Care Home Neglect
When you or one of your relatives moves into a care home you hope it’s a home away from home, but sometimes accidents happen and care can be substandard and sometimes neglectful. At Pearson Solicitors we are pragmatic and understand things sometimes go wrong, our experienced care home negligence solicitors are here to help.
What are care home negligence claims?
If something does go wrong with your care, or the care of a loved one in a home or residential nursing facility, our care home neglect solicitors can help and advise on the compensation you deserve for the pain and suffering caused. There is a three-year time limit from the date of injury, so it is advisable to talk to a specialist care home negligence solicitor as soon as possible regarding nursing and care home claims.
We also act for families whose loved one has passed away and whilst nothing will replace the loss of a family member perhaps making sure someone else does not suffer in the future does help.
What are the most common types of care home negligence?
Falls, slips and trips in a care home
Falls are common in older people, but three times more common in care homes, with 40% of admissions to hospitals from care homes related to falls. Even a minor fall can have consequences, but failure to prevent falls in care homes is inexcusable.
Serious injuries account for around 25% of falls in care home residents and in many cases care home compensation can be sought for injuries sustained following a fall that was caused by care home negligence.
Pressure and bed sores
Failure to monitor a patient when they are bedbound can lead to sores and pressure ulcers which when left untreated result in severe health complications; such as infection, cellulitis, or sepsis and sometimes can be fatal.
Pressure ulcers, pressure sores or bedsores are the result of mismanaged care when care home residents are confined to bed, sitting in chairs for lengthy periods or in wheelchairs.
Prescription and Medication errors
Giving an incorrect dose of medicine, or even mixing up medication between patients can lead to unpleasant side effects and serious health issues, you can claim for mismanagement of medicines when you have trusted healthcare professionals in a care home to administer medication.
Preventable injuries and handling errors
Regular risk assessments should maintain a good duty of care for all residents in care homes. However, some of the following can affect care and lead to injury;
- inadequate handrails
- lack of staff training in manual handling techniques
- ineffectual harnesses
- transfers from bed to wheelchair
- failure to provide wheelchairs or walking frames
- unnecessary or excessive force to restrain residents
Poor personal hygiene
Maintaining the dignity of a resident in a care home is important and good personal hygiene is a key part of that. If personal and dental hygiene is neglected and assistance is not given it can have health consequences.
At all times personal care should be supported in the way a person wants it and the way it would be if they were living at home.
Dehydration and malnutrition through lack of food or water
There is no excuse for not feeding a care home resident or making sure they drink enough water and are kept hydrated. Lack of both can have serious health implications and if you believe your relative is suffering through neglect in a care home you should seek legal help and advice.
How to report neglect in a care home
If you are suffering from neglect in a care home, or you believe a relative is at risk don’t delay. Report your concerns to the care home manager, record all events with dates and times, get photographic evidence if possible, take notes and then get expert legal advice from a care home negligence solicitor.
Can I make a care home claim on behalf of a relative?
Care home claims can be made on behalf of a relative. Care and nursing home negligence claims can be made by;
- the recipient
- their immediate family
- the estate or dependants of the deceased
- victim of the care home negligence or injury
In the event of care home negligence leading to death then you can make a claim retrospectively against a care home.
How much can I claim for negligence whilst in a care home?
We will assess each case on merit and advise accordingly. There are many factors to consider when the compensation is agreed such as the severity of the injury and the impact it has on the quality of life. You will also be able to claim for any additional costs, such as rehabilitation, physiotherapy, travel costs (if incurred) and any additional care costs. When we take on your case, and if liability is admitted, an interim payment can be awarded until the case is concluded.
How much does it cost to make a car home claim?
We will take your case on a No Win No Fee basis so there is no financial risk to you or your loved ones. If the case is unsuccessful you will not have to pay any legal costs. However, if the case is settled, liability admitted and we secure a financial compensation award for you we will recover our fees from the settlement.
How long will my case take?
There is a time limit of three years to bring a case against a care home provider. A care home or nursing home claim should be made within three years from the date the negligence occurred or you were first aware of it. However, every case is different and in most, we would hope the defendant admits liability so we can get a speedy settlement for you.
It is important to seek legal advice as soon as you suspect there has been negligence to you or a relative.
Care home negligence claims
Contact a specialist care home negligence solicitors who deal in care home and residential care home negligence today on 0161 785 3500 or email at enquiries@peasonlegal.co.uk
