Pressure Sores Compensation Claims

Pressure sores – also referred to as pressure ulcers or bed sores – are a serious problem for healthcare givers. According to the NHS, over 1,300 new cases are reported each month. In fact, treating pressure sores costs the NHS more than £1.4 million every day!

Although they are working hard to combat the issue, pressure sores continue to be a major and costly problem for the NHS and other healthcare providers.

What are pressure sores?

Pressure sores are injuries to the skin and the tissue beneath the skin.

They are caused by areas of the body pressing against a surface for prolonged periods of time – such as sitting in a chair or wheelchair. Patients spending a lot of time in bed are also prone to them, as are people with reduced mobility or paralysis.

Pressure sores tend to develop on bony parts of the body and start off as red patches or bruise-coloured marks on the skin.

Medical professionals grade pressure sores as follows:

• Grade one – early stages with discoloured skin, pain and itching
• Grade two – developing into an open wound or blister
• Grade three – the wound deepens further into the layers of the skin
• Grade four – a very deep wound that can affect tissue, muscle and bone

If left untreated, sufferers may develop fever and infection.

Why claim for pressure sores compensation?

If you are receiving medical care, your doctors and nurses should be aware of the risks. They should monitor for any signs and carry out preventative measures, such as turning or moving you regularly.

Pressure sores are preventable, so you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. Making a claim not only gives you some financial security while you are recovering, but it also raises awareness of the issue so that hopefully the healthcare provider can address it and prevented it happening in the future.

More about making a claim

How can First4Lawyers help?

Making a claim can seem daunting and you may not know where to start. First4Lawyers are here to talk you through the process and help you every step of the way.

We have No Win No Fee claims solicitors (not applicable in Scotland or Northern Ireland for medical negligence), with many years’ experience in medical negligence. They will guide you through the claims process, keeping you informed every step of the way.

Our aim is to take the pressure off you, allowing you to make a full recovery without the worry of paperwork and chasing up progress updates.

How much compensation will I receive?

It’s very difficult to put an exact figure on compensation payouts, as they can vary greatly.

Claims are assessed according to the seriousness (grade) of the pressure sore, as well as levels of pain and suffering. They will also take into account any losses incurred, such as wages due to time off work.

Our compensation calculator gives examples of amounts recommended by the Judicial College Guidelines.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

For medical negligence claims, the time limit is usually three years from the date of diagnosis or the ‘date of knowledge’, for example if the effects have taken a while to become apparent.

I think I have a claim, what do I do next?

If you’d like to enquire about making a claim, just get in contact with us. You can call us, complete our online claim form, or request a callback at the top of this page.

Initial consultations are free and there’s no obligation to continue with anything unless you are happy to do so.