Mr A’s Story

Mr A sustained a distressing pressure ulcer (often referred to as a pressure sore) whilst an in-patient in hospital.

He was then discharged to a care home where the pressure ulcer was allowed to deteriorate rapidly, and worse, he sustained further nasty pressure ulcers – caused by poor care, lack of monitoring and prompt intervention, and missed opportunities.

Due to Mr A’s deteriorating health, a claim was brought on his behalf by his wife, against the local NHS Trust. The allegations of breach of duty (liability) and causation (proving the hospital caused the injury) were fully supported by an independent report from an expert Tissue Viability Nurse. The expert noted numerous breaches of duty of care by both the hospital and care home, and resultant failures to ensure Mr A’s wellbeing and safety at all times.

Breach of duty was partially admitted by the hospital, who maintained that the care home should also accept some blame for the deterioration in Mr A’s condition after he was transferred and entrusted into their care. It was also alleged that the pressure ulcers and infections had hastened Mr A’s demise and death.

However, as a result of the hospital seeking to deflect some blame onto the care home, it then became necessary to open a second front against the care home to protect Mr A’s position. Accordingly, a separate claim was then pursued against the care home who initially denied liability – despite the overwhelming evidence presented in support of their negligent actions.

Protracted separate settlement negotiations ensued with both parties, and resulted in substantial overall compensation for Mr A’s pain, suffering and distress caused by his pressure injuries – which could and should have been prevented with proper care, attention and timely intervention. Sadly, the Mr A passed away before his case was concluded.

We take the view that virtually all pressure sores are caused by neglect and are entirely preventable with good care.