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Care home negligence claims compensation solicitors

By law, elderly care homes and nursing homes have a duty of care to all residents to make sure that they are always safe, comfortable and unharmed. Unfortunately, in some cases care homes can lack the required amount of care, and as a result may lead to neglect of one of more of their residents. Neglect of vulnerable older people may lead to injury, in which case the resident or members of their family may be entitled to compensation.

In regards to claims against care homes, there are numerous situations elderly people could be in which could be defined as neglect. Stephensons’ areas of specialism include:

  • Development of pressure sores
  • Dehydration
  • Lack of supervision causing accidents and falls
  • Wrongly dispensing medication

If you think that your family has become a victim of care home neglect, please call our experienced legal team today on 01616 966 229 who will be able to tell if you have a case for care home compensation.

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Claims against care homes

As life expectancy increases, more and more people are entering public or private care homes which for the most part offer an invaluable service. Elderly people go to live in care homes because they can no longer take care of themselves, and need day-to-day help with basic activities such as bathing, eating, getting dressed and taking medication. As a result, the staff within care homes have a responsibility and duty of care for the residents who rely on them for assistance with basic tasks. However, sometimes the care provided can be inadequate or negligent and in such instances the victims and their families can pursue claims of compensation against care homes.

The causes of neglect within care homes could be due to multiple factors, such as lack of supervision, experience or training. No matter the reason, the staff at care homes can sometimes offer substandard services which result in accidents or falls, wrongly dispensed medication, dehydration or pressure sores. Warning signs of a failure in care include the sudden appearance of bruises, cuts and grazes. Further signs can include the elderly person acting out of character, dramatic weight loss or suffering deteriorating personal hygiene.

When can I make a care home neglect claim?

It is vital that no matter which care home an elderly person is living in, they should feel comfortable, cared for and relaxed. In some cases, you may be able to ask your relative if they are happy with the level of care they are receiving; be sure to ask them if they are fed, washed and medicated regularly. However, some elderly residents may suffer from mentally debilitating illnesses, whereby they may be unable to realise if the care they are receiving is inadequate. Unfortunately, neglect of elderly people suffering from illnesses such as dementia can lead to serious injuries and even deaths, which could have certainly been prevented. 

In less serious cases, an accident within a care home may result in pain, distress or inconvenience for your relative. However in more serious cases, injuries may have life changing consequences and may have a negative effect on their remaining quality of life. If you have suspicions of malpractice or abuse, it is imperative that you contact a solicitor at Stephensons to discuss clinical negligence as soon as possible.

How can Stephensons help me make a claim against a care?

When the relatives of an elderly person believe that they may be entitled to make a negligence claim against a care home, all they have to do is call a legal advisor at Stephensons and receive fast and free initial advice. If they have grounds for a claim an experienced and understanding solicitor will work with the concerned party and their relatives to compile evidence of negligent behaviour and failure in care.

We consult medical experts to assess the treatment and injuries of the victim and assess the level of compensation required from the claim in order to compensate the pain and suffering caused and also cater for any ongoing physical or psychological treatment. We have supported a wide variety of UK families as they pursue negligence claims against care homes and we have been extremely successful in securing the compensation that these families and vulnerable people deserve.

Our specialist clinical negligence solicitors can assist you in making a claim against a care or nursing home for negligent medical treatment which has caused you or a relative harm. For free initial advice call our care home claims solicitors on 01616 966 229.

Abuse in care homes

If you have a friend or relative who you think has a strong care home negligence claim or you suspect that a loved one is being mistreated, you have the power to make a claim against the care home where they are living. In most cases family members and loved ones are treated with the respect and care they deserve, but unfortunately there have been cases where people living in care homes have become victims of negligence and this is simply unacceptable.

It’s important to know that help is available and our team of solicitors can provide advice and assistance to pursue a compensation claim on your behalf. If you feel someone is the victim of neglect or abuse, call us on 01616 966 229.

Act quickly to address care home neglect

If you feel your family member or loved one is being mistreated whilst in a residential care home, it’s important to try and spot any possible signs of abuse or neglect and report it immediately.

If the appropriate action is not taken, this can lead to serious harm or psychological injury. You should make a strong complaint and consider relocating the individual to another care home.

If someone cannot look after themselves, care home professionals have a duty to make sure their basic needs are met. Failing to meet these needs can result in serious harm. Examples of abuse or neglect include:

Medication errors - A patient may not be getting the medication they need, whether due to the fact they cannot reach it or they cannot administer it themselves. Failure to administer medication appropriately can lead to serious harm.

Inadequate supervision - A resident may be left alone for too long or unsupervised for extended periods of time. They may be confused as to where they are and wander off at night.

Ignoring resident’s basic hygiene and cleanliness needs - Residents may be left in soiled beds or may be left in unsanitary conditions.

Malnourishment and dehydration - Carers may not have been helping their patients to eat or drink, alternatively they may have been leaving water jugs or food out of reach.

Physical abuse - This can mean carers are handling a person poorly when moving them or can be something more severe.

Emotional abuse - Carers may be threatening or shouting at their patients.

If you suspect a loved one is being mistreated, contact us today. The best interests of our clients are at the heart of everything we do. We will work with the police and social services to assist their investigations and gather evidence to build a claim for compensation.

We handle all cases with confidentiality, sensitivity and sympathy and our goal is to make sure your loved one gets the best care possible.

For expert advice call us on 01616 966 229 and speak to a member of our clinical negligence team to discuss your compensation claim today. Alternatively you can send our clinical negligence team an email via our contact form.

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