Our News
New legal team to tackle compensation for abused and neglected elderly- 02/07/2012
With more than 4,300 complaints about the care of older and disabled people and increasing numbers of cases of the abuse and neglect of older people in care hitting the headlines, West Midlands and Shropshire law firm FBC Manby Bowdler LLP has established a new specialist cross discipline team to win and protect compensation for victims.
According to partner and team member Margaret Rowe, FBC Manby Bowdler is dealing with an increasing number of cases where older people have been injured, abused or neglected in residential care and nursing homes, in hospital, or in their own homes by carers.
“We have seen an almost exponential rise in these shocking cases where old people are mis-treated in the place they should regard as most safe and secure, which is no surprise following the Care Quality Commission’s announcement that they had received more than 4,300 complaints about care in the past 16 months,” explains Mrs Rowe.
“Our heavier case load has been mirrored by the increasing media coverage of the abuse of elderly people and of young vulnerable adults who are in the care of others.”
According to Mrs Rowe, relatives or friends can be uncertain about what they are able to do if they think that a loved one has been injured, mistreated or neglected in a care home, a hospital or in their own home.
She says: “This is especially the case if the mistreatment or injury is not the consequence of medical negligence as such, but rather general neglect, abuse or just poor management and poor delivery of care.
“But, however the mistreatment or injury occurred, it is possible to make a claim for compensation, and we have a great deal of experience in supporting the injured person and their family through the whole process.”
FBC Manby Bowdler’s specialist Elder Abuse and Neglect Compensation Team provides an all round service for victims.
Mrs Rowe says: “Through our specialist Personal Injury solicitors we secure compensation for the injured person on a no win, no fee basis, and also ensure that they have access to specialist medical care and support.
“We then protect the compensation for the benefit of the injured person by advising on and establishing a Compensation Protection Trust. This ensures that the compensation cannot be taken into account when it comes to assessing care fees, and that the money will go to help them and their family.”
FBC Manby Bowdler offers a free initial consultation which will provide the opportunity to discuss a situation and the costs of pursuing a claim without obligation. Solicitors can arrange home or hospital visits to suit any requirements.