Care Home Injury Claims

As life expectancy increases, more and more of us will rely on care home facilities to provide assistance later in life. While care homes should be safe places, accidents do occur which can lead to injury for residents and, in some cases staff.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a care home, you may be able to make a care home injury claim for compensation.

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0333 358 2345 or contact us online. 

Accidents in care homes that can lead to care home injury claims

Individuals living in nursing homes are often vulnerable as they require more support and assistance than that which can be provided by a carer at home. Because of this, patients are already more at risk of accidents. However, sometimes this risk is exacerbated and an injury can occur because of the negligence of another person or of the care home itself.

Common care home accidents and injuries

There are a number of accidents and injuries that can occur in nursing homes and care homes. Some of the more common accidents are outlined below.

· Slips, trips and falls

Brittle bones and other age-related issues mean that when older people slip or fall, the consequences of their injuries can often be serious.

Slips, trips and falls in care homes can happen for a number of reasons. They are often caused by slippery floors or misplaced objects. However, falls can also occur when an individual attempts to get out of bed or stand up from a chair without assistance from a member of staff.

· Accidents that occur as a result of a lack of mobility aids

If patients or residents aren’t provided with walking frames or wheelchairs, they are vulnerable to injuries caused by falls.

· Pressure sores and ulcers

Pressure sores develop where a person’s skin is in contact with a bed for a long period of time. They are often very painful and can sometimes lead to infection.

Pressure sores can be caused by inadequate mattresses, a lack of necessary equipment or a proper turning regime. Because of the pain they can cause, care home staff should aim to prevent pressure sores as much as possible. If you or a family member have experienced pressure sores in a care home, you may be entitled to pressure sore compensation.

·Prescription or medication errors

Prescription or medication errors can also occur in nursing homes. Some patients don’t know the correct medication or dosage they need. These individuals rely on care home staff to ensure they take the right medicines. If care home staff give the wrong medication or dose, this can have serious consequences.

· Injuries caused by careless handling when transferring residents between beds, chairs etc.

Incorrect lifting can sometimes cause injury. Care home staff should be properly trained to lift and transfer patients safely. If management does not provide proper training and someone is injured, the care home may be found liable for the incident.

Accidents suffered by care home staff

Unfortunately, ever-growing demands on care home staff mean that they are at greater risk of accident or injury.

Staff in care homes may sustain an injury in a variety of incidents that involve them:

• Helping patients out of toilets and showers
• Tripping and falling downstairs or over obstructions
• Lifting and moving patients from beds and seats.

Care homes have a duty of care to their employees. They should make sure that staff are given sufficient training, have the necessary equipment and are protected from potential hazards.

Those working in care homes are vulnerable to injury or accidents at work if appropriate systems are not in place. For example, if an accident occurs because there were fewer than the allocated number of staff required present, the care home management could be found liable for any injury sustained by an employee (or resident).

A care home employee may also be able to make a compensation claim if they have not been properly trained.

Making a claim for care home compensation

Making a claim holds the people responsible for the care home accident or injury to account. What’s more, doing so could help to prevent similar incidents from taking place in the future. Compensation can also help you and your family cover the costs associated with your accident or injury. These costs might include loss of earnings (if you have taken time off work to care for a relative), prescription costs or travel expenses.

Claim Compensation

The amount of compensation that you are awarded for your injury is unique and it will be based upon the specific circumstances surrounding your case. The amount of compensation that you are awarded will be determined by two categories: general damages and special damages.

General Damages

General damages refer to the physical and emotional damage caused by your injuries. In the simplest terms, it refers to compensation for pain and suffering. This type of compensation also covers any losses of amenity. Compensation will be awarded based upon the severity of these factors, understanding that the higher the severity of your complications, the worse the pain/suffering is. To view estimates for personal injury types, visit our compensation calculator.

Special Damages

Special damages compensation refers to compensation that covers the financial losses and expenses incurred as a result of an accident or medical negligence. Special damages could help to reclaim a loss of income if you have been unable to work due to your injuries. Similarly, if you have had to pay to go to a medical appointment or if you had to pay to travel to a medical appointment, you could be able to claim these medical costs back.

Making Personal Injury Claims

If you have suffered a personal injury, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Contact our specialist team to begin the process, either by phone on 0333 358 2345 or through our online form.

Start your care home injury claim today with First Personal Injury

Contact us today on 0333 358 2345 or get in touch online to arrange a no-obligation, initial discussion about your potential care home injury claim.