CLAIMING FOR BED SORES

You may have grounds for a bed sore negligence claim if you or your loved one experienced:

• Prolonged periods without being repositioned or moved
• Visible pressure damage that wasn’t documented or treated
• Rapid progression from early stage to severe ulcers
• Lack of pressure-relieving mattresses or cushions despite high risk
• Poor nutritional support when at risk of pressure damage
• Inadequate hygiene and wound care
• Ignored complaints of pain or discomfort
• Missing or incomplete care records
• Failure to conduct proper risk assessments
• Bed sores that developed despite promises of regular turning

Being aware of these warning signs can help you understand whether you may have been a victim of medical negligence.

The impact of bed sores can be severe, affecting both physical health and emotional wellbeing.

Untreated pressure ulcers can lead to serious complications including severe pain, deep tissue damage, bone and joint infections, sepsis, and in the worst cases, life-threatening conditions. Deep bed sores can take months or even years to heal and may require surgical intervention. The emotional toll on patients and families can be profound.

Compensation for bed sore claims is calculated based on the specific impact the negligence has had on your or your loved one’s life. This includes general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, which compensates for the physical and emotional impact of the pressure ulcers, including ongoing pain and reduced quality of life.

You can also claim special damages to cover financial losses such as specialist wound care and treatment costs, surgical intervention if required, pain management and medication, increased care and support needs, travel expenses to medical appointments, loss of earnings if the patient was unable to work, and any necessary equipment or home adaptations.

Every case is unique, so the compensation amount varies significantly depending on the severity and grade of the bed sores, how long they took to heal or whether they remain chronic, and the impact on the patient’s overall health and independence.

Generally, you have three years from the date you became aware that negligence may have occurred to make a medical negligence claim.

However, it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure your claim is handled promptly and evidence is preserved.

Every case is unique, and our approach is tailored to your specific circumstances. We work with leading medical experts to thoroughly investigate what went wrong and establish whether the care received fell below acceptable standards.

OUR APPROACH INCLUDES:

• Obtaining and reviewing all relevant medical records, care plans, and nursing notes
• Consulting with independent wound care specialists and tissue viability nurses
• Establishing a clear timeline of when bed sores developed and how they were managed
• Identifying where the standard of care was breached
• Securing expert medical evidence to support your claim
• Reviewing risk assessments and repositioning records
• Assessing whether the bed sores could have been prevented with proper care
• Urgently arranging condition and prognosis reports once liability is admitted