Brain Aneurysm Compensation Claims
When a brain aneurysm is not detected or treated promptly by medical professionals, the consequences can be life-altering. A ruptured brain aneurysm may lead to a stroke, brain haemorrhage, extensive brain damage, or even death. In cases where a medical emergency like this could have been avoided through earlier diagnosis or appropriate treatment, the emotional distress caused to the individual and their loved ones can be profound.
If you or someone close to you has experienced a brain aneurysm and you believe there were delays, missed symptoms, or other failures in care, you may be entitled to make a brain aneurysm compensation claim. These claims can help to recognise the harm done and provide financial support for rehabilitation, care, and the loss of quality of life that often follows a serious rupture.
JMW’s specialist medical negligence team has supported many people through complex clinical negligence cases involving brain injuries. We’re here to offer clear advice, emotional understanding, and expert legal guidance.
Call us on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form to speak to one of our brain aneurysm claim specialists. We’ll talk through what’s happened, explain how we can help, and discuss whether we can act on a no win, no fee basis.
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How JMW Can Help
JMW provides free initial advice to help you understand whether you have grounds for a brain aneurysm compensation claim. Our experienced clinical negligence team investigates each case with care and compassion, evaluating what went wrong and whether earlier medical treatment could have made a difference.
We’ve supported many individuals and families affected by brain aneurysm delays, helping them to seek compensation when medical professionals failed to act on symptoms, misinterpreted scan results, or made mistakes in surgery or follow-up care. Whether your care was provided by the NHS or a private healthcare provider, we have the knowledge and experience to advise you clearly and take your case forward.
We know that experiencing a ruptured brain aneurysm, or supporting someone who has, can be overwhelming. We understand the emotional distress, financial pressure and lasting impact that can follow. That’s why we work with determination to secure the compensation needed for recovery, therapy, long-term care and financial stability.
JMW’s clinical negligence team is led by Eddie Jones, a nationally recognised solicitor with a strong track record in complex brain injury claims. The team includes members of both the Law Society’s specialist panel for clinical negligence solicitors and the Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) solicitors panel - reflecting our depth of expertise and commitment to those affected by medical negligence.
Where appropriate, we can act on a no win, no fee basis, so you won’t need to worry about the cost of bringing a claim.
Meet Our Team
JMW’s clinical negligence team provides expert guidance and compassionate support to individuals affected by brain aneurysms due to medical negligence, helping you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.
Case Studies
Case Study: Missed Sub-Arachnoid Haemorrhage - £400,000
JMW helped a man secure compensation following negligent medical care from a hospital which led to a substantial re-bleed, causing numerous complications.
Case Study: Delayed treatment for aneurysm causes a bleed on the brain - £2.25 million
JMW secured a six-figure settlement for a client who suffered a cerebral bleed due to delayed diagnosis, providing vital support for their long-term care needs.
What Is a Brain Aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm - also known as an intracranial or cerebral aneurysm - is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain, caused by a weakness in the blood vessel wall. As blood pressure pushes against this weakened area, it can balloon outwards, forming a potentially dangerous swelling. The higher the pressure within the blood supply, the more strain is placed on the affected vessel, increasing the risk that it will rupture.
Most brain aneurysms develop without causing noticeable symptoms and may remain undetected unless they grow large or burst. If a rupture occurs, blood can leak into the subarachnoid space - the area surrounding the brain and spinal cord - leading to a type of brain haemorrhage known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage. This is a medical emergency that can cause extensive brain damage, severe disability, or even death.
Aneurysms can also leak in smaller amounts without fully rupturing, which may still lead to serious complications if not treated quickly.
If a brain aneurysm is detected before it bursts, medical professionals may recommend preventative treatment such as brain aneurysm surgery or endovascular techniques like placing tiny metal coils to reduce the risk of rupture.
When Could a Brain Aneurysm Be Caused by Medical Negligence?
Most brain aneurysms do not cause symptoms until they rupture - but when there are warning signs or known risk factors, it is essential that medical professionals respond appropriately. When they fail to do so, and harm results from this failure, it may be possible to bring a brain aneurysm compensation claim on the grounds of medical negligence.
If an intracranial aneurysm is left untreated, the outcome can be devastating. The rupture of a weakened blood vessel may lead to a subarachnoid haemorrhage, stroke, severe disability, or death. Sadly, some people do not receive the care they need because of delays, miscommunication between medical departments, or incorrect decisions about treatment or discharge.
You may be entitled to make a claim if:
- There were delays in diagnosing a brain aneurysm, such as failing to act on symptoms like a sudden agonising headache or blinding pain.
- There were delays in treating a brain aneurysm after diagnosis, increasing the risk of a serious rupture or extensive brain damage.
- Surgery was not performed within a reasonable period, despite clinical advice recommending urgent intervention.
- You or your loved one were discharged prematurely from hospital before surgery was performed or the affected blood vessels were treated.
- Preventative treatment, such as surgical clipping or tiny metal coils, was not offered where it could have reduced the risk of the aneurysm rupturing.
- Rehabilitative therapy was delayed or not provided, limiting recovery following a brain haemorrhage or stroke.
Every case is different, but the impact of these mistakes can be lifelong. Our team can assess what happened in your case and advise you on whether a compensation claim could succeed.
Who Can Make a Brain Aneurysm Compensation Claim?
You may be able to bring a brain aneurysm claim if you or someone close to you has experienced harm because of negligent care, such as delays in diagnosis, late surgery, or missed opportunities to treat brain aneurysms before a rupture occurs. These claims are often brought when medical mistakes have led to a brain haemorrhage, stroke, or lasting disability that could have been prevented.
A claim may be brought by:
- A person who has experienced avoidable injury due to brain aneurysm delays or errors in treatment.
- A close relative (such as a spouse, parent or child) acting on behalf of someone who has died due to a ruptured aneurysm that was not properly managed.
- A litigation friend - usually a family member - acting for someone who no longer has mental capacity as a result of a serious rupture or extensive brain damage.
We understand the emotional and practical strain these situations cause. If you are unsure about your eligibility or have questions about claiming on someone else’s behalf, we’ll explain everything clearly when you get in touch.
How to Make a Brain Aneurysm Claim
If you believe that medical negligence played a role in your diagnosis, treatment or outcome, the first step is to speak with our specialist team at JMW. We’ll listen carefully to your experience, explain the process in plain language, and help you determine whether you may be able to pursue a brain aneurysm compensation claim.
If your claim is eligible, we will begin working on your case straight away. This includes:
- Reviewing medical records in detail to identify any delays or failures in care.
- Consulting with independent medical experts to establish how your care fell below an acceptable standard.
- Building a clear and thorough evidence base to put you in the strongest possible position to seek compensation.
The compensation awarded can help with the many challenges that arise after a ruptured brain aneurysm, such as:
- Covering the costs of any subsequent treatment required, including rehabilitation, follow-up surgery, or long-term care.
- Providing financial recognition of the emotional distress caused by negligent care.
- Holding the individuals or organisations responsible for the errors to account.
We also understand that life does not pause while a claim is ongoing. That’s why, where appropriate, we aim to secure interim payments early in the process to help cover the cost of urgent medical care or support services you might need immediately.
To learn more about the evidence required and the steps involved, read our guide on how to prove medical negligence.
FAQs About Brain Aneurysm Claims
- What are the symptoms of a brain aneurysm?
Most brain aneurysms do not cause noticeable symptoms until they begin to leak. In many cases, the first sign is a sudden, intense headache - often described as a thunderclap headache, or the worst headache the person has ever had. This may last more than an hour and typically affects the back of the head.
A correct diagnosis becomes more likely when the headache is followed by additional symptoms, such as:
- Pain harsh enough to cause vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision
- Inability to tolerate bright light (photophobia)
These symptoms generally occur during a fairly major leak, where blood escapes into the subarachnoid space around the brain and spinal cord, leading to a subarachnoid haemorrhage
- What are the causes and risks?
Aneurysms can rupture during moments of increased blood pressure, such as physical activity, coughing, or straining. However, a burst brain aneurysm can occur at any time.
There are several recognised risk factors, including:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- A family medical history of brain aneurysms
- Certain inherited conditions affecting the blood vessel walls
While the condition is more common in older adults, it can also affect younger people - particularly if there is a genetic weakness in the structure of the blood vessels or abdominal aorta.
- What are the estimated brain aneurysm statistics (UK)?
According to the NHS, the number of people who experience brain aneurysms could be anywhere between 1 in 20 and 1 in 100. Most will never experience symptoms or complications, meaning the aneurysm remains unruptured and goes undetected in most cases, making this hard to estimate.
The number of aneurysms that actually result in a rupture is much smaller, affecting only around 1 in 15,000 people in England each year. They are more common in people over the age of 40, and affect women more frequently than men.
- How is a brain aneurysm diagnosed?
When symptoms suggest a possible ruptured brain aneurysm or subarachnoid haemorrhage, immediate investigation is required.
Doctors will usually begin with a brain scan, which may include:
- A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, producing detailed images of the brain using magnetic fields and radio waves.
- A computerised tomography (CT) scan, using multiple X-rays to create a three-dimensional image of the brain.
If the CT scan is negative but symptoms still strongly indicate a rupture, sometimes a lumbar puncture is performed. This test checks for blood in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, helping to confirm the diagnosis.
When a brain aneurysm is detected early - before a major leak occurs - it may be possible to treat the condition successfully using techniques such as surgical clipping of the affected vessel. When doctors act quickly to treat brain aneurysms, surgery can be successful in preventing brain damage and other serious consequences. On the other hand, mistakes can result in lasting effects that may entitle you to compensation.
Talk to Us
If you or a loved one have been affected by medical negligence involving a brain aneurysm, JMW is here to help. We will listen to your experience, explain your options clearly, and guide you through the process of making a brain aneurysm compensation claim with care and confidence.
Call us today on 0345 872 6666 or complete our online enquiry form to speak with one of our specialist solicitors.
