Pressure Sores, Pressure Ulcers, Bedsores, and Blisters - These are some of the ways to describe easily prevented, but sometimes horrific injuries.

We will have all had blisters at one point in our lives, probably on our feet or toes when we have bought a new pair of shoes. One of the most common causes of a blister like this is the skin being damaged by unusual pressure, friction or rubbing. If the blister bursts, it can be painful and leaves a layer of unprotected skin underneath.

But imagine developing a larger blister on your lower back, your heels or the back of your thighs and not being able to relieve the pressure by yourself. The blood supply to that area is restricted because your mobility is limited due to a disability, or maybe you have recently undergone surgery or sustained an injury, or perhaps it has happened to an elderly relative who doesn’t have the strength to move positions on their own. As the blood flow is restricted, the blister gets worse, the skin and surrounding tissues start to die and very quickly the small area of irritated skin becomes a necrotic, oozing and putrid pressure sore, perhaps requiring surgery to correct, amputation of a limb, or even death.

Of course, this is a simplified version of how a severe pressure sore can develop, but the reality is that pressure damage of this nature can develop rapidly if steps for prevention are not taken early. The NHS estimate that severe pressure damage can occur within “a few hours” if preventative measures are not put in place.

Unfortunately, I have acted on several pressure damage claims in recent years involving young children and elderly clients. In many ways, they can be the most frustrating claims because the injury is so easily avoided if the right preventative measures are recognised and implemented early. NHS data from 2015 estimated that up to 95% of pressure sores are avoidable.

So why do pressure sores still happen?

The answer is largely down to a failure by hospital staff or district nurses to recognise the risk of a patient being vulnerable to pressure damage. Some patients may require a special pressure relieving mattress, some may require a regular turns regime every two/three hours, some may just require a particular area (such as a heel) being raised to prevent unnecessary pressure.

Despite being easy to prevent, patients across the country are still developing pressure sores daily, with approximately 700,000 people affected each year. Treating pressure sores costs the NHS more than £3.8 million every day with more money being paid out in compensation.

At Jackson Lees, we recover thousands of pounds for clients who have suffered from pressure sores. A typical pressure sore claim would be likely to recover between £5,000 - £25,000 in compensation with the most severe cases (leading to permanent immobility or even amputation of limbs) recovering more than £100,000. In the higher value cases, we ensure that your future needs are catered for such as care and equipment.

Pressure damage continues to be a sore subject for the NHS, but if you think you have suffered from avoidable pressure damage, Jackson Lees are here to try to help.

Mark will be our adviser at the drop-in clinic on Saturday 30th June.

Jackson Lees have a dedicated team of specialist lawyers who will be able to identify the issues affecting you and your loved ones and offer you the best practical advice on the options available. Please click here for a call back or message us your enquiry.