Claim Compensation for Medical Negligence Leading to Pressure Sores

Have you or a loved one suffered pressure sores as a result of medical negligence?

If you or a loved one has suffered significant pressure sores and you believe inadequate nursing care was to blame then you may be entitled to pursue a claim for financial compensation.

Prolonged periods of bedrest, whether being cared for in a hospital, a care home, or in the patient’s own home poses the risk of pressure sores developing. It is imperative therefore that the patient is positioned correctly on the bed, cleaned, dried and re-positioned regularly to ensure pressure sores cannot develop.

We recognise that significant pressure sores can be extremely painful and debilitating and only serve to increase the discomfort of a patient who is likely already suffering in some way. We also recognise that there is an emotional aspect to such cases, since a common cause of significant pressure sores is inadequate nursing care. Obviously this can stir up feelings of anger and a desire to assign blame or seek justice in some way. This is where Sheldon Davidson can help.

We have first-hand experience of managing such cases and our track record speaks for itself. We pride ourselves first and foremost on our warm and empathic approach. We put ourselves in your shoes and work on your behalf to ensure justice is done and you get the closure you need.

The first step is to call for a free, initial consultation where one of our expert lawyers will listen to the specific circumstances of your case and then advise with a high degree of certainty whether a legal case has a high chance of success.

We are confident that this consultation will be enough to convince you to choose Sheldon Davidson to act on your behalf.

Put simply, we are the go-to law firm for medical negligence cases across Greater Manchester and we work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation available for all our clients.

How pressure sores develop

A pressure sore is basically like an ulcer on the skin. They are also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores. They can develop due to continuous pressure, as a result of lying in the same position for a prolonged period of time. Eventually this pressure results in tissue damage, or damage to the blood supply of the tissues. Common areas for pressure sores to develop are those where a bone is prominent, so for example, the ankle, the shoulder blades, or the base of the spine.

For patients who are bedridden, or unable to move themselves naturally there is obviously a high risk of pressure sores. For these patient’s appropriate care and treatment is required to ensure the blood supply to the skin is not compromised. Whilst they often develop gradually, over time, some sores can develop within a few hours.  

Early symptoms of pressure sores include:

• Discolouration of the skin – red or bruise type patches
• Discoloured patches that do not turn white when pressed
• Pain, discomfort or itchiness in the affected area
• A patch of skin that feels warm, spongy or hard

At this early stage a Doctor or medical professional would likely categorise the ulcer as category 1. At this stage they are normally nothing more than an inconvenience that requires minor nursing care and with proper treatment pose no significant danger to the patient.

Later symptoms of pressure sores include:

• An open wound or blister – Category 2
• A deep wound that reaches the deeper layers of skin – Category 3
• A very deep wound that may reach the muscle and bone – Category 4

As indicated by the above increasing severity, if not managed appropriately pressure sores will inevitably get worse. In later stages pressure sores can lead to life-threatening complications such as blood poisoning.

In the pursuit of a claim for financial compensation any evidence that points to a sore, or sores getting worse over time, which can be attributed to inadequate nursing care will strengthen the claim.  

Appropriate prevention of pressure sores

As with many types of illness or injury there are some populations that are more vulnerable than others and for pressure sores these would include:

• the elderly
• patients confined to bed due to illness
• patients who are obese, with limited mobility
• people with a poor diet
• patients with medical conditions which affect proper blood supply such as diabetes or kidney failure

People who are confined to bed due to injury or illness are especially at risk of pressure sores due to:

• decreased mobility
• sweating (moist skin)
• incontinence
• lack of fluid (dehydration)

For those known to be at risk of developing pressure sores it is crucial that proper prevention measures are employed. This could include use of a special pressure mattress or cushions, re-positioning every 2 hours and keeping the skin clean and dry.

Medical professionals have a duty of care to ensure the proper prevention measures are in place. If you believe this was not the case and yourself or a loved one has suffered pressure sores as a result then it is likely that you are entitled to pursue a claim for negligence.

The strength of any such claim will obviously depend on any evidence you can provide to prove the inadequacy of nursing care received.

How much can I claim for pressure sores caused by medical negligence?

It is simply not possible to provide a definitive figure of the sum that may be awarded by a court at the outset of the claims process. Every case has unique circumstances and are treated as such by the court. It is possible however to provide some indication of the sums awarded for similar cases and our Legal experts can advise you on this, with the caveat that any figures remain indicative only.

For a financial sum to eventually be awarded by the court there has to be a party deemed to be liable or at fault. This is the job of our expert lawyers. To build a solid case that ensures medical negligence is to blame for the pain and suffering caused to the patient. Once this has been decided the eventual sum awarded is considerate of two types of damages:

General Damages

These are awarded to compensate for the pain and suffering directly attributable to the third party’s negligence. This is the sum that is hardest to define, since it is subjective. The stronger the case put forward by our expert Lawyer,  the more severe the pain and suffering caused and the lasting impact on the patient’s quality of life, the larger this sum is likely to be.

Special Damages

These are awarded to compensate for out of pocket expenses. So basically, any costs that are receiptable and incurred as a direct result of the injuries. For this reason, these costs are easy to calculate from the outset. 

As you can see the quality of Legal representation and the strength of the case put forward can significantly impact the outcome and also the eventual sum awarded. In choosing Sheldon Davidson to represent you, you are choosing the best around, with a proven track record of success. Justice is our passion and we make it our business to ensure our clients get the compensation they deserve for the suffering they have endured.

So, call us today for that free, initial consultation and take the first step towards closure and rebuilding your life.

Our team of experts are ready and waiting to fight your corner.

Why choose us?

Established in Manchester in 1997, we are a leading specialist medical negligence, accident at work and personal injury law firm acting for claimants nationwide.

Our expert medical negligence solicitors regularly act for clients across Greater Manchester including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham and Whitefield.

Our team of recognised Pressure Sore Claims Solicitors can support your needs wherever you live in Wales, England & Northern Ireland.

Call us for free now using the number at the top of the page or complete the online contact form and a member of our team will get back to you.

Get help from Sheldon Davidson Solicitors

If you, or a loved one, has developed bed sores while being cared for in a hospital, a care home or in the patient’s own home, Sheldon Davidson Solicitors can help you with a compensation claim.

Contact us today to see how we can help.