Stephen Kelly LawMedical Negligence Solicitor

Nursing Home Negligence Claims

Nursing Home Negligence Claims in Ireland

A nursing home negligence claim looks at whether the care provided to a resident fell below the standard expected of a competent care provider, and whether that caused harm. This can involve pressure sores, falls, neglect or medication errors. Where it did, the resident or family may be able to take the matter further.

Trusting a nursing home to care for someone you love is a big step, and it is upsetting to learn that their care may have fallen short. You may be worried about their wellbeing and dignity. We approach these matters with care and offer clear, gentle advice on your options.

What this can cover

  • Pressure sores and skin care failures
  • Falls and injuries from poor supervision
  • Neglect of basic care, nutrition or hydration
  • Medication errors and missed doses
  • Failure to act on a resident's deterioration
  • Poor record keeping and care planning

Situations that may amount to negligence

  • Pressure sores that may have developed because skin care fell short
  • A fall that may have happened due to inadequate supervision
  • Signs of dehydration or poor nutrition that may have been overlooked
  • Medication that may have been missed or given incorrectly
  • A decline in health that may not have been escalated in time
  • Care needs that may not have been properly recorded or planned for

How negligence is assessed

These matters are handled with dignity, and a decline in an older or frail person's health does not by itself mean there was negligence. The starting point is that the home and its staff owed the resident a duty of care. The question is then whether the care met the standard expected of competent care providers, assessed under the Dunne v National Maternity Hospital test, which asks whether no provider of similar skill would have acted in the same way. It must also be shown that any failing caused or materially contributed to the harm, known as causation.

Time limits. As general information, a claim must usually be started within two years of the date the injury, or its connection to care, was known or ought reasonably to have been known, with separate rules where a resident lacks capacity.

Simple and clear

Making a nursing home negligence enquiry

A straightforward path from your first question to clear advice on where you stand.

  1. 1

    Get in touch

    Tell us briefly what happened, by the enquiry form or by phone. There is no obligation.

  2. 2

    Initial review

    We listen, ask a few questions and look at the key facts and any records you have.

  3. 3

    Advice on next steps

    We explain your options clearly, including any time limits that may apply to you.

  4. 4

    Claim preparation, if appropriate

    If there may be a claim, we guide you through what comes next at a pace that suits you.

Your questions

Nursing Home Negligence claims: common questions

It can include pressure sores, falls from poor supervision, neglect of basic care, or medication errors. Whether it amounts to negligence depends on whether the care fell below the expected standard and whether that caused harm to the resident.

In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.

Get in touch

You do not have to work this out alone

Talk it through with Stephen Kelly Law, confidentially and with no obligation. We will help you understand where you stand and what your options may be.

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