Pressure sore claims arise if an individual has developed a pressure sore through medical negligence.

Although pressure sores may sound like a relatively minor complaint, they can lead to serious medical problems. In extreme cases, it is possible for pressure sores to progress into permanent disabilities. They are an increasing problem, particularly in elderly patients, usually in a hospital or residential or nursing home.

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0800 808 9740 or contact us online. 

What Are Pressure Sores?

Pressure sores are sores which are also known as bed sores or ulcers. They develop on the bony parts of our body that have less flesh to protect against prolonged pressure, such as the hips and heels. They are graded to define their severity in medical terms. Grade 1 pressure sores are the least severe and Grade 4 are the most severe. At Grade 4, pressure sores often do not fully heal.

If a patient has a condition which causes them to need to lie in the same position for long periods of time then they can develop pressure sores. Because the pressure can restrict blood in some cases, it is up carers, nurses and other medical staff responsible for the patient, to make sure the pressure is alleviated from these areas as much as possible. Pressure sores can be prone to infections, especially if there is excessive sweating or if they are not cleaned and treated properly.

In most cases, pressure sores can be avoided, but vulnerable patients need to be monitored carefully and regular checks should be done.

Reasons for Bed Sore Claims

There are a number of different reasons why people make pressure sore compensation claims as a result of medical negligence. Some of the most common reasons are listed below:

• There may not have been a proper assessment of a patient’s care and he/she has not been given the correct treatment
• If bandages or plasters have been applied too tightly, this can lead to a pressure sore developing
• A lack of effective nursing care e.g. routine ‘turning’ of a patient while he/she is bed-bound
• If a patient susceptible to pressure sores has not been given a suitable bed or mattress

Who Is At Risk Of Pressure Sores?

There are certain kinds of patients who are at higher risk of suffering from bed sores. They are:

• Wheelchair-bound people
• Elderly people
• Those in bed for long periods of time with a long-term illness, e.g. those in hospital or those in nursing or residential care homes
• Someone recovering from an operation either at home or in hospital

How Are Pressure Sores Treated?

Usually, pressure sores can be treated, but in some cases, they can cause medical complications. Because of this, it’s important that patients are monitored and looked after by medical staff. In some cases, gangrene and sepsis can develop and, in rare cases, they can prove fatal.

In the vast majority of cases, medical professionals are competent and efficient in knowing what to do but mistakes can arise. The following can be done to effectively treat bed sores:

• Dead tissue needs to be removed following the identification of a bed sore
• Diets should be modified to resupply the missing tissue
• Specially designed mattresses should be provided

Pressure Sore Compensation Advice

Pressure sores can be caused by medical negligence or ‘medical malpractice’. Patients and families of patients often do not want to come forward with their problem. However, by not doing you or your relative might miss out on the financial compensation they deserve. This compensation is often useful in ensuring they have the correct treatment. It can also ensure they do not suffer financially if they have experienced a loss of earnings.

Sometimes, the distress caused by pressure sores can lead to a patient suffering psychological damage. It is possible for this factor to be considered in a personal injury claim.

Making A Pressure Sore Compensation With First Personal Injury

If you think you might have a pressure sore compensation claim, please get in touch with our team at First Personal Injury.

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0800 808 9740 or contact us online.