Care homes should be a place for the older generation to live their later years in the knowledge they will be safe and secure. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and there are times when care home staff are negligent and older people suffer injury or even death.
Care home fall claims
Improvements in lifestyles and healthcare has meant that there has been a significant increase in UK life expectancy. We are now an ageing population, and this trend is expected to continue into the future. The obvious consequence of this is that more and more of us are ending up in care homes as we need additional support moving into the last years of our life.
Trip or slip in residential homes
Unfortunately, as we grow older, a simple fall is likely to result in a serious injury. A significant proportion of falls in those aged 65 or over will result in injury which requires hospitalisation. Obviously as we get older, this risk is increased.
The most common type of injury in residential homes is a fall as a result of a trip or slip. This can be caused by slippery floors, lack of mobility aids (or improperly cared-for mobility aids), or objects lying on the floor.
Care homes and residential facilities all have a duty of care to their clients. Care homes are regularly inspected but accidents can and do arise as a result of:
- Substandard training for staff
- Inadequate health and safety assessments
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Unqualified staff carrying out tasks
- Poor monitoring of residence
- Inadequate reporting of incidents
Types of care home injury compensation
There are two specific types of compensation you can claim for care home negligence. These are split into general and special damages. General damages are for pain and suffering (including psychological trauma), and loss of quality of life.
There are also cases where you can claim special damages. These relate to expenses such as:
- Medical care
- Travel costs
- Loss of earnings
- Loss of future earnings
- Purchase of medical equipment
The levels of compensation relating to general damages and special damages will vary in each case. In care home cases where additional long-term care is required as a consequence of injuries caused by negligence, compensation awards can be sizeable.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a care home fall, OP Law can help you seek financial compensation. Our experienced team will guide you through the complex legal process, ensuring that you receive the best possible outcome to your compensation claim. Click here to get in touch or call us on 01727 790510