
This list is not exhaustive. Some victims may be entitled to additional damages based on their unique circumstances. Please speak to a member of our team for more details.
At Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors, we understand how life-changing these illnesses can be. That’s why we work hard to build a clear, evidence-based claim that reflects the full impact on your life and family.
Whether your claim is made through the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme or through civil litigation, we will guide you through every stage. We leave no detail behind and will always fight to get you the best possible outcome.
The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) is the public body responsible for managing the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme.
It was established by the UK Government in 2024 to ensure that victims of the infected blood scandal receive fair and consistent compensation.
The IBCA reviews applications, assesses eligibility, and oversees the delivery of payments to those affected.
Its role is to provide a structured, official route for redress — giving victims and their families recognition for the harm they’ve endured.
Applying to the scheme can involve complex paperwork, medical records, and legal considerations. That’s where we come in.
At Tilly Bailey & Irvine, our solicitors understand the IBCA process inside out. We can prepare your application, gather supporting evidence, and help you avoid delays or errors that could affect your claim.
Our goal is to take the pressure off you and make the path to compensation as clear and straightforward as possible.
The law recognises that patients have a right to safe medical treatment. When healthcare providers fail in their duty of care, and that failure causes harm, you may be entitled to compensation.
In these claims, the key issues often include:
The Infected Blood Inquiry was a major public investigation into how thousands of people were infected with HIV, Hepatitis C, and other viruses during NHS treatment.
The Inquiry heard evidence from victims, families, and healthcare professionals. It exposed a system of avoidable harm, secrecy, and failure to act.
As a result of these findings, the UK Government has formally recognised the need for redress.
The creation of the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme in 2024 means compensation is no longer a distant hope. It is now a legal right.
If you’ve waited years for answers or weren’t sure where to turn, now is the time to act.
Yes. These claims are linked to the findings of the Infected Blood Inquiry. This was a major public investigation into what went wrong and how it affected thousands of lives. The Inquiry uncovered years of failure by both the NHS and government agencies.
In response, the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) has been created to provide financial redress for victims. The 2025 Infected Blood Compensation Scheme Regulations now support a clear legal framework for compensation.
We understand that taking legal action can feel overwhelming - especially after everything you’ve already been through. That’s why our team at Tilly Bailey & Irvine is here to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible.
We’ll handle everything for you, from your first call to the final result. You’ll receive regular updates in plain English, and we’ll be on hand to answer any questions.
We also offer No Win No Fee agreements, so there’s no financial risk to starting your claim.
We begin with a free, no-obligation conversation. You can speak with a specialist solicitor who understands contaminated blood claims. We'll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options.
If you want to move forward, we’ll carry out a full review of your case. This includes checking your eligibility and confirming whether you can claim under the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme.
Compensation will not be awarded automatically by IBCA and you will need to prove that you are eligible for the scheme, on the balance of probabilities. This means that you must be able to prove that you underwent a blood transfusion in the 1970s – 1990s and that as a result of the blood transfusion you contracted Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and/or HIV.
We’ll collect the documents and evidence needed to support your case. This may include:
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything — we can help retrieve what’s needed.
Although IBCA is currently not accepting general applications and will probably not be doing so until the end of the year. PLEASE DO NOT DELAY IN INSTRUCTING US.
The big advantage to you of instructing us now, is that we can start gathering all of the necessary evidence needed to pursue your claim, so that when applications to IBCA can be submitted, we will already have all the necessary supporting documentation available which will greatly speed up the process.
If you are claiming on behalf of a deceased’s estate, you need to have a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration in place BEFORE you can submit your application. The Probate Registry is currently experiencing significant delays of many months in processing applications, therefore if you do not already have this and you want to apply to IBCA you will need to urgently apply for it. Our Probate department would be happy to assist with this and if your application is successful, your fees of up to £1,500.00 will be reimbursed by IBCA. If you are on a low income, you may not have to pay any fees at all.
We don’t just act for you. We act with you. Our solicitors will guide you through each stage of the process, offering clear updates and honest advice. We keep the legal language simple, and we focus on what matters most: getting you the justice you deserve.
If you’re unsure where to begin, you can start by speaking with us. There’s no cost, no commitment, just answers.
The effects of contaminated blood go far beyond the initial diagnosis. For many victims, the impact has shaped every part of their lives. Physically, emotionally, and socially.
Infections such as Hepatitis C, HIV, and Hepatitis B can cause long-term damage. Some people live with symptoms for years before they are properly diagnosed. Others face lifelong treatment, reduced health, and ongoing medical complications.
Infections linked to contaminated blood can lead to:
Some people have also experienced co-infections or complications from treatment delays. Others have suffered harm from the stress of not knowing they were infected.
Living with a serious illness can have a deep psychological effect. Many people report:
Mental health often suffers when patients feel ignored, blamed, or left behind by the system that should have protected them.
The effects of contaminated blood don’t stop at health. They reach into every part of a person’s life:
Some victims have lived with uncertainty for decades. Others have faced daily challenges just to get the care and respect they deserve.
Family members are often affected too. Spouses may take on care roles. Children grow up under the strain of illness in the home. Partners may have been exposed to risk unknowingly.
Bereaved families carry the weight of loss and injustice. Often without answers.
At Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors, we understand that contaminated blood claims are about more than medical negligence. They’re about the full human cost — and your right to be heard, respected, and supported.
Choosing the right solicitor makes all the difference when pursuing compensation for infected blood claims. At Tilly Bailey & Irvine, we combine deep legal knowledge with genuine care for the people we help.
We have decades of experience in handling medical negligence, complex personal injury, and public inquiry-related claims. We understand how these cases work and what’s at stake for you and your family.
We’re proud to serve clients across the North East and beyond. Whether you’re based nearby or elsewhere in the UK, our team will offer the same expert guidance, personalised service, and professional care.
We know that this process isn’t just about money — it’s about justice, recognition, and peace of mind.
At Tilly Bailey & Irvine, we understand that legal support is only part of the help people need after experiencing harm from infected blood.
Many individuals and families continue to live with the effects of long-term illness, emotional trauma, and uncertainty.
We work closely with specialist organisations that can provide practical, emotional, and medical support throughout your journey.
The Haemophilia Society
Offers advice, advocacy, and peer support to those affected by bleeding disorders and contaminated blood.
Website: www.haemophilia.org.uk
The Hepatitis C Trust
Provides helplines, patient resources, and guidance for anyone living with or impacted by Hepatitis C.
Website: www.hepctrust.org.uk
NHS Support Services
You may be entitled to ongoing care through your GP or local health trust, including access to liver clinics, HIV teams, counselling, and chronic illness services.
If you need help finding the right support, we’re here to point you in the right direction.
If you or a loved one has been affected by contaminated blood, now is the time to take action. You don’t have to face this alone - our experienced solicitors are here to help.
At Tilly Bailey & Irvine, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation so you can speak to a specialist in complete confidence. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps with care and clarity.
Whether you’re unsure if you qualify or if you have questions about the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, we’re here for you.
Yes. The IBCA Compensation Scheme had been established specifically to compensate those who received contaminated blood via the NHS many decades ago.
Yes, in many cases you can. Previous payments from government support schemes don’t always prevent you from making a legal claim or applying to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme. We’ll review what you’ve received and explain your options.
No. Making a legal claim or applying for compensation will not affect your right to receive NHS treatment. You can continue to access all services and care as usual.
Possibly, yes. If you received contaminated blood or treatment in the UK, you may still be eligible — even if you now live abroad. We’ve helped clients from overseas bring claims successfully. Contact us to find out more.
Every case is different. Some claims under the government scheme may be resolved within months, while more complex legal cases can take longer. We’ll give you a clearer idea after reviewing your situation.
There may be time limits for making a claim, especially in cases involving a death. However, many contaminated blood claims fall outside standard rules due to their unique history. It’s important to get advice as soon as possible to protect your rights.
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