Clinical negligence in UK care homes and nursing homes is a serious issue that can have profound consequences for vulnerable residents. With proper legal guidance, victims of negligence can seek justice and compensation. By understanding the causes, legal principles, and steps to pursue a claim, families and individuals can better protect themselves or their loved ones from the damaging effects of clinical negligence. Moreover, improvements in staffing, training, and oversight can help reduce the incidence of negligence, ensuring that residents receive the care and dignity they deserve.
If you or a loved one has experienced clinical negligence in a care home or nursing home, seeking professional legal advice is the first step towards holding those responsible accountable and securing the compensation needed for recovery and care.
Clinical negligence can occur in various healthcare settings. Nursing homes are no exception. The UK has an aging population resulting in an increasing reliance on nursing homes. Clinical negligence in such settings affect aging and often vulnerable residents. Their quality of life and dignity can be significantly affected.
Clinical negligence occurs when health care professionals fail to meet the required standard of care, resulting in injury or loss to a patient. These failures may include:
- Poor wound care: allowing pressure sores to develop and/or worsen;
- Improper administration of medication;
- Failing to assess a patient’s falls risk, leading to a fall;
- Failing to understand a patient’s needs.
Garratts have previously acted for the estate of Mrs D. Compensation was awarded in the sum of £15,000.00 as the care home failed to identify in a timely manner Mrs D’s fractured leg and failed to treat her correctly subsequently resulting in the development of pressure sores to the knee.
Another case related to that of Mr M who suffered a total of ten falls in a two week timeframe. Each fall resulted in Mr M enduring pain and suffering both physically and psychologically. The final fall that Mr M suffered was significant and led to a serious head injury which left him hospitalised. Whilst he was in hospital his condition deteriorated and he sadly passed away. The estate was awarded £7,500 in compensation.
Clinical negligence in nursing homes is a serious and ongoing problem. Vulnerable residents suffer the consequences. Garratts can provide legal advice to ensure the victims of clinical negligence receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
If you or someone you know has been affected by nursing home care, please call our Clinical Negligence Department on 0161 665 3502
