Settlement Following Prolonged Neglect and Deterioration of Pressure Ulcers

Background

We acted on behalf of the estate of an elderly resident who required 24-hour care and was entirely dependent on care staff to meet her daily needs. She was extremely vulnerable and at a very high risk of developing pressure ulcers.

Prior to her admission to residential care, she had been discharged from hospital with an existing sacral pressure ulcer. Upon admission, the pressure damage had already deteriorated to a higher grade. Over the following months, she remained under the care of the provider, during which time her pressure ulcers worsened significantly, and additional pressure ulcers developed on other parts of her body.

Whilst living in the respective Care Home, there were repeated concerns raised by community nursing and tissue viability services regarding the management of her wounds. Advice was provided on wound care, repositioning, pressure relief equipment and infection monitoring. Despite this, records indicated ongoing deterioration, enlargement and tunnelling of wounds, inconsistent implementation of advice, shortages of appropriate dressings, and difficulties ensuring effective pressure off-loading.

During this period, further pressure ulcers developed, including severe and ungradable ulcers, some of which failed to heal prior to her discharge. A safeguarding referral was ultimately made in relation to concerns of neglect and acts of omission arising from the management of her care.

Subsequently, she sadly passed away.

Representation

Irvings were instructed by the Personal Representatives of the estate to investigate and pursue a claim arising from failures in care over a prolonged period.

The claim alleged that the Defendant failed to provide care of a reasonable standard, to adequately prevent pressure damage, to properly manage existing wounds, and to escalate safeguarding concerns in a timely manner. Independent expert evidence was obtained from a nursing liability expert and a consultant plastic surgeon in relation to the harm caused.

Resolution

Following completion of liability investigations settlement was reached at £17,500.

This case highlights the serious consequences of prolonged failures in basic care, the importance of strict adherence to tissue viability guidance, and the need for care providers to protect highly vulnerable residents from avoidable harm.

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.