£25,000 Compensation for Severe Pressure Sore
Pressure sore compensation case
The Claimant, a 46 year old man, received £25,000 in respect of a severe pressure sore affecting the sacral area which was sustained in April 2003.
Claimant: 41 year old male; 46 years old at date of settlement
Clinical negligence: On 8 April 2003 the Claimant went into a diabetic coma whilst sitting in a chair at home. He weighed in excess of 30 stone and suffered from a number of medical problems, including ankylosing spondylitis and arthritis, and therefore did not work. He was found by a neighbour and admitted to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital on 9 April 2003. Whilst being nursed on the ITU his pressure relieving mattress deflated and there was a delay in replacing the same. Following this a pressure sore developed on the Claimant’s right buttock. He remained in hospital until October 2003, and continued to receive regular input from the District Nurses until January 2006.
Breach of duty was admitted in relation to the failure to replace the faulty mattress, and lack of proper risk assessment. Causation was admitted in that the Defendant accepted its failures had caused a Grade 4 pressure sore although it was not admitted that the Claimant would only have developed a superficial pressure sore had he been treated appropriately.
Injuries: the Claimant suffered a Grade 4 sacral pressure sore which has largely healed but a small area of ulceration persists and is prone to flare up; therefore further minor surgery may be required.
Effects: the Claimant was seriously ill due to his pre-existing illness and complications thereof, and would have required a lengthy hospital stay in any event. However, due to the severity of the pressure sore his stay in hospital was extended. The Claimant required regular dressing changes from the District Nurses over many months, and is at risk of further complications should he suffer a period of ill health.
Prior to the accident the Claimant did not work and had no plans to return to work because of his disabilities. He did not receive any gratuitous care and any care he may need in the future would have been required in any event.
Prognosis: It is hoped that with further surgery that the remaining small area of ulceration will heal.
Out of court settlement: £25,000 compensation.
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