Transfusion damages rise to J$7.6m after comparison and inflation errors

Barbara Wright’s general damages for a negligent blood transfusion rose from J$4 million to J$7.6 million in a Court of Appeal decision delivered on 16 October 2026. The hospital had admitted negligence; this appeal concerned compensation, following a transfusion error in 2006.

The court identified flaws in comparing her psychological injuries with an earlier Jamaican case and in updating that earlier award for inflation. The comparison had to reflect the assessment date in December 2016. The court also rejected arguments about unproved future physical consequences.

The final order awards 3% interest on general damages from 31 August 2011 to 7 December 2016. Special damages and future medical expenses were affirmed, with costs to Wright in both courts, to be taxed if not agreed.

Historical judgment added to the October archive. Its revised valuation concerns an earlier assessment; it does not set a general 2026 compensation tariff.