Last Updated on April 27, 2026 by tanya

Early Signs to Serious Damage of Pressure Injuries

 

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced under the oversight of Michael Jefferies, First Personal Injury Director, who brings over 30 years of legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

 

When Can You Claim for Clinical Negligence?

There are early signs to serious damage of pressure injuries, with many of these injuries considered to be preventable. However, if they occur due to substandard or negligent care, affected patient may be able to claim compensation for clinical negligence. These injuries are also known as pressure ulcers or bed sores. They happen when constant pressure on certain areas of the body reduces blood flow to the skin and underlying tissue.

People who are bedridden, immobile, unconscious or unable to feel pain face a higher risk of developing pressure sores. So, when healthcare providers fail to follow proper care standard, these injuries can develop or worsen.

If this has happened to you or a loved one, First Personal Injury can help you find out more about how to claim for compensation as we work with clinical negligence lawyers.

 

The Stages of Pressure Injuries

Healthcare professionals classify four stages from early signs to serious damage of pressure injuries:

 

Stage 1 – Early Warning: The skin is red, sore, or discoloured but not broken. This is the earliest sign and should trigger immediate prevention steps.

 

Stage 2 – Skin Breaks Open: The top layers of skin break, forming a blister, shallow wound, or sore. Pain and infection risk increase.

 

Stage 3 – Deeper Wound: The ulcer extends through all layers of the skin into the fatty tissue underneath. Healing becomes much harder and treatment takes longer.

 

Stage 4 – Serious Damage: The sore is very deep, reaching muscle, bone, or tendons. This stage carries a serious risk of infection, sepsis, and long-term disability.

 

When injuries progress to Stage 3 or 4, it usually indicates serious failings in patient care.

 

What Counts as Negligence in Pressure Injury Cases

A clinical negligence claim is valid only if you can show that:

 

Duty of care – The healthcare provider owed you a standard duty. Hospitals, care homes, district nurses etc., have legal duty to prevent avoidable pressure injuries.

 

Breach of that duty – They failed to provide care that a competent provider in similar circumstances would give. For example: failing to assess risk, not turning or repositioning immobile patients, ignoring early signs (Stage 1) of pressure damage, using inappropriate mattress/equipment.

 

Causation – The breach directly caused or worsened the pressure injury. You must show that if proper care had been given, the injury would likely have been prevented or less severe.

 

Damage / Injury – The injury has caused harm (physical, psychological, financial). For example, the pain, medical treatment costs, loss of quality of life, possible disability.

 

Time Limits for Claims

The law imposes strict time limits in which you must start a claim:

 

• Generally, you have three years from the date of the negligent act or from the date you became aware that negligence caused the injury.
• If the injured person is a child, the three-year period starts when they turn 18. If the patient lacks mental capacity, different rules apply (you may have more time or no time limit until capacity restored).

 

So, if you suspect you or someone you care for has developed a pressure injury due to poor care, it’s important to act quickly. In addition, gathering evidence while it’s fresh strengthens a claim.

 

When You Cannot Claim

You likely cannot claim if:

 

• The pressure injury was unavoidable even with proper care (e.g., the person had an underlying condition that meant high risk, and every reasonable measure was taken).
• The signs of damage were minimal and resolved quickly without harm.
• You cannot prove that negligence caused the injury: e.g. no records, no clear breach.
• You miss the legal deadline, unless exceptions apply.

 

What Compensation Covers

If your claim succeeds, compensation typically covers:

 

• General damages: pain, suffering, reduced quality of life.
• Special damages: costs already incurred (medical treatment, homecare, travel), future medical or care needs, loss of earnings, adaptation of home, possible adjustments.

 

What To Do If You Suspect Negligence

Document everything:

Take photographs of the skin / wound at every stage.

Get medical records, care plans, notes of turning / repositioning.

Keep receipts / bills for any medical treatment.

 

Seek medical / expert assessment:

A medical professional should confirm the stage of the ulcer, its likely development path, what standards should have been followed.

Independent expert opinions help establish breach & causation. Your lawyer should be able to assist you in arranging a consultation.

 

Contact a specialist solicitor:

We partner with clinical negligence solicitors who will guide you through the process. They will help you to gather evidence and negotiate on your behalf to secure maximum compensation.

 

Practical Example (Hypothetical Case)

Mrs X, aged 78, was admitted to hospital after a hip fracture. She could not move herself. Hospital staff did not reposition her every 4 hours, nor did they use an appropriate pressure mattress. After 5 days she developed a Stage 3 ulcer on her heel. The ulcer became infected, required debridement, extended hospital stay, and left lasting tissue damage.

In this example:

 

• Duty of care existed (hospital caring for immobile patient).
• The breach: failure to reposition, failure to provide suitable mattress, failure to monitor skin.
• Causation: proper care would likely have prevented or at least reduced severity.
• Damage: physical injury, infection, extended hospital stay, possible disability.

 

Mrs X may have a claim for clinical negligence, assuming she brings it within the three-year limit.

 

FAQs Pressure Injuries and Compensation

What are the main stages of pressure injuries?

 

Pressure injuries progress from an early stage (redness, intact skin) to serious damage (deep tissue damage involving muscle, bone or tendons). The stages show the depth and severity of damage, and higher stages may point to prolonged neglect.

 

Can I claim compensation for pressure sores?

 

Yes – if you or a loved one developed pressure sores due to poor hospital or care home treatment, you may be entitled to clinical negligence compensation. You need to prove that proper care was not given, the negligence caused the injury, and the harm resulted in loss or damage.

 

How much compensation can I get for a pressure sore claim?

 

Compensation depends on the severity of the ulcer, the pain and suffering caused, and the long-term effects. Stage 1–2 ulcers may attract lower awards, while Stage 3–4 injuries that cause disability, infection, or need surgery can result in much higher payouts.

 

How long do I have to claim for pressure ulcer negligence?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the negligence, or from the date you realised negligence caused your injury. For children, the three-year limit starts at age 18. If the injured person lacks mental capacity, the time limit may not apply until capacity returns.

 

Who is responsible for preventing pressure ulcers in hospital

Hospital staff, including doctors, nurses, and carers, have a legal duty of care to prevent avoidable pressure injuries. This includes risk assessments, regular repositioning, using specialist mattresses or cushions, and monitoring skin condition.

 

Start Your Claim Today

As clinical negligence claims can be tricky, it’s advisable to consult with a solicitor who is experienced in medical negligence cases.

At First Personal Industry, we work with expert lawyers who operate on a No Win, No Fee basis, ensuring you get the support you need without financial risk. Call us at 0333 3582345 or contact us online and we can call you back at a time suitable for you.

 

This article provides general legal information and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. In all instances you should always consult with a medical professional around life expectancy questions.