Elderly Resident Suffers Injuries After Failure to Follow DNAR Procedure

Background

We acted for the family of an elderly gentleman living with Alzheimer’s disease who sustained an avoidable injury following a failure to follow procedure while residing in a care home.

Despite a valid DNAR (Do Not Attempt Resuscitation) order being in place, the ambulance staff instructed the nurse to move the gentleman from his chair to the floor and begin CPR. The nurse followed these instructions, and CPR was administered for several minutes while the emergency call continued.

Throughout this period, our client appeared to be breathing and responding, including showing signs of pain and movement. Nevertheless, CPR was continued, and as a result, he sustained chest injuries. He was admitted to hospital shortly afterwards, where he was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia and required a short inpatient stay.

Representation

On behalf of his family, Irvings Law brought a claim against the care provider for failing to follow the established DNAR order and for continuing with CPR, contrary to the pre-agreed procedure. A formal Letter of Claim was prepared and sent to the Care Home, setting out these concerns. No liability response was received after our Letter of Claim.

Resolution

Despite the lack of a response from the Care Home, Irvings were able to negotiate a settlement for our client. This matter underscores the need for care providers to ensure that all staff are properly, trained, supported and educated to act in the best interests of vulnerable residents.

Contact Irvings

Irvings Law are specialists in handling claims involving care home neglect and injury and are committed to fighting neglect in care homes and securing financial compensation for victims of care home neglect.

Has your loved one been injured as a result of neglect or injury in a care home?

How much will it cost me?

We act on a “no win – no fee” basis. If your claim is successful, the costs are paid by the Defendant. If the claim is not successful, you do not pay our costs.

Have an Enquiry?

For more information, please visit the care home injury compensation page of this website. Or, you can contact Irvings for a no obligation confidential chat by telephone on 0151 475 1999 or use our free phone number 0800 954 0243 and talk to our specialist care home injury team. Alternatively you can submit your enquiry to us by email to info@irvingslaw.com.