Who is Liable for Bedsores in a Nursing Home?
Understanding Your Rights in a Bedsore Injury Claim
Bedsores or pressure sores are serious medical conditions that can become life-threatening if left untreated. Many times bedsores are preventable, caused by negligence or inadequate care at a nursing home. If your loved one has developed a bedsore, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal counsel immediately.
At the Law Office of Asaro & Associates, P.C., our experienced lawyers can help you understand your rights if your loved one was diagnosed with a bedsore. It is important to act fast as bedsores can quickly become worse, leading to dangerous complications, including potentially fatal infections.
Contact our office today at (718) 650-2135 for a free, no-obligation consultation if you or your loved one has developed a bedsore while at a nursing home.
How Prevalent Are Bedsores in Nursing Homes?
Studies reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that over 1 in 10 nursing home residents had a bedsore. Bedsores, also referred to as pressure sores or pressure ulcers, can be extremely painful, resulting in a diminished quality of life for the patient. Inadequate or substandard care is often the cause of these debilitating injuries.
A nursing home patient at risk for developing bedsores should be moved frequently to alleviate the contact pressure. Caregivers should also maintain a high level of cleanliness for an individual who is less mobile or confined to a wheelchair. Many bedsores can be prevented through due diligence.
What Should I Do If My Loved One Develops a Bedsore?
If your loved one develops a bedsore, you need to get it treated as soon as possible. Do not wait until it gets worse or infected. An infection could prove fatal. Treating a pressure sore as early as possible can help avoid serious complications.
In addition to seeking emergency medical treatment, you should contact an attorney well-versed in nursing home abuse cases. Bedsores may be indicative of negligence or mistreatment. It is essential to discuss your legal options with an experienced attorney to hold responsible parties liable for their wrongdoing.
How Serious Are Bedsores?
As noted by the CDC, bedsores are classified into stages based on their severity. There are four stages of bedsores, with stage 4 being the most critical.
Stages of bedsores:
- Stage 1: Reddening of the skin that does not disappear once pressure is relieved. Skin remains intact.
- Stage 2: Skin is broken and may appear as a blister or abrasion. Stage 1 and stage 2 bedsores are highly treatable.
- Stage 3: Subcutaneous tissue is exposed with a full thickness of skin lost. Generally presents as a deep crater.
- Stage 4: Muscle or bone is exposed due to loss of a full-thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissues. Stage 4 bedsores are at high risk for infection.
Regardless of the stage of you or your loved one’s pressure ulcer, it is vital to contact a nursing home abuse attorney as early as possible.
Who Can I Sue If My Loved One Gets a Bedsore?
Depending on the circumstances of your bedsore injury claim, you or your loved one might be entitled to compensation. Liable parties may include a negligent healthcare provider as well as the nursing home or assisted living facility where the bedsore occurred.
Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one have developed a bedsore while at a nursing home, contact our office for a free consultation. Call (718) 650-2135 to discuss your case with a knowledgeable member of our legal team.
