According to the Stroke Association, every five minutes someone in the UK suffers a stroke). There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. This kills brain cells and can affect your body, movement, emotions and speech.

The two main types of stroke are ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke.

• Ischaemic strokes are caused by blockages, such as a blood clot, that cut off the blood supply to the brain.
• Haemorrhagic strokes are when a blood vessel bursts in or around the brain. These are considered more severe with a higher threat to life.

There is also a mini-stroke, known as a TIA (transient ischaemic attack). Although this sounds less serious, it should still be treated as an emergency as 1 in 12 people go on to have a full stroke within a week.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Anyone of any age can have a stroke. There is a FAST test that can help identify whether it’s happening to someone:

1. Face – can the person smile? Has their face fallen?
2. Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?
3. Speech – is the speech slurred? Can the person speak clearly?
4. Time – if you see any of these three signs it’s time to call 999.

When can you make a stroke misdiagnosis claim?

If a doctor or medical professional has failed to recognise the signs of a stroke and has not acted in a timely manner it can have serious consequences for the patient.

The longer treatment is delayed, the higher the risk of dying or ending up with a disability or brain damage.

If this has happened to you, or a loved one, we could help you make a medical negligence claim.

More about making a claim

How can First4Lawyers help?

Our specialist solicitors know the legal complexities of making medical negligence claims. They will do all the legal leg work so that the process is as stress-free as possible. We also offer a No Win No Fee service for medical negligence cases in England and Wales.

Only pay a fee if you receive compensation

Where we offer No Win No Fee services typically customers pay 25% of the amount recovered by our solicitors, although this will be subject to your individual circumstances and the actual fee may be less than this but it will never be more. Success fees are common practice and they were introduced when the law changed in April 2013.

First4Lawyers are an award winning claims management company with a track record of delivering service that our clients love.

Compensation won’t undo what has happened, but it may enable you to provide extra care and ongoing treatment if that is required.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

You usually have three years from the date the negligence occurred, but talk to one of our friendly advisors as they will be able to advise you according to your specific situation.

I think I have a claim, what do I do next?

We know that it might be upsetting and difficult to talk about, but the sooner you give us a call the sooner we can help.

Our advisors are here to listen and advise you on your options. Consultation is free, with no obligation or pressure to proceed with anything.