Here at Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors we have a specialist team dealing with pressure sores also commonly referred to as pressure ulcers and bed sores.
A pressure ulcer is damage that occurs on the skin and underlying tissue.
Pressure ulcers are caused by three main factors:-
• Pressure; the weight of the body pressing down on the skin.
•Shear; the layers of the skin are forced to slide over one another or over deeper tissues, for example when you slide down or are pulled up a bed or chair or when you are transferring to and from your wheelchair.
•Friction; rubbing of the skin.
The first sign a pressure ulcer may be forming is usually discolored skin, which may get progressively worse and eventually lead to an open wound. The most common places for pressure ulcers to occur are over bony prominences (bones close to the skin) like the bottom, heel, hip, elbow, ankle, shoulder, back and the back of the head.
If you or a family member have suffered a pressure sore it is our opinion that the cause should be investigated to assess whether reasonable measures were taken to inhibit the development of what is an increasingly common but generally preventable injury.
If you or a family member/friend have suffered a pressure sore whilst under the care of a health professional whether that be in hospital or a care home you or they may be entitled to compensation.
Here at Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors we have a specialist team dealing with pressure sore cases. Please contact us for a free initial consultation on 0151 236 5000 or 02082 09 0166 and ask to speak to Richard Malloy. Alternatively, you can e-mail us at info@gadllp.co.uk or fill out our online contact form and we will contact you directly.
*Nice Guideline 29 – issued September 2005
