£20,000 damages for multiple pressure sores in care homes

Nick Gray, solicitor in our Clinical Negligence Department recently agreed a settlement of £20,000 for the family of Mr Leonard Newton, Deceased.  Whilst a resident at Shevington Court Care Home & subsequently Ferndale Court Care Homes, Liverpool he developed extensive bed sores (also known as “pressure sores”).  These deteriorated over a 6 month period, leading to Grade 4 pressure sores on both his heels, which became infected, along with a Grade 2 pressure sore on his sacrum (base of spine).  A Grade 4 pressure sore is the most severe is the type of pressure ulcer.  To control the associated pain, Mr Newton required regular doses of Morphine.  He eventually died of a condition unrelated to the development of the multiple pressure ulcers.  It was necessary to commence Court proceedings in order to secure the compensation for the significant pain and suffering Mr Newton endured during his last few months.

Nick commented: “I see an increasing number of people who develop bed sores whilst residents at a care home or nursing home.  These should be avoidable if basic nursing procedures are followed.  Sadly for whatever reason, which might include staff shortages or poor training, these are now occurring much more frequently.  The level of damages payable for bed sores is high when compared to other types of injuries and it is important to ensure that lessons are learned to prevent others from suffering.  I’d encourage investigation of such cases whenever a bed sore / pressure damage is identified, or recorded on a Death Certificate”.