Pressure & bed sore compensation claim solicitors

How many types of pressure sores are there?

There are four categories of pressure ulcers, ranging in severity. Pain and tenderness are associated with all four, as well as sensations of itchiness and uncomfortable warmth.

• Category 1 pressure ulcer: Areas of skin that appear discoloured. Red patches are common in people with lighter skin, while those with darker skin typically experiencing purple or blue discolouration.
• Category 2 pressure ulcer: As above but having developed into an open wound or blister.
• Category 3 pressure ulcer: As above but having developed into a deeper wound that has opened up several layers of skin.
• Category 4 pressure ulcer: As above but having developed into a serious wound that may expose muscle or bone tissue.

Pressure ulcers can also lead to further complications such as blood poisoning in serious cases.

If you or a loved one has suffered these symptoms as a result of someone else's negligence, contact us today to find out if you could claim for compensation.

What are the main causes of pressure sores?

Those who struggle with mobility are typically at a greater risk of developing pressure ulcers.

They form when pressure is applied to an area of the skin, cutting off its oxygen supply and causing it to deteriorate.

The elderly and people receiving hospital treatment may be more at risk if they are reliant on others to help them change their position regularly. It's estimated that one in 20 hospital admissions due to sudden illnesses sees the patient develop pressure sores.

Medical negligence is a common cause of bed sores, whether you are seeking treatment in a hospital or a care home, as being left unattended while unable to move freely makes the development of pressure ulcers much more likely.

How much compensation can I get for pressure sores?

There's no one simple answer to this question as the compensation amount for your claim will be judged on the experiences of you or the loved one affected. Like all personal injuries, pressure sore compensation is partly determined using the latest edition of the Judicial College guidelines, and your solicitor will use these to give you an indication of the amount to which you may be entitled.

The severity of your pressureulcers and how they have affected your life will also have an impact on the amount of compensation that you could receive.

For an idea of what you could be owed, use our compensation calculator. It will also give you an indication of whether you can continue your claim online.

How do I start a pressure sore compensation claim?

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get the pressure ulcer compensation that you deserve. There are three ways to start your claim with us.

• Fill in our callback form. Enter some personal details and information about your injury and a member of our team will be in touch at a time that suits you.
• Call us on 0800 587 0344. Lines are open until 9pm Monday to Friday, 6pm on Saturdays and 5pm on Sundays.
• Use our pressure sores compensation calculator. Our free tool gives you an indication of how much you could be owed and what the next steps are.

How does a pressure ulcer claim work?

No matter the severity of your pressure sores, the compensation claim process generally follows the same pattern.

1. Your lawyer will gather as much information as possible about your case. This might include medical records, photographs, witness statements and any communications that you've had with the party whom you believe to be at fault.
2. Once the facts behind the case have been established, your legal team will contact the other party to inform them that you are making a claim against them.
3. If they accept fault, compensation for your pressure sores can be negotiated. If they do not, your lawyer will continue legal proceedings against them. You will be informed through every stage of the process and supported fully in the rare event that you need to appear in court.
4. If your claim is successful, you will pay your lawyer an agreed fee that is deducted from your compensation amount. If your claim is dismissed and you took out a no win no fee agreement, you won't have to pay a penny.

How long do pressure sore compensation claims take?

The severity of your injury and the various effects that it has had on your life can influence the time that it takes in a claim. Gathering as much evidence as possible to support your claim is another factor.

While we cannot put an exact timeframe on your case, rest assured that our team and panel of legal experts will keep you informed through every step of the process.

What if I lose my claim?

When you submit your claim on a no win no fee basis, we will also help you take out After the Event (ATE) insurance. This provides full financial protection if your claim is not successful.

This helps you make your bed sore claim in confidence and a risk-free manner.