An increasing number of the population now rely on care home facilities as the life expectancy of the average person keeps on rising. Care homes should provide a safe environment, but sadly accidents to happen sometimes. This can lead to residents or staff sustaining injuries.

You might be able to claim compensation if you or somebody you know has been injured in a care home. Please call our friendly team of experts on 0800 342 3206 or get in touch online to arrange a call back at a convenient time.

Accidents in care homes

Those residing in care homes Are often some of the most vulnerable people in society as they necessitate more support and assistance that can be offered at home. This means that these people are often more susceptible to accidents. This risk is sometimes higher because of the negligence of another person or even the care home itself.

Frequent care home accidents and injuries

There are a multitude of care home accidents which appear to be relatively common in nursing homes. These are highlighted below:

• Injuries that occur as a result of a lack of mobility aids

Patients or residents who are not given appropriate aids, such as walking frames or wheelchairs, are vulnerable to injuries caused by falls.

• Pressure sores and ulcers

It is possible to develop pressure sores when a person’s skin has prolonged contact with a bed. These can be painful and often lead to infection.

Inadequate mattresses, a shortfall of necessary equipment or proper turning regime can all contribute to pressure sores. Care home staff have a responsibility to try and mitigate pressure sores to the best of their ability. You could be entitled to claim compensation if you or a loved one have experienced pressure sores in a care home.

• Injuries caused by careless handling when transferring residents between beds, chairs etc.

Injury can often be caused by incorrect lifting. Care home employees must be trained to lift and transfer patients in the proper safe manner. If the correct training is not provided to staff then the care home may be liable for any injuries or accidents that subsequently occur.

• Prescription or medication errors

Sometimes patients suffer from prescription or medication errors being made in nursing homes. Vulnerable people aren’t always aware of the correct medicine or dosage that they need. Care home staff have a duty of care to ensure that patients take the right medicines. Patients that are given the wrong medication or dose can have serious consequences.

• Slips, trips and falls

Age-related issues, such as brittle bones, may mean that slips and trips cause more serious injuries. Slips, trips and falls in care homes often result from slippery floors or misplaced objects. They can also happen when the carers do not provide adequate assistance to patients who are attempting to get out of bed or stand up from a chair.

Accidents suffered by care home staff

The growing pressure on care home employees has also led to an increased number of accidents and injuries to them too.

Staff who sustain an injury might have been performing tasks such as:

• Tripping and falling down stairs or over objects
• Moving or lifting patients from seats and beds
• Assisting patients out of toilets and showers

All employees of the care home should be given appropriate training and resources to protect themselves from potential hazards. The care home has a duty of care to their employees to provide these measures in order to avoid accidents at work.

A good example of a liable care home could be that the management has not provided a sufficient number of staff to look after the residents. An accident could have occurred to an employee or a resident as a result of this negligence.

A compensation claim may also be sought by a care home employee if they feel like they have not been trained to the proper standard.

Why should I make a claim for care home compensation?

People who are responsible for a care home accident should be held to account. This could prevent further incidents from taking place in the future. The compensation will undoubtedly help you and your loved one cover any expenses associated with the accident or injury. For example, we can help you to reclaim loss of earnings (if you have taken time off work to care for a relative), travel expenses or prescription costs.

Start your claim with Jefferies Solicitors Today

Our friendly team of personal injury lawyers are here to help whether you are seeking compensation for yourself or a loved one.

Please call us on 0800 342 3206 or contact us online for a free initial chat about your accident or injury.