We acted for the family of a vulnerable man who suffered a fatal fall while under the care of a care home.

At the time, the deceased was living with multiple medical conditions, including blindness. Following a hospital admission earlier that month, he was discharged to a care home under the NHS “discharge to assess” scheme. He was frail and vulnerable, and his personal care plan and safeguarding risk assessment recorded that he required 24-hour, one-to-one care due to a very high risk of falls.

On January 24th he suffered an unwitnessed fall from his bed after the attending carer had left his room. The fall caused both minor and severe injuries. He suffered a hip injury from impact, and more significantly, an acute subdural bleed. He was transferred to the National Neurosurgical Centre in London, where he underwent neurosurgery for a subdural haematoma. Unfortunately, despite two surgical procedures, his recovery was complicated by serious medical issues including NSTEMI and pseudomonas septicaemia. He tragically passed away on 14th April.

We pursued the claim on the basis that the care home had failed in its duty of care. The grounds included leaving him unattended despite his high risk, failing to ensure safety measures, such as the mattress alarm, were functioning, and failing to follow their own care and safeguarding plans.

Following careful preparation and negotiations, we secured a settlement of £28,000 for the family, acknowledging the significant loss and distress caused by the circumstances of the fall.

If your loved one has suffered injury or death due to negligence in a care setting, NV Legal can provide sensitive, expert advice. We will guide you through your options and fight to ensure those responsible are held accountable.