Bedsores

A bedsore is an injury to the skin and tissues when there is too much pressure on the skin for too long. This may be a common sight in nursing home settings, where older patients are not able to get out of their bed or wheelchair on their own and care is not taken to turn the body often. It usually develops on parts of the body where pressure is applied such as the heels, ankles, hips and tailbone Bedsores are also called pressure sore or pressure ulcer. They develop when patient is unable to change positions on his/her own.

Stages of a Bedsore

There are four stages which correspond to the severity of the ulcer:

Stage 1

the skin is not broken but appears red or slightly discolored. There may be pain surrounding the ulcer.

Stage 2

The skin is broken and the ulcer may look like a blister.

Stage 3

The sore has a crater-like appearance with a yellow-colored center.

Stage 4

There is severe loss of tissue. Bone, muscles or tendons may be exposed. The bottom of the wound may become dark and crusted.

Signs of Neglect

A bedsore may indicate neglect in a nursing home or a medical facility. They may be the result of an unacceptable standard of care concerning a patient who has mobility issues.

It is a result of neglect when:

• The patient is not repositioned regularly. Patients who spend a lot of time in bed or in a wheel chair need to be turned every 2 hours.
• The patient is not provided with pillows or other devices to relieve pressure over bony areas of the body.
• The personal hygiene of the patient is not maintained. The skin is not kept clean, dry and free from feces and urine.
• The doctor is not notified about the bedsore, allowing the sore to progress.
• The patient is malnourished or dehydrated, leading to a breakdown of the skin’s health.

You Can Sue for Bedsores

There are federal laws which protect patients. The laws require nursing facilities to provide each patient with proper care. If you believe your loved one is a victim of negligence or malpractice in a nursing home or a hospital contact a nursing home abuse lawyer.

It is important to heal the injury and take action against those responsible for the negligence. Inform the medical staff and management immediately if you see obvious signs of bedsores in a loved one. Find a qualified bedsore lawyer right away.

Contact The Law Office of Reuven Epstein

At The Law Office of Reuven Epstein, we make it our duty to help those who cannot help themselves. We can help you file a lawsuit and fight your case for you. Our professionals know how to deal with bedsore-related situations. Our attorneys defend people who have no voice in an environment of neglect. Call us for a free, no-obligation case consultation at (845) 208-2444. We will evaluate the situation and advise you of the best course of action. At The Law Office of Reuven Epstein, we never neglect an individual seeking help.