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Pressure Sores

Pressure sores (also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores) occur when a person is lying in the same position for a long period of time, which places pressure on a particular part of their skin. If you or a loved one have developed bedsores due to improper medical care, you may be entitled to compensation.

At Ramsdens Solicitors, our team of legal experts have helped hundreds of people who have been affected by the negligence of medical staff, and are best placed to offer support and guidance if you have suffered from pressure sores.

ABOUT PRESSURE SORES

Pressure sore is the name given to a lesion or wound that has developed around prominent bony areas of the body due to a person lying in the same position for a prolonged period of time. This type of injury is commonly found in areas such as:

  • Hips
  • Lower back
  • Tailbone
  • Heels
  • Elbows
  • Back of the head

It does not take long for these sores to develop and, depending on the pressure, they can form very quickly. Pressure sores are usually graded on severity, beginning at 1 through to grade 4, which indicates when a wound has penetrated to the bone. If they are left to develop to this extent, bedsores are unlikely to heal and can therefore have a significant impact on the victim’s quality of life.

Hospitals and other care providers are responsible for preventing pressure sores from developing. This can be achieved through regularly changing a patient’s position or providing a bed that is suited to their medical needs. However, cases of neglect do occur, and this can be dangerous for the patient. In the most severe cases, pressure sores can be life-threatening, depending on their grading.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK?

Due to the nature of this condition, those who are unable to move without assistance are at much greater risk of developing pressure sores.

Among the most at risk are:

  • Elderly people
  • People recovering from major surgery
  • Those suffering from sensitivity or limited awareness
  • Overweight people

COMPLICATIONS OF PRESSURE SORES

Some of the complications associated with severe pressure sores include:

  • Blood poisoning
  • Bone and joint infection
  • Cellulitis
  • Gas gangrene

If you or a loved one have suffered any of the above due to severe pressure sores, we want to speak to you.

MAKING A CLAIM

As with other cases of this nature, pressure sore compensation claims require the best legal assistance. There are strict time frames in place within which a negligence case must be brought, therefore, it is important that you speak to a solicitor as soon as you realise the impact this is having on your life.

HOW WE CAN HELP

At Ramsdens Solicitors, we have years of experience in catering to the needs of people who have been injured or fallen ill as a result of medical negligence. We will investigate your case in great detail to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Kick start the legal proceedings today by calling us on 01484 821 500, email us at PICN@ramsdens.co.uk or filling out our online enquiry form and we will get back to you at a time convenient for you.