Pressure sores—often called bedsores—should never be allowed to develop through neglect. They are preventable injuries that arise when a vulnerable person is left in the same position too long without care or supervision. When someone ends up with open wounds, infections or worse, it is usually a sign that something has gone deeply wrong with their care.
Pressure sores—often called bedsores—should never be allowed to develop through neglect. They are preventable injuries that arise when a vulnerable person is left in the same position too long without care or supervision. When someone ends up with open wounds, infections or worse, it is usually a sign that something has gone deeply wrong with their care.
We have worked with families across Clare and beyond who were shocked to find that a loved one developed pressure ulcers while in hospital or residential care. Some were recovering from illness, others living with mobility issues, but all of them had one thing in common: they were entitled to proper attention and support. Instead, they were left too long in one position, poorly monitored, or ignored entirely.
Reports like the Leas Cross scandal show us that these injuries are not just rare lapses. One in three residents developed bedsores. People sat for hours in unsuitable chairs, left in unwashed clothing, or had critical equipment taken away without reason. Families were left in the dark until it was too late. In one case, a woman died as a direct result of untreated pressure wounds.
This is not acceptable. If a person under professional care develops pressure sores, it raises urgent questions. Was there enough staff? Was proper equipment in place? Were staff trained and supervised? And most of all: was anyone paying attention?
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we believe that dignity in care is non-negotiable. If you suspect neglect led to the development of pressure sores, we are here to listen and act. We understand the emotional toll this can take on families, and we will support you through each step with honesty and respect.
Get in touch today for a confidential consultation with a solicitor who will help you seek the answers—and the justice—you deserve.
Pressure sores—often called bedsores or pressure ulcers—are skin injuries that form when a person is left in the same position for too long without being moved or supported. They most commonly affect people who are elderly, frail, or unable to reposition themselves due to illness or disability.
These sores typically develop on bony areas such as the heels, hips, tailbone, elbows or shoulders. What starts as a red patch can rapidly worsen into a painful open wound that reaches deep tissue or even bone if not treated properly.
There are four recognised stages of pressure sores:
In most care settings, pressure sores should never progress past stage 1. Prevention is possible with simple, consistent measures—turning the patient regularly, using pressure-relieving equipment, ensuring good nutrition, and monitoring the skin daily. That’s why the development or progression of these wounds is widely seen as a red flag for neglect.
When a pressure sore appears or worsens under professional care, questions must be asked:
When these basic steps are missed, the result is often unnecessary pain, prolonged hospitalisation, infection, or even death. Sadly, such failings have occurred in both public and private care across Ireland. The Leas Cross scandal brought to light how unchecked systemic neglect can lead to widespread skin breakdown, with reports showing that over one third of residents suffered pressure ulcers—many of them severe.
HIQA and the HSE have since issued strong guidance on pressure sore prevention, recognising it as a core indicator of care quality. When standards are not met and a patient suffers as a result, it may be possible to bring a legal claim.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we understand how distressing these cases can be. If you believe pressure sores were allowed to develop or worsen due to poor care, we are here to help you take the next step.
Pressure sores don’t just appear without warning. They develop slowly over hours or days, and they are almost always preventable with the right care. When they occur, it’s often a sign that something has gone wrong in the system—whether due to inadequate staff, poor oversight, or lack of training.
Certain care settings carry a higher risk due to the vulnerability of the patients and the nature of the care being provided:
The underlying causes of pressure sores in care settings often include:
In some cases, a sore is noticed but not treated properly. Dressings may not be applied, antibiotics may be delayed, or referrals to tissue viability nurses may be overlooked. Over time, this inaction can lead to deep infections, avoidable surgery or even death.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we often see cases where a single failure snowballs into a serious injury. When those in charge fail to act on time, patients pay the price. If you have concerns about how or why a pressure sore developed, we can help you find out what really happened.
Many families only discover the full extent of poor care after the damage is done. By then, a loved one may already be in pain, hospitalised, or even seriously ill from a preventable injury. Recognising early signs of neglect can help stop things from getting worse—and may support a future claim if harm has already occurred.
If someone in your care or in a nursing facility begins to show any of the following signs, it may indicate that basic standards are not being met:
You may also notice issues with staff behaviour or how the facility is run:
Neglect is not always obvious. It often builds slowly in places where corners are cut and people stop paying attention. But if you feel something is not right, you are probably correct to ask questions. Families are often the first to notice small changes that signal a decline in care.
If someone you love has developed a pressure sore and you believe it could have been avoided, keeping records and raising concerns early is important. Take photos (if appropriate), ask for copies of notes, and keep track of what you’re told.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we can help assess whether what you witnessed amounts to a legal claim—and support you in taking the next steps forward.
If you or someone close to you developed pressure sores while in a hospital, nursing home or care setting, you may be wondering whether it gives rise to a legal claim. Not all cases of pressure injury involve negligence—but when the damage could have been avoided with proper care, the law may support you in seeking accountability and compensation.
To bring a successful claim for pressure sores caused by neglect, four elements must usually be present:
Any hospital, nursing home or care agency providing treatment or supervision has a legal duty to protect the person in their care from preventable harm. This duty extends to all staff involved in medical or day-to-day care.
A breach occurs when the care provided falls below acceptable medical or professional standards. In pressure sore cases, examples might include:
There must be a link between the breach and the injury. It must be shown that the pressure sore could likely have been prevented—or at least less severe—if the correct steps had been taken. Independent medical evidence is usually required to confirm this.
The individual must have suffered actual harm. In pressure sore cases, this may include:
Each case turns on its facts. Some sores progress over weeks due to chronic inattention, while others develop quickly because no prevention plan was in place at all. The law does not require perfection from carers, but it does require diligence, attentiveness and reasonable care.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we can examine medical records, nursing logs, and expert opinion to assess whether the injuries were avoidable. If they were, we can help you take action.
When someone suffers from pressure sores caused by neglect, the law offers a route for accountability and support. But you may be unsure who is actually allowed to bring a claim—and what compensation can realistically cover. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we guide families through this process with clarity and sensitivity.
We will advise on eligibility and guide you through the steps to ensure the right person brings the claim properly and within time limits.
Every case is different, but claims can cover a mix of financial and non-financial losses:
We work with medical experts and financial professionals to calculate your full entitlement fairly and comprehensively. No two injuries are the same—and the law allows for that.
If you believe your family has been left to bear the burden of an avoidable injury, contact Crimmins Howard Solicitors.
Taking legal action after a loved one suffers pressure sores due to neglect can feel daunting. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we simplify the process and guide you through every step with patience and clarity. Our goal is to help you feel informed, supported and in control.
Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
We begin with a confidential meeting—either in person, by phone, or virtually—where we listen to your account and ask some initial questions. This helps us understand what happened and whether it may meet the threshold for legal action.
With your consent, we request medical records, nursing notes and care documentation. These materials are essential to understanding the timeline, what was (or was not) done, and whether there was a clear departure from care standards.
We engage an independent medical expert to examine the case. This expert reviews the records and advises on whether the pressure sores were likely preventable—and if earlier intervention would have made a difference. Their report is vital to any claim.
If the expert supports the case, we draft a formal letter outlining the incident, the harm caused, and the legal basis for compensation. This is sent to the responsible party—whether that is a hospital, care home, or other provider.
Most cases settle without going to court. Where possible, we negotiate a fair outcome through correspondence and mediation. If the case does go to court, we will prepare everything and advocate on your behalf every step of the way.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed, answer your questions and handle the legal detail so you can focus on your own wellbeing or on caring for your family member.
Claims like these can take time, but our role is to make the journey smoother. We are here to listen, explain and act.
In Ireland, there are strict time limits for bringing a legal claim for injuries caused by medical or care-related neglect—including pressure sores. This is known as the statute of limitations.
You have two years from the date you first became aware (or should reasonably have become aware) that neglect caused the injury. This is called the “date of knowledge.” In many cases, it does not begin when the injury first appears, but rather when the full consequences become clear.
It is always safest to seek legal advice early. Evidence may be lost or altered over time, and acting promptly can protect your rights. If you’re unsure whether you’re still within the deadline, we can assess that for you right away.
Not necessarily. Some may develop even with good care, especially in very frail patients. But if the sore could have been avoided through proper monitoring, repositioning, or early intervention, it may amount to neglect.
Yes. Under Irish law, certain close relatives can bring a fatal injury claim. This may cover funeral expenses, loss of care or support, and recognition of the suffering involved.
This is often claimed—but not always supported by evidence. We work with independent medical experts to determine whether the injuries could and should have been prevented.
Raising concerns should not impact the standard of care being provided. If you are worried, we can guide you on protecting your loved one while the claim is underway.
If you or someone you care about has suffered pressure sores due to poor care, you are entitled to ask why. Contact us today for a confidential consultation with a solicitor who understands what you’re going through and will work to put things right.
