Background

Irvings Law recently acted for the family of an elderly woman called Barbara who suffered a period of neglect whilst living at a care home.

On admission to the care home, Barbara’s care needs were made known to staff. She had been a long-term sufferer of chronic fatigue syndrome and somatisation disorder, which left her with weakness in all of her limbs. As a consequence of her poor health and lack of mobility, Barbara was at very high risk of developing pressure ulcers.

Pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue primarily caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. Nursing staff in hospitals or care homes should be aware of the signs of developing pressure ulcers and regular risk assessments must be carried out. Injuries as a result of pressure ulcers can be devastating, and lead to many serious complications such and osteomyelitis (bone infection) and sepsis.

Unfortunately for Barbara, after just a few months in the care of this home, our client developed a severe pressure ulcer, causing incredible pain and distress, not only for the Barbara, but for her family and loved ones.

Representation

Irvings Law acted quickly and effectively working with the Barbara’s family to raise a formal complaint to the care home and to find out what had happened.

It was discovered that despite Barbara having a red sacrum on admission, the staff at the care home failed to deliver adequate care and treatment, in order to prevent the development of pressure ulcers on her body. The development of the pressure ulcer had a very negative impact on Barbara’s quality of life.

Resolution

Frequently the development of pressure sores is avoidable with appropriate care and management. The care home failed to prepare a care plan to prevent the development of pressure ulcers. No adequate risk assessments were carried out and there was a failure to reposition or provide a high specification foam mattress or cushion to prevent the development of pressure ulcers. The care home failed to review Barbara’s dietary needs or offer nutritional supplements.

Irvings Law was able to achieve a good financial settlement on behalf of Barbara’s Estate.  Although no amount of monetary recompense can make up for the pain and suffering endured by a family member, the case helped to highlight failings in the practices of the care home and to improve standards for future residents.

Contact Irvings

Irvings Law are specialists in handling claims involving care home neglect and injury and is 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 care home. If the claim isn’t successful, you don’t pay our costs.

Have an enquiry?

You can contact Irvings for a no obligation, confidential chat by telephone on 0151 475 1999 or use our Freephone number of 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