Damages award after care home fails to follow care plan

Specialist clinical negligence lawyer acting for the claimant successfully obtained an out-of court settlement of £5000 to compensate the estate of the deceased Mr B.

The case was brought by Mrs C, who was the executor of the estate of her father, Mr B. The case was brought against the care home that Mr B was residing in prior to his death.

Following an improvement in his condition, Mr B had been moved from a specialist centre to a nursing home. Upon transfer, the nursing home was provided with a comprehensive care plan which covered all aspects of his life, including the fact that he was on a pureed diet and had thickened drinks due to a risk of choking.

Mr B had only been in the nursing home for a matter of weeks when his condition deteriorated and his weight had rapidly decreased. He was eventually admitted to Maidstone Hospital with decreased levels of consciousness. He was found to be severely dehydrated and suffering from aspiration pneumonia and renal impairment. Sadly, just two days after he was admitted to hospital, Mr B passed away.

A claim was brought against the care home on the basis that they did not follow Mr B’s care plan, especially with regards to his nutritional needs.

If you would like to ask a question about a potential case, or if you have a general query about any personal injury, contact Thomson Snell & Passmore solicitors on 01892 701376 in confidence.