Making a pressure sore compensation claim: A brief legal guide to claiming compensation for pressure sore injuries arising from lack of adequate medical care.
What are pressure sores?
A pressure sore (also known as a pressure ulcer or a bed sore) can occur when the human body is in continuous contact with a surface. People who are bed-bound or who use a wheelchair are particularly vulnerable to developing pressure sores. Where independent movement is limited patients rely on nurses or care workers to move them to prevent pressure sores arising.
If a pressure sore occurs then it will cause the patient’s skin to become red and tender. If left untreated skin tissue can die, leaving muscles and tendons exposed and infected.
Which parts of the body are vulnerable to pressure sores?
Pressure sores can occur at any point where the body is in constant contact with a surface. This means that the most vulnerable parts of a patient’s body are their posterior, hips, back, shoulders, and feet.
Claiming pressure sore compensation
A compensation claim can be made if insufficient care is taken by medical staff or carers to prevent a pressure sore occurring, or where staff fail to prevent a pressure sore worsening.
You can read here a case study of a successful pressure sore claim that we recently concluded.
We work on a no win, no fee basis, so if a loved one has developed a pressure sore which you think could have been avoided with better care then you can contact our free legal helpline for guidance on making a claim. Just call freephone 0333 888 0404 or email us at [email protected].
