A WOMAN from East Lancashire who contracted hepatitis after allegedly being given contaminated blood is suing for compensation.

Ann Gerrard, of Waterloo Street, Clayton-le-Moors, is among a group of people claiming damages from the National Blood Authority after being infected with hepatitis C.

She claims to have caught the virus, which can result in liver cancer 25 to 30 years after original infection, during blood transfusions.

A writ against the Watford-based National Blood Authority has been filed at the Queen's Bench division of the High Court in London.

It states that Ann Gerrard's claim is for "damages for personal injuries, loss and expense caused by the negligence of the defendants, their servants or agents when the plaintiff received transfusions of blood and/or blood products."

Her solicitor, Beverley Jenkinson, of Farley's Solicitors, Accrington, said: "In view of the sensitive nature of the matter I have advised my client not to talk about it."

She said that this was part of a group action against the authority, which was being co-ordinated by Newcastle-based solicitors Deas Malen Souter. Ann Gerrard refused to comment on the matter.

The writ was filed by Farleys on December 22. They have four months from that date to serve the writ on the National Blood Authority, which will then have 14 days to settle the claim or state if it is going to contest it.

A spokesman for the authority said it had not been served with the writ and was not prepared to comment.

The claim is one of 200 nationwide being co-ordinated by Newcastle-based civil litigation specialists Daes Mallen Souter.

Partner Anthony Mallen said the claims ranged from £7,500 to £250,000 and involved blood and blood plasma transfusions which took place throughout the country.

He explained that some of the claims dated back to the late 1980s and some people had died after developing liver cancer allegedly as a result of being infected.

He added: "Some people infected with hepatitis C can go on to develop liver damage, while others remain unaffected. It is difficult to estimate the number who will develop liver damage as it can take 25 to 30 years."

The writs are expected to be served on the authority in six weeks, but it could be a couple of years before the claims go to court.The hepatitis virus is transferred through the blood.

Until a few years ago it was known as hepatitis NANB before being scientifically recognised as hepatitis C.

A simple blood test can detect the virus although it is difficult to distinguish between acute and chronic hepatitis C.

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