Pressure Sore Claims

The most common cause of bedsores in patients is negligent medical care. Also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers, they can affect anyone who has been in one position for a long period of time.

The NHS estimates that half a million people will be affected by bedsores each year, with patients over 70 and those admitted to hospital with a sudden illness thought to be particularly at risk. Pressure sores can affect anyone who is immobile for lengthy periods.

At Jackson Lees, we are acting for an increasing number of clients who have suffered from bedsores, which they have sustained during a stay in hospital or other environment where insufficient care has been provided.

In some cases, patients have not been correctly assessed as being at high risk of developing pressure sores, and appropriate preventative measures have not been put in place. In others, appropriate measures may have been identified, but not followed through.

If you have suffered from bedsores, Jackson Lees has over 25 years of Medical Negligence expertise to help you make a Medical Negligence claim.

We have helped many people across England and Wales. We won’t charge you for your initial consultation and we can visit you in the comfort of your own home if this is more convenient.

Call us today or you can complete our online enquiry form.

Case Study

In one recent case, we acted for a client who developed pressure sores to her heel and base of her back after her admission to hospital, having been assessed as having “intact” skin on admission.

It was argued that her risk of developing pressure sores was not assessed appropriately on admission, and that she was not nursed appropriately to minimise the risk of such sores developing.

It was also argued that once the sores had developed, they had not been treated appropriately, and that as a result of all of the issues, the patient was left with severe scarring to the heel, as well as suffering pain and discomfort for a lengthy period.

The matter was settled for £22,500, without the need for the case to go to Court.

Making a Medical Negligence Claim

If you wish to make a claim against the facility responsible for your bedsores, our specialist solicitors will provide the guidance you need throughout your case.

You may find our article useful: ‘Bedsores, a ‘sore subject for the NHS’.

The Jackson Lees team will also put together a robust case on your behalf to help make sure your negligent treatment is highlighted, potentially encouraging others to claim. Our work has been recognised by the Law Society and Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA), so you can be confident that we will do our utmost to do the right thing in the right way.

Call us now for more information, or complete our online enquiry form to let us know about the details surrounding your case.

What Causes Bedsores?

Patients often require a lot of bed rest to help them recover from illness and surgical procedures. If they do not move for a prolonged period, this causes the blood vessels where their weight is resting to become constricted. This causes tissue damage that will eventually result in bedsores developing, bedsores are very painful and can take a long time to heal.

It is often assumed that bedsores are more common in older patients, who may be less mobile, however this is not always the case. Bedsores can occur regardless of age. We have acted for clients who been immobile during childbirth, due to use of spinal block or epidural and bedsores have occurred in these instances.

The advancement of modern medical care means there is no excuse for allowing bedsores to occur. There are pressure-relieving mattresses available, and nursing teams often use a system of regularly turning patients to guard against bedsores.

However, there are unfortunately still instances of bedsores in UK hospitals, and Jackson Lees' 25 years of Medical Negligence experience can prove invaluable to victims. We understand the implications of bedsores, how painful they can be, the recovery time that may be required and the impact this can have on your life.

We are here to help you to get the right outcome, every step of the way.

If you require further information on making a Medical Negligence claim please visit our list of FAQs or alternatively please contact our Medical Negligence solicitors via our contact form.