Personal Injury
Care home neglect claims
Families place significant trust in care homes and nursing homes. Where a resident suffers avoidable harm because of poor care, neglect or inadequate supervision, it can be deeply distressing for both the resident and their relatives. We advise on claims involving injury, deterioration, loss of dignity and failures in basic care.
Care home neglect claims can involve vulnerable adults, elderly residents, people with dementia and those with complex health needs. We approach these cases sensitively, while taking firm steps to obtain records, identify failings and pursue accountability where appropriate.
Examples of care home neglect
We can advise on claims involving:
- Falls caused by inadequate risk assessment, poor supervision or failure to use mobility aids.
- Pressure sores, poor wound care or failure to reposition residents.
- Medication errors, missed medication or incorrect administration.
- Poor nutrition, dehydration or failure to monitor weight and fluid intake.
- Injuries caused by unsafe premises, manual handling errors or poor staffing levels.
- Failure to respond to deterioration, pain, infection or safeguarding concerns.
Records and investigation
These claims often depend on a careful review of care plans, risk assessments, incident reports, medication records, body maps, clinical notes, safeguarding correspondence and communications with family members. The records may reveal whether risks were identified, whether they were acted upon and whether appropriate care was provided.
We can assist with obtaining and reviewing relevant records, considering whether expert evidence is needed and identifying whether the claim is against the care home, nursing provider, local authority, NHS body or another responsible party.
Compensation and accountability
Compensation may cover pain and suffering, avoidable deterioration, treatment costs, care, expenses and other losses. In some cases, the claim may also raise wider questions about dignity, safeguarding and whether complaints were properly handled.
Families often want answers as much as compensation. We can advise on the civil claim while also considering whether complaints, safeguarding referrals or regulatory concerns should be raised separately.
Support for families
We understand that these claims can be emotionally difficult, particularly where the resident has passed away or lacks capacity. We will explain who can bring the claim, what evidence is required and how the process is likely to unfold.
Our role is to investigate the matter carefully, protect the resident’s interests and pursue a fair outcome where avoidable harm has occurred.