Pressure sores (which can also be referred to as pressure ulcers or bed sores) can occur when a person is bedridden, immobile, unconscious, or unable to sense pain.
They are a particular concern for hospitals and care homes, which are caring for many patients who are unable to move due to medical conditions or healthcare needs. If a person is lying still for prolonged periods, this places pressure on a particular area of their skin, which can ultimately lead to skin damage and breakdown.
If action is not taken to prevent pressure sores for such people, they can develop quite quickly, and the consequences can be dangerous and incredibly painful for the person.
What is a pressure sore?
Pressure sores are localised damage to the skin and/or underlying tissues which is caused when an area of skin is placed under pressure. They are sometimes known as “bedsores” or “pressure sores”.
When a person is bedbound or immobile and unable to move, they are highly likely to be at risk of developing a pressure sore because the blood flow to the skin can be disrupted if pressure is applied for an extended period of time. When the skin does not get the oxygen it needs, this leads to the breakdown of the tissue, causing pressure sores to form.
The cause of pressure sores
Pressure sores are most common when a person is bedridden or immobile, unconscious, or unable to sense pain. They are obviously, therefore, a major risk in hospital or care home settings.
Pressure sores can be a serious problem among frail older adults and can be related to the quality of care the person received. They often occur during lengthy admissions in a hospital or in a care home setting. Healthcare providers have a duty to take all necessary action to prevent pressure sores from developing.
When a patient is bedridden, or immobile, it is essential that a person is turned, positioned, and given good nutrition and quality skin care to prevent pressure sores from developing.
The stages of pressure sores
There are four stages of pressure ulcers. From least severe to most severe, these are:
- Stage I: non-blanchable – the area looks red and feels warm to touch. The person may also complain that it burns, hurts, or itches.
- Stage II: partial thickness – the area looks more damaged and may have an open sore, scrape, or blister. The person may complain of significant pain and the skin around the wound may be discoloured.
- Stage III: full-thickness skin loss – the area has a crater-like appearance due to damage below the skin’s surface.
- Stage IV: full-thickness tissue loss – the area is severely damaged, and a large wound is present. Muscles, tendons, bones, and joints can be involved. Infection is a significant risk at this stage.
Clinical negligence claims for pressure sores
When a healthcare provider fails to provide the necessary care and take steps to prevent pressure sores from developing, a pressure sore could develop and result in significant implications for the patient.
Pressure sores can be very painful and potentially dangerous. Complications of pressure sores include bone infections, blood poisoning, gangrene, and cellulitis amongst other issues. Pressure sores are largely preventable, or their worsening can be limited with prompt treatment.
However, if healthcare providers do not provide adequate care, or note that pressure sores are developing in their earliest possible stages and take action accordingly, this can result in unnecessary issues, pain, and suffering.
The development of a pressure sore because of substandard and negligent care may bring rise to a claim. If you are concerned that you, or a loved one, has developed a pressure sore as a result of substandard care, it is important to seek specialist legal advice to discuss a potential claim as soon as possible.
How can we help?
Our specialist Medical Negligence team, which has been ranked in tier one by the independently researched publication, The Legal 500, will take the time to consider your concerns before we consider the prospects of success. In cases involving the development of a pressure sore whilst in the care of a hospital or care home setting, we will not only need to prove that the pressure sore occurred, but we will also need to be able to prove that it developed because of substandard and negligent care.
We will carefully consider whether there is a viable claim to pursue before arranging a suitable funding arrangement for your legal costs to begin investigations.
There is a requirement in clinical negligence claims that certain steps must be taken within three years of the date of the incident, or the date of knowledge, if later. It is therefore most important to seek specialist legal advice at the earliest opportunity.
For advice on the subjects discussed in this article, please get in touch with Marcus or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form.
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