Claiming Compensation for Long-term Pressure Ulcer Damage
The long-term impact of an undiagnosed pressure ulcer can be catastrophic. If medical professionals fail in their duty to prevent and treat pressure ulcers, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
What are pressure ulcers or sores?
Pressure sores or pressure ulcers can develop when an area of the body comes under sustained pressure perhaps when an individual is unable to move for a long period of time. This may be because they are in a wheelchair or in hospital for an extended time.
As the tissue beneath the skin becomes damaged by the pressure, the patient can suffer discomfort. The nature of the injury and symptoms will steadily worsen without diagnosis and appropriate medical attention.
Eventually the ulcer can affect deeper layers of tissue inside the body and the skin will split, allowing bacteria to access the interior of the body where further damage can be caused.
Risk assessment
It is essential that patients in hospital are assessed for their risk of developing pressure ulcers and provided with suitable care to minimise the risk, where necessary, such as regular movement and turning in their bed, or a special mattress.
Patients such as those who are elderly, overweight or who are suffering from diabetes, amongst other conditions, are at a greater risk of developing pressure ulcers and a failure to make a careful assessment of their needs may be regarded as negligent.
Diagnosing pressure sores outside hospital
Patients whose movement is restricted and who spend considerable amounts of time immobile are not restricted to those in hospital. Many people suffer with restricted mobility and their medical professionals should be alert to the possibility that they may develop a pressure ulcer and the possible associated complications. A failure to consider the significance of their condition in patients presenting with a pressure sore may be regarded as substandard care.
Impact of neglected pressure ulcers
Where a developing pressure ulcer is neglected, the long-term consequences can be catastrophic. The patient may suffer from severe infection, they may require significant areas of tissue to be removed and their long-term health can be dramatically compromised.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering the debilitating, long-term consequences of a pressure ulcer due to substandard medical care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence lawyer.
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