Claims against care homes and nursing homes

When we entrust the care of an elderly or vulnerable loved one to a care home or nursing home, we rightly expect that a high level of care and support will be provided at all times. Unfortunately, for many reasons, the care experienced by vulnerable care home residents can sometimes fall short of acceptable standards, which can have a devastating effect on their wellbeing and can often lead to tragic outcomes. In the most serious cases, it is often families who are left to cope and come to terms with the consequences of negligence.

Clinical negligence cases arising from treatment in care homes can take numerous forms. You may need a solicitor to assist you with making a claim if you suspect any of the following may have occurred:

Neglect by staff

For many reasons, care home staff are not always able to meet the complex care needs of their vulnerable and elderly residents. Pressure on staff and inadequate administrative and communication systems can result in care plans being misplaced, misunderstood or simply not followed. Such failures can lead to avoidable injuries occurring and is sadly a common cause of clinical negligence claims.

Falls

Residents can sometimes suffer falls in care homes and nursing homes which are unavoidable. However, if the correct safeguards have been implemented, some falls are preventable. Falls can range from tripping or slipping over in a care home, to vulnerable residents falling out of bed. It is important that staff take special care when looking after vulnerable people who are at risk, to not only prevent avoidable falls but also to ensure that injured residents are not left unattended and untreated for long periods of time.

Pressure sores

Pressure sores can develop quickly, therefore staff must ensure that residents are carefully monitored and turned regularly, if necessary, to prevent them from occurring. Inadequate treatment of pressure sores can have devastating results; so it is important that care homes take active steps to prevent them from occurring. Even when pressure sores are unavoidable, they must still be monitored, treated and dressed adequately to prevent infection, otherwise, treatment is likely to be considered negligent.

Failure to arrange further care

If a patient becomes unwell and treatment is required beyond that available from nursing staff, it is important that residents are seen by a GP or are transferred to the hospital quickly if necessary. Failure to recognise when residents require further care can result in delayed treatment and can seriously affect a resident’s prognosis.

Sadly, the types of clinical negligence cases listed above can often lead to life-changing outcomes, many of which are fatal.

We have an extensive team of specialist clinical negligence solicitors which is highly experienced in dealing with claims against care homes and nursing homes when injury and death has been caused by negligence. We are able to provide a free initial consultation to find out if we can help you make a claim on a no win no fee agreement.

Our priority is to obtain the best financial outcome to ensure that you or your loved ones are appropriately compensated for the suffering, harm and additional financial expense caused by negligent treatment.

We will provide you with a personal and compassionate legal service, where your delegated legal adviser is easily available and accessible. Our aim is to make the process as less stressful as possible for you.

Our team is ranked highly by Chambers UK and The Legal 500, which are two of the most prestigious, independent guides in the legal profession.

As one of the most well established clinical negligence teams in the country, we have a wealth of experience to assist you with a claim.