Successful pressure sore compensation claim
If you are looking for lawyers who are experienced in dealing with pressure sore compensation claims on a no win, no fee basis, then contact our helpline for a free case assessment. Call freephone 0333 888 0412 or email brief details of your case to us in complete confidence at [email protected]
Pressure sore lawyers recover compensation for a patient who suffered avoidable pressure sores while in hospital.
The patient was admitted to hospital for a persistent cough and shortness of breath. During his admission, he was treated for pneumonia and was recorded as being less mobile than he otherwise would have been in the home. He was previously living independently and was the sole carer of his disabled wife.
On admission his risk of developing pressure sores was not assessed. Common pressure wound areas such as toes, calves, sacrum and elbows should all be reviewed.
When he was transferred to the Medical Assessment Unit a wound assessment body map was completed which identified one old blister to his toe.
The following day he was transferred from the assessment unit to a named ward, and again he was noted as not having any pressure wounds.
However, during the course of his hospital admission, he sustained avoidable necrotic pressure ulcers to his right and left heels and a significant pressure sore to his sacrum. Despite specialist tissue viability nursing, the pressure areas remained until he passed away some two months later.
Slee Blackwell Solicitors are experienced pressure sore lawyers, and we were able to assist with a compensation claim on a no-win, no-fee basis. We obtained the patient’s full hospital records and carried out a detailed review of the assessment and treatment provided. All wound and mobility assessments were reviewed, along with repositioning, mapping and treatment of pressure wounds. During the investigation we discovered that the patient had experienced further reduced mobility as a result of a failure to adequately manage his pain medication. He had not received the same level of pain relief as he did in the community and this directly impacted his mobility and contributed to the development of pressure wounds. It also exacerbated his chest infection, hampering his recovery.
The hospital instigated its own internal investigation. We were able to rely on the the hospital’s own report which identified significant failings in the patient’s care.
We argued that:
- a significant number of occasions were missed during the admission to assess, monitor, reposition and treat the the patient.
- the wounds which developed were avoidable, resulting in a prolonged period of unnecessary pain and suffering.
- the reduction in his mobility as a result of the mismanagement of his pain medication contributed to his deteriorating health, reduction in his mobility and independence, and the development of pressure wounds.
As a direct result of this approach, a swift settlement of the claim was achieved, with compensation being paid to the patient’s family, plus legal costs.
If you are looking for experienced pressure sore lawyers, then contact our helpline for a free case assessment. Call freephone 0333 888 0412 or email us at [email protected]