Pressure Sore Claims

What is a Pressure Sore?

A pressure sore, also known as a bedsore or pressure ulcer, is a skin injury. It occurs when prolonged pressure cuts off blood supply to a particular area of the skin. This lack of blood supply can cause the skin and underlying tissue to break down, leading to an open sore.

Pressure sores can range from mild redness to severe wounds that extend into the muscle and bone. They are often painful and can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

Pressure sores are almost always preventable, so when they happen it’s normally a sign of neglect. Medical staff should be well aware of the most at-risk patients and have processes in place to ensure that they don’t develop pressure sores.

We’ve handled many pressure sore claims, many of which involved a failure to:

• Carry out a proper assessment of the patient’s needs
• Make sure the patient’s position is moved regularly
• Provide the appropriate kind of bed (or ensure that the bed is inflated to the right level)
• Take the necessary precautions against infection of the pressure sore
• Check the patient’s condition regularly
• Ensure that the patient’s bedding (or plaster cast) isn’t too tight
• Provide food that supplies the right nutrients to keep skin healthy, strong and less susceptible to sores

What Are The Causes Of Pressure Sores?

Pressure sores can develop because of a number of factors, all of which need to be taken into account when caring for a patient. The main causes are:

• Pressure from hard surfaces on the patient’s skin – for example, wheelchairs, beds or plaster casts
• Muscle spasms, which increase the amount of friction
• Excess moisture from sweat or incontinence

Some people are more susceptible to pressure sores than others – nurses should give them extra attention to make sure that they don’t develop sores. Vulnerable patient groups include people who are:

• Diabetic
• Incontinent
• Over 70
• Smokers

Certain groups of people are also at increased risk because they’re unable to tell when a pressure sore is forming. Care staff should monitor closely those with:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Neurological conditions
• Limited sensory perception

The Impact of Pressure Sores

Pressure sores are most commonly caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. This is often due to immobility, such as when a person is bedridden or confined to a wheelchair. Other factors can also contribute to the development of pressure sores. These include poor nutrition, dehydration, and underlying health conditions like diabetes or vascular disease.

Pressure sores can have a significant impact on a person’s health. They can lead to serious complications such as infection, sepsis, and in severe cases, even death.

The pain and discomfort associated with pressure sores can also affect a person’s quality of life. It can limit mobility, making daily activities difficult.

Moreover, the psychological impact of having pressure sores should not be underestimated. The condition can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

How We Can Help With A Pressure Sore Claim

A medical negligence solicitor can guide you through the complex legal process of making a compensation claim, they can help gather evidence, contact the NHS trust on your behalf and build a strong case for compensation. This includes obtaining medical records and expert opinions.

Solicitors can also negotiate settlements on your behalf. This can often result in a quicker resolution.

Remember, our medical negligence solicitors do more than just handle paperwork during the claims process. We are with you throughout the entirety, providing invaluable advice and professional and emotional support.

We understand that contacting a solicitor can be worrying, but our team is approachable and easy to talk to. You can find a number of client reviews on our Review Solicitors profile. Remember, we are on your side and can help you rebuild for the future.

How to Make a Pressure Sore Claim – Step by Step

Step 1 – Free Consultation
Contact Howells Solicitors on 0114 2496 611 or complete our online form. During your free consultation, we’ll ask for some basic details about what happened and how you were affected.

Step 2 – Initial Assessment
Our specialist medical negligence solicitors will review your case and let you know if further investigation is needed. We’ll explain your funding options, including No Win, No Fee agreements.

Step 3 – Case Investigation
If your claim proceeds, we’ll collect and review your medical records. Our expert solicitors will work with independent medical professionals to identify errors in your treatment and the impact on your health.

Step 4 – Letter of Claim
Once evidence is gathered, we will formally start legal proceedings by sending a Letter of Claim to the Defendant (hospital, GP, or healthcare provider).

Step 5 – Interim Payments
Where possible, we will secure interim compensation payments to help cover immediate care, rehabilitation, or financial needs while your case continues.

Step 6 – Settlement or Court
We aim to resolve claims through negotiation or mediation, helping you achieve a faster and less stressful outcome. If necessary, we’ll represent you in court to secure the compensation you deserve.

No Win No Fee Medical Negligence Claims

We believe everyone deserves access to justice. That’s why we offer no win, no fee (CFA) agreements, allowing you to pursue a claim without worrying about upfront costs*.

• No Upfront Fees: If your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay our legal fees*.
• Free Consultation: We assess your case and give honest advice before you proceed.
• Clear Advice: We explain the risks, process, and funding options in plain English.
• Expert Representation: Our dedicated medical negligence solicitors fight to secure the best possible outcome for you.

While compensation can’t undo medical negligence, our goal is to help you regain independence and secure the financial support you need for the future.

Want to find out more on our no win, no fee medical negligence agreements? Find out more information, including a full list of terms and conditions on our No Win No Fee Medical Negligence page.

*There are circumstances where you would be asked to pay any outstanding costs even if you don’t win your case.

You may need to pay for services from Howells Solicitors in certain situations. These include being dishonest, not giving your solicitor instructions, or rejecting an offer against their advice. Other examples are the death of the claimant, cancelling your claim, and moving without telling your solicitor.

In these cases, you might also have to cover the defendant’s costs. Client’s may be asked to pay disbursements up front or must stand to the cost of a medical report if a second opinion is obtained. In some instances, you may need to pay for medical reports or other third-party payments upfront. We would discuss this with you before making any decision.

Free Medical Negligence Claim Assessment

Our Legal 500 accredited medical negligence team provides a free, confidential assessment to help you understand whether you may have a medical negligence claim. During this initial review, a specialist considers your account, relevant paperwork, and how the situation has affected you. This assessment is not legal advice and does not involve opening a claim unless your case is suitable to proceed. You’ll receive a clear outcome, an explanation of what could happen next, and information about funding options, including No Win No Fee*.

If your case requires further investigation, we will explain the process, costs, and timescales before any further work begins. Our team is ranked #1 for medical negligence in the UK on ReviewSolicitors and is known for providing honest assessments and supportive, client‑focused guidance. We offer flexible appointments by phone, secure online meetings, or in person at our Sheffield, Barnsley, or Rotherham offices, ensuring expert legal support that fits around you.

Find out more on our free claim assessment.

Flexible Appointments

We understand that dealing with medical negligence matters can be stressful, and finding time to attend in-person appointments isn’t always easy. That’s why we offer our full range of medical negligence services remotely, offering a more efficient and convenient service. We can offer our medical negligence legal support via telephone or secure remote online meetings.

This approach allows you to access expert legal advice from the comfort of your home, without the need to travel or rearrange your schedule. If your case requires a court hearing, many procedural matters are now handled remotely too, ensuring your legal journey is as smooth and accessible as possible.

Our remote services are designed to be just as personal and confidential as in-person consultations, with clear communication and full transparency every step of the way. Remote appointments are offered throughout the case, and most correspondence can be handled by email and Howells secure Client Portal.

Whether you’re dealing with sensitive medical negligence/personal injury matters or simply seeking guidance, we ensure a smooth, stress-free experience that puts your needs first. Whilst we appreciate that remote services offer convenience, they may not be suitable for everyone. If you do wish to meet us face to face, you can book an appointment at one of our offices in Sheffield, Barnsley or Rotherham.