Quick answers
These answers help patients and families understand what evidence may be needed before a solicitor can advise properly. They are general information only, not legal advice on any individual case.
What records prove a hospital fall or pressure sore claim?
No single document usually proves the whole claim. The strongest evidence often comes from comparing risk assessments, care plans, nursing notes, charts, incident reports and photographs against what actually happened.
Records for pressure sore claims
Pressure sore investigations often need risk assessments, skin inspection records, repositioning charts, mattress or cushion records, tissue viability notes, wound charts, photographs, continence records, nutrition and hydration records, and discharge summaries.
Records for hospital fall claims
Fall investigations often need falls risk assessments, mobility assessments, care plans, nursing notes, call-bell records, medication charts, physiotherapy and occupational therapy notes, incident reports, post-fall reviews and imaging reports.
Why missing records can matter
Missing or incomplete records do not automatically prove negligence, but they can raise questions. If a chart says repositioning was required but the chart is blank, or if a care plan identifies a risk but no precautions are recorded, that may be important.
Why chronology matters
A good investigation builds a timeline: admission, risk assessment, warning signs, changes in mobility or skin, staff response, injury, treatment and outcome. That timeline helps decide whether expert evidence is worthwhile.
What families can do now
Keep photographs, letters, complaint responses, discharge summaries and notes of conversations. Write down dates, ward names, care home details, symptoms and the names of staff or professionals involved where known.
When to contact Scott
If the injury was serious, avoidable harm is suspected, or the records appear inconsistent with what the family saw, Scott and his team can consider whether the matter merits proper investigation.