Medical Negligence
Pearson Legal
Full Credential Description
META DESCRIPTION: When a client fell from her hospital bed our medical negligence solicitors found that it could have been prevented with the correct risk assessment. Compensation for a Hospital Fall Compensation for a Hospital Fall When an elderly client fell from her hospital bed our medical negligence solicitors found that the fall could have been prevented. However, due to failures in the nursing care plan, we secured a settlement of £68,000 for our client. Our client, who was 78 at the time, was mobile and living alone. She initially went to the hospital for an X-ray of her lumbar spine after experiencing pain in her hip and back. Although the X-ray found no concerns with her hips the X-ray on her lumbar showed signs of scoliosis and compression fractures. The initial treatment was medication for the pain and physiotherapy. However, her mobility continued to decline and when her pain worsened, she was taken to Tameside General Hospital and admitted to the Acute Medical Unit. No evidence of hip fractures was found on a follow-up X-ray but her pain continued and she could not bear weight. Falls and Injuries in Hospital The nursing admission document noted that a Falls Care Plan was not required but a further assessment identified two relevant risk factors. She was considered to be at high risk of falls and adult safety rails were needed for her hospital bed. Our client needed supervision and assistance to stand and transfer when walking from one place to another. The medical plan was only for pain management and physiotherapy and a further Fall Prevention Care Plan was mostly left blank with no interventions recorded. Failures in Nursing Care Plan Our client became confused and more unsteady on her feet, but at no point was there evidence of a review of the Fall Preventions Care Plan or the Fall Risk Assessment. It was noted to the nursing staff that her fluid intake became limited whilst in hospital and she was confused and drowsy.
Measurable Results
Compensation settlement: £68,000