Pressure sores, also known as bedsores, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, caused by prolonged pressure to the affected area.

What signs should I look out for?

Symptoms of pressure sores include:

• Part of the skin becoming discoloured – people with pale skin tend to get red patches, while people with dark skin tend to get purple or blue patches
• Discoloured patches not turning white when pressed
• A patch of skin that feels warm, spongy or hard
• Pain or itchiness in the affected area

More serious symptoms include:

• An open wound or blister – a category two pressure ulcer
• A deep wound that reaches the deeper layers of the skin
• A very deep wound that may reach the muscle and bone

Pressure sores can develop quickly in patients who are bed-bound for an extended time period but they are almost always preventable. There are steps that hospitals can and should take, in order to
prevent pressure sores from developing.

Where there has been a suspicion that you or a loved one have suffered unnecessarily due to the development of a pressure sore, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Our team of
experienced and sympathetic clinical negligence claim solicitors can help support and guide you and
your family through the investigation process.

To establish whether a negligence claim is possible, please contact us.