Common Care Home Claims

Common claims arising from poor care at care homes include:

• Pressure ulcers and pressure sores
• Medication errors
• Injuries and fractures from falls or handling errors

Pressure Sore Claims

Pressure sores or ulcers can develop where a patient’s skin is in contact with the bed for a long period of time. Plaster sores can also form where a plaster is put on incorrectly after a fracture. The risk is higher where a patient is elderly, ill, immobile or diabetic and their skin is in poor condition. Pressure sores can be very serious. They can be painful and take a long time to heal and some do not heel at all. They can lead to infection. They can restrict the patient’s ability to walk or move.

Medication and Presciption Error Claims

Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to prescription or medical errors. Some people may not be aware of what the correct prescription should be. People who are frail may be more vulnerable to the effects of the wrong medication.

Injuries and Fractures from Falls or Handling Errors

Elderly people may be vulnerable to injuries from falls in care homes, particularly if they are not provided with appropriate mobility aids or adequately supervised. Sometimes careless handling can cause injuries. Not every injury in a care home is due to negligence but some accidents are avoidable with proper care.

Care Home Compensation Claims

Russell Jones & Walker's expert medical negligence team have recovered large awards of compensation from accidents in care home. These have included:

• Failure to prevent pressure sores by providing an adequate mattress, necessary equipment or a proper turning regime;
• Failure to ensure residents have wheelchairs or walking frames to hand;
• Careless handling when transferring residents between beds, chairs etc
• Medication errors

Importance of Care Home Compensation Claims

For people who develop disability because of pressure sores or plaster sores, compensation may be very important for their quality of life. Compensation can enable them to have:

• Private medical treatment, avoiding delays and in greater comfort than in NHS hospitals
• Nursing care at home
• Help with housework
• Money to make good any loss of earnings

Recent Care Home Claims Press Coverage

• Hospital Unit Faces New Claim from Husband of Susannah Anley
• Care Home Shamed After Elderly Woman Left Unable to Walk
• NHS Elderly Care "Condemns Many to an Early Death"
• Inquest Criticises Poor NHS Care of Deceased Manchester Woman
• Alan Simper Dies After Failings at a Leading Care Home

Contact us today to talk about your care home compensation claim

Please call 0800 916 9049, email enquiries@rjwslatergordon.co.uk or use the short online enquiry form.

With offices in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Cardiff and Edinburgh RJW can offer immediate and accessible representation anywhere in the UK. 

Compassion in Care

RJW Solicitors supports the work done by Eileen Chubb of the charity Compassion in Care