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.