Pressure Sore Claims
Pressure sores develop when pressure is applied to prominent areas of the body for a prolonged period of time. The disruption of blood supply to the skin results in a loss of oxygen which leads to the break down of the skin. Pressure sores can be very painful and, if they become infected, can require debridement, amputation and, in the most extreme cases, cause the death of the patient. Where a pressure sore develops or worsens because of nursing or care home negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Individuals who are immobile for prolonged periods of time due to illness, recent surgery or disability are particularly vulnerable to developing pressure sores. Pressure sores are more likely to develop on the main pressure points on the hips, lower back, tailbone, heels, ankles and elbows.
Extensive guidance exists which aims to prevent pressure sores from developing and which details the treatment that should be provided once they have developed. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance states that patients with reduced mobility should have an assessment of their risk of developing pressure sores called a Waterlow Assessment. This should be performed at the outset and then repeated throughout the period of immobility and if there is any change in the patient’s condition.
Preventing pressure sores requires checking pressure areas for sore development, ensuring that patients are repositioned on a regular basis, and using pressure relieving apparatus.
Whether a pressure sore is caused by negligent or non-negligent factors, appropriate management will reduce the risk of the wound getting worse and causing significant complications. Pressure sores are graded from 1 to 4 and this will usually guide the treatment that is required. Treating pressure sores involves assessing and documenting any changes in the wound, ensuring that the wound is cleaned and dressed, and referring for specialist review if there is a significant change in the condition of the wound. Serious cases may require debridement or even amputation, but all cases carry a risk of developing an infection which will impact the overall health and wellbeing of the patient.
The specialist medical negligence team at O’Donnell Solicitors has experience of helping clients who have developed a pressure sore as a result of nursing or care home negligence to recover financial compensation for the injuries that they have suffered.
The most common areas of pressure sore negligence include:
- Failure to carry out/repeat a Waterlow assessment.
- Failure to implement/follow a pressure relieving regime.
- Failure to appropriately treat a pressure sore.
- Failure to refer a patient for specialist tissue viability/plastic surgery assessment and treatment in a timely manner.
