Pressure Sore / Bed Sore Compensation Claims
Claim compensation for bed sores / pressure sores
If you or a relative have developed a pressure sore in hospital or in a residential home, the first priority should be to make sure that the care providers know what has happened, and to ensure that they are taking steps to stop the pressure damage from getting worse. You should speak to the relevant consultant, or manager of a residential home, to explain the problem. They should be able to provide a special mattress to reduce the risk of pressure damage (bed sores), and they should ensure that you are regularly turned in bed. If the pressure damage is serious, they should consider getting specialist advice from a tissue viability nurse.
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Making a pressure sore claim as a result of negligence
In most cases, pressure sores are avoidable if proper nursing care is given. This means that, if you do develop pressure sores, it is often the result of negligent treatment by nursing staff. They have breached the duty owed to you to provide a reasonable standard of nursing care. If you have suffered an injury because of substandard nursing care, you are entitled to claim compensation for your pain and suffering, and for any financial losses that you have had as a result of the negligent treatment. Most cases are settled out of Court, with only a few going to trial.
The Courts have only got power to award financial compensation for what has happened to a patient. They cannot take any disciplinary action against nursing staff or order the hospital/ home to change their procedures. However, you could make a formal complaint to the institution, which may lead to improvements being made to the nursing care being given. Residential homes are subject to inspection by the Commission for Social Care Inspection, and problems with nursing care can also be directed to them.
Contact our solicitors about your bed sore claim
If you would like legal advice about bringing a bed sore claim, our specialist Elder Abuse team would be happy to discuss the legal position with you free of charge.
They can be contacted on 0870 1500 100.
Alternatively, fill in our online claims form for free advice.