Pressure sores as a result of medical negligence

  • As pressure sores are preventable, you shouldn’t have to suffer from them unnecessarily.
  • When left untreated, they can result in disability.
  • If you think you may have suffered from medical negligence, it is important to contact a solicitor as quickly as possible.

Pressure sores can be very painful and can even result in the need for amputation if not treated correctly and quickly enough.

Pressure sores, which are also known as bed sores, occur when someone experiences a lack of mobility causing them for example to lie in bed for a long period of time. Pressure sores are preventable which illustrates that with good nursing a person would not suffer from such a serious condition unnecessarily.

A pressure sore is basically an area of skin and tissue which because of lack of circulation, begins to die. Pressure sores often occur on the back, buttock, heel and hips and if not treated can become infected and very painful. They can also lead to amputation, loss of limb and death if not treated.

The consequences of pressure sores can range from relieving the area from pressure to improve circulation, surgery, amputations, skin grafts or even death. The extent of medical care required will depend on the stage of the pressure sore when detected.

A pressure sore can cause a long-term disability for a person if left untreated or unnoticed and the long-term support required will vary from case to case.

Support

We have a wide range of contacts with organisations that can help you and can work closely with you. These include:

  • Case managers who will assess and organise any support and care you may need;
  • Support workers who will visit you on a regular basis to provide you support and help;
  • Community rehabilitation such as occupational therapy.

Advice on making a claim

If you or someone you know has suffered from pressure sores whilst under the care of a healthcare professional, then you may have a claim to compensation. Pressure sores are usually avoidable in most cases with good medical care. It is important to contact a solicitor as soon as possible. The sooner we can begin work on your claim the sooner we can begin to help you.

We can advise you on your benefit rights and also advise on dealing with debts which might arise due to you being off work. Our specialist community care team can also provide advice on your entitlement to health and social care support at home during the continuance of your claim.

If you believe that you or someone you know has suffered as a result of medical negligence please contact Anne Cassidy.

Our expert team, based across our offices in London, Southampton, Lymington, Richmond, Guildford and Woking, offer specialist support on a national level. We deal with clients throughout the country and we will visit you at your home, hospital or rehabilitation unit.