Pressure Sore & Bed Sore Negligence Claims
If you’ve suffered from pressure sores due to negligence medical care, speak to our no win no fee solicitors today to find out your rights to claim compensation.
Pressure sores, bed sores, or pressure ulcers, as they are sometimes referred to, can occur when skin and underlying tissue are exposed to prolonged pressure. A pressure sore can be extremely painful and, if left untreated, can lead to a number of serious medical conditions.
With the right level of medical attention, it should be very rare for a patient to develop pressure sores under medical supervision.
If you or a loved one has suffered from bed sores caused by substandard medical care in a hospital, care home or any other medical setting, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
With over three decades of experience in helping patients successfully claim for medical negligence, our experienced team understands how distressing it can be to suffer from pressure sores as a result of substandard medical care.
Speak to our legal team today to find out your rights to claim compensation for pressure sores on a no win no fee basis.
When can I claim compensation for a pressure sore?
You can claim compensation for a pressure sore or bed sore if the medical care you received failed to meet the legally required duty of care, and this resulted in you developing pressure sores or making an existing condition worse.
In most cases, you have up to three years from the date the negligence happened to start your claim.
Specialists You Can Trust
We’ve handled hundreds of complex medical negligence claims — recovering over £105 million for clients in the last five years alone.
In addition to this, we work with leading medical experts to make sure your case is built on the strongest evidence and you receive the maximum compensation possible.
What types of medical negligence lead to pressure sore compensation claims?
Usually, negligent medical care leading to pressure sores or bed sores is due to a failure to accurately assess a patient’s risk of pressure sores, to regularly reposition an immobile patient, or a failure to provide adequate pressure-relieving equipment.
Additionally, we see pressure sore compensation claims arising from incorrect treatment, delayed or misdiagnosis, a lack of proper hygiene, or poor management of a wound.
The majority of pressure sore claims are from poor patient care in NHS hospitals or care homes.
Pressure sore compensation claims as a result of negligent care, assessment or monitoring can include:
Failure to accurately conduct a risk assessment
Pressure sore risk assessments should be made for all patients, especially those with limited mobility. If a risk assessment is not carried out correctly and the risk is missed, leading to a pressure sore, this is classed as negligence.
Failure to reposition an immobile patient
Patients with limited or no mobility must be moved frequently to relieve pressure. Failure to do so is one of the leading causes of pressure sores.
Inadequate use of pressure-relieving equipment
Specially designed products to help relieve pressure on patients, such as mattresses, cushions, and overlays, should be used for patients at risk. If they are not, or are used incorrectly, this is classed as negligence.
Inadequate monitoring
Pressure sores can develop if a patient is not adequately monitored. The patient’s skin should be regularly checked for early signs of pressure damage. As part of the monitoring process, detailed record-keeping should be maintained to effectively manage the condition.
Failure to follow a care plan
For patients at risk of pressure sores, it is common for them to have a specific care plan to mitigate against bed sores. If the care plan is not followed correctly and this leads to pressure sores, you may have a right to claim compensation.
Inadequate treatment for pressure sores
For patients who have already developed pressure sores or pressure ulcers, the condition must be managed effectively. If it hasn’t, or treatment is delayed and the condition worsens, you may have the right to claim.
Pressure sores worsening due to a lack of hygiene
Once a pressure sore has developed, it is essential to care for it as soon as possible. If the wound is mismanaged, incorrectly dressed, not redressed enough, or gets infected, this is classed as negligence.
Inadequate training
If the medical professionals responsible for your care are not sufficiently trained to recognise the risk and signs of pressure sores, you may have a right to claim for compensation.
What medical complications can occur as a result of pressure sores?
Unfortunately, pressure sores can lead to severe illness, and in some cases, potentially life-threatening conditions.
The most common types of illnesses caused by pressure sores include infections and tissue damage. This is because when the skin breaks down, it can provide an entry point for infection, which can spread to other parts of the patient’s body.
Common medical conditions caused by pressure sores can include:
- Sepsis or Septicaemia (blood poisoning)
- Cellulitis
- Gangrene
- Bone and joint infections
- Tissue necrosis
- Blood poisoning
- Abscesses and other skin conditions
How much compensation can I get for a pressure sore claim?
Compensation amounts for pressure sore claims caused by medical negligence will depend on the severity of your condition and the effect it will have on your life.
Compensation for pressure sores can range from just under £4,000 for a minor, grade 1 pressure sore, up to £20,000 for a severe ulcer. However, this only considers the sore, not any related conditions that may have developed from the sore, or the impact on your day-to-day life.
How is compensation for pressure sores calculated?
Compensation amounts for pressure sores are calculated in two parts: general damages and special damages.
General damages are awarded for the level of pain, suffering and loss of amenity, sometimes known as PLSA. Compensation amounts awarded will consider how your illness may affect your daily activities, including socially, domestically and at work.
In contrast, special damages are awarded for any reasonable financial losses or “out-of-pocket” expenses directly related to your illness.
Compensation for special damages is particularly significant for those with more severe conditions, as they may need extended medical assistance, specialist equipment and adaptations to their home.
In most cases, compensation amounts are higher the more severe your illness or injury is and the long-term implications it may have on your life.
The level of compensation you may receive will depend on several factors, including:
- The severity and type of injury you have suffered due to the medical errors
- The level of pain and suffering you have experienced and may continue to experience
- Your medical costs to date, and the cost of ongoing medical treatment, and the care you may need
- Your loss of earnings, including future earnings
- The unique circumstances of your case.
How long do I have to start a pressure sore negligence claim?
You have up to three years to start your claim from the date of the negligence or when you first became aware that the negligent care caused your injury or illness or negatively impacted an existing condition.
However, there are some exceptions to the three-year limit. These include:
Children have up to three years from their 18th birthday to start a claim.
If a person is unable to claim due to limited mental capacity, the three-year time limit does not apply and may only start if their condition improves to a point where they can claim for themselves.
The three-year time limit to claim compensation is known as the statute of limitations. It applies to all types of personal injury claims.
We recommend that you start your claim as soon as possible, as this can help us collect all the evidence we need to present the strongest case.
What do I need to prove when making a pressure sore negligence claim?
When claiming, you will need to prove that the medical professionals involved breached their duty of care and that this caused your injury or illness.
To do this, our medical negligence solicitors will examine four key areas relating to the medical care you received relating to your operation.
Duty of care
All healthcare professionals are legally required to provide a “reasonable” level of care to their patients. The first step is to discover if the level of care you received fell below the accepted standard.
Breach of duty
Proving that the medical professional failed to provide the legally required level of duty of care.
Causation
Proving that the actions of the healthcare professional were the cause of your condition or injury.
Damages
Providing evidence that the negligence has negatively affected your life.
Recent successful claims
£27m for child left blind with cerebral palsy at birth
Oscar’s family secured £27m after delayed response to placental abruption caused lifelong brain injury.
£2.8m for missed tumour in x-rays 6 years before diagnosis
Mrs K received £2.8m after a cancerous tumour was visible in x-rays years before diagnosis confirmed.
£950,000 for brain damage from untreated hydrocephalus
Jack received £950,000 after shunts weren’t removed, causing severe brain damage and memory loss.
What information do I need to provide to start a pressure sore negligence claim?
While discussing your claim with our specialist solicitors, we will ask for information you can provide to support your case.
Don’t worry if you don’t have all of this information. Our experienced solicitors can collect this information on your behalf.
Such information may include, but isn’t limited to:
Your medical records
We will build a comprehensive file including all records of treatment you received while in hospital or in your care home.
A statement from yourself
The more information you can provide, the better we can advise you of your rights and build the most compelling case on your behalf. Typically, such information includes a timeline of events and the impact the care you received has had.
As your legal representative, we will then combine this information with information from independent medical experts and build the strongest case possible for you to receive the maximum amount of compensation you are legally entitled to.
Can I make a no win no fee pressure sore negligence claim?
Yes, you can make a no win no fee claim if you have suffered from pressure or bed sores caused by negligent care. Our medical negligence solicitors provide our legal services on a no win no fee basis, which means you can claim with the peace of mind that you are at no financial risk if your claim is unsuccessful.
No win no fee agreements are also known as Conditional Fee Agreements (CFA). When a no win no fee agreement is set up, your solicitor will take an insurance policy out on your behalf. The policy protects you against any costs incurred relating to your claim. These costs could include legal fees, medical reports, court costs, and other expenses.
Our solicitors will explain how the policy works and what fee may be paid if your claim is successful.
Can I claim compensation for pressure sores from an NHS hospital?
Yes, you can claim compensation against an NHS hospital for a pressure sore if you can show that it developed because you weren’t given the level of care required to prevent it.
Can I claim compensation for pressure sores from a care home?
Yes, you can claim for pressure sores caused by substandard care in a care home. Your rights to claim from a care home are the same as for claiming from a hospital or NHS trust.
Support At Every Stage
From your first enquiry to the final outcome, you’ll have a dedicated team of specialists guiding you through the entire process.
We’ll explain everything clearly so you understand exactly what’s going on at any point in time, answer your questions, address possible concerns, and help you get the care and support you need while your claim is ongoing.
What are the different grades of pressure sores?
When a pressure sore is assessed, a medical professional assigns a grade based on its severity.
This grading helps guide treatment and will also affect the level of compensation you may be able to claim. More severe sores often lead to greater pain, a longer recovery and a higher impact on daily life, which may be reflected in the amount your claim is worth.
Most pressure sores fall into one of four grades or stages:
Grade/Stage 1:
The skin shows early signs of damage, usually a change in colour that doesn’t turn white when pressed. The area may feel warm or painful. This is the least severe stage and, when caught early, can be treated quickly.
Grade/Stage 2:
There is a partial loss of skin thickness. The area may look like a blister or an open sore. Without proper care, these sores can become infected and worsen over time.
Grade/Stage 3:
Full-thickness skin loss has occurred, creating a deeper wound with damage to the underlying tissue. These sores often appear crater-like and can be painful and slow to heal.
Grade/Stage 4:
This is the most severe stage. The sore extends into deeper structures such as muscle, bone, tendons or joints. These injuries carry a high risk of serious complications and may cause long-term disability.
Some pressure sores cannot be immediately classified when the wound depth is unclear.
Accurate grading is essential — it ensures the correct treatment is provided and can help correctly value your compensation claim in relation to your injuries.
How should pressure ulcers and sores be prevented or treated?
In the majority of cases, pressure ulcers can be prevented with proper nursing care. The most effective way to reduce the risk of a pressure sore is to avoid prolonged pressure on one area of the skin by ensuring regular movement throughout the day.
If someone cannot change position on their own, they should be moved at frequent intervals — generally at least every two hours when lying down, and every hour when sitting upright.
Pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions should also be used, along with keeping the patient’s skin clean, dry, and healthy.
Regular checks of high-risk areas are essential to spot any early signs of damage quickly. The first sign that a pressure sore may be forming is often a noticeable change in the skin’s colour.
Why choose us
£105m recovered in 5 years
40+ years specialist experience
No upfront fees, maximum results
Why choose Wolferstans to represent you for your pressure sore negligence claim?
Our team of dedicated specialist medical negligence solicitors has decades of experience helping clients claim compensation even in the most challenging circumstances.
With a proven track record of successful claims, often achieved without the need for you to attend court, we can make claiming medical negligence compensation as simple and effective as possible.
Wolferstans is Lexcel accredited by the Law Society, reflecting the excellence of our practice management and client care. We are also accredited by the Law Society for Clinical Negligence in recognition of the particular strength of our work in this area.
Our team includes members of a wide range of organisations related to their specific expertise in the area of medical negligence, including:
Headway – the brain injury association
The Spinal Injuries Association
The Brain Injury Group
APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers)
AvMA (Association Against Medical Accidents)
Specific team members have been accredited by the Law Society, AvMA, and APIL as Clinical Negligence Specialists and by APIL as Brain Injury Specialists.
Our accreditations and awards
