Case Study: Negligent In-Patient Care Resulting in Fatal Pressure Sores

We acted on behalf of the family of an elderly patient in her 80's who suffered avoidable harm following substandard nursing care during an NHS hospital admission. She had been admitted after sustaining a fractured hip, but during her inpatient stay essential aspects of basic nursing care were not properly delivered. As a result, she developed multiple severe pressure sores, including grade 3 and 4 ulcers, and her pre-existing diabetes was inadequately monitored and managed.

Following discharge to a care home, the seriousness of her condition became apparent and she required urgent readmission to hospital. Despite further treatment, her health continued to deteriorate. She was ultimately unable to return to her own home and later passed away. The claim centred on the pain and suffering she experienced prior to her death, and on the position that negligent nursing care had directly caused the development of the pressure sores and materially contributed to the decline in her overall health.

How we helped

We undertook a detailed review of the complete medical records and carefully investigated issues of breach of duty and causation. A comprehensive Letter of Claim was prepared without the need of an expert report, clearly setting out the failures in care and the resulting harm. Following receipt of the Letter of Claim, the Defendant admitted liability and causation in respect of the negligent nursing care and the development of the deceased’s pressure sores.

As the deceased did not have any financial dependents, the value of the claim was limited to her pre-death pain and suffering.

Through firm and strategic negotiation, we secured settlement of £18,000 without the need for court proceedings. This case demonstrates our expertise in complex clinical negligence claims from detailed review of extensive medical records. It also demonstrates our commitment to achieving meaningful outcomes for families affected by avoidable harm.