Pressure Sore Claims in Derby

What are pressure sores?

Often referred to as pressure ulcers or bedsores, pressure sores are areas of damage to the skin and, in some cases, the tissue beneath it. They develop when pressure on part of the body reduces the blood supply to that area, and are generally classified into different categories, depending on the extent of the tissue damage.

• Stage 1 – the skin is intact, but has a persistent change in colour. The area may also feel different from the surrounding skin and can be painful or unusually warm, cool, firm or soft.
• Stage 2 – this stage includes partial-thickness skin loss, which may look like a shallow open wound or a blister.
• Stage 3 – damage involves the full thickness of the skin and extends into the tissue underneath; the wound may contain dead tissue.
• Stage 4 – there is extensive tissue damage, which can reach deeper structures such as muscle, tendon, ligament or bone. This can also become infected, potentially leading to complications like bone infections and, in severe cases, sepsis.

How do I know if I have grounds for a pressure sore claim in Derby?

Pressure sores are commonly linked to settings like hospitals, care homes and nursing homes, where individuals are more likely to have limited mobility, spend long periods sitting or lying down and need assistance to change position. These circumstances can increase the risk of pressure damage, particularly when other factors such as reduced sensation, poor nutrition or an existing health condition are also present.

A pressure sore does not, by itself, mean that someone has received negligent care. However, healthcare and care providers should take reasonable steps to identify people who are at risk and put appropriate measures in place to reduce that risk. Depending on the person’s needs, this might include regular skin checks, help with repositioning, suitable pressure-relieving equipment and consideration of their nutrition and hydration. If this duty of care was breached, leading to the development or worsening of a pressure sore, you could be eligible to make a pressure sore claim in Derby.

How do we handle pressure sore claims in Derby?

Making a claim isn’t simply a matter of showing that a pressure sore developed – we also need to understand what happened, what care should have been provided and whether a failure in that care caused or contributed to the injury.

When you come to us with a potential pressure sore claim in Derby, our first step is to talk through what happened and find out more about the care you or your loved one received. If we find that you have grounds to make a claim and you decide to move forward, we’ll then begin gathering evidence. This will usually include obtaining relevant medical and care records and looking closely at what happened before the pressure sore developed, how it was treated and whether it was allowed to worsen. Where appropriate, we may also arrange for an independent medical expert with relevant expertise to review the evidence.

From there, we can set out the basis of the claim to the organisation or individual responsible for the care and, where appropriate, their insurer. Often, we can successfully negotiate a fair settlement at this stage; however, if we cannot reach an agreement with the other party, we’re ready to take your claim to court, guiding you through every step and ensuring your interests are always protected.

Why choose us to handle your pressure sore claim in Derby?

When you place your trust in the hands of a hospital, care home, nursing home or other provider, you should be able to expect appropriate care and attention to your individual needs. If that doesn’t happen, working out what went wrong and deciding what to do next can feel far from straightforward – but that’s exactly where we can help.

As a firm, we’ve received recognition from both Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, with the latter ranking our medical negligence team in Tier 1. Over the years, we’ve supported countless clients navigating pressure sore claims in Derby, and we’ve seen first-hand the impact these injuries can have on individuals and their families. Working on a client-focused, case-by-case basis, we always take the time to understand your experience, what matters to you and how the injury has affected you and your loved ones. Combining strategy with compassion and transparency, we pride ourselves on providing clear, realistic advice about your options, explaining all legal issues without unnecessary jargon and making sure you fully understand what’s happening and why.

Contact us

Whatever your specific case entails, we’re here to help. Our Derby office is based at Sterne House, Lodge Lane, Derby, DE1 3WD, conveniently located for clients travelling on foot, in a car, or via public transport.

If you believe you have a pressure sore claim in Derby, give us a call on 0800 024 1976 or complete our online enquiry form today.