Understanding Nursing Home Neglect and Bedsores

Our Cleveland personal injury law firm can help you get justice

Bedsores (also known as pressure ulcers) are painful wounds that develop on the skin due to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body. These sores often form on bony parts of the body such as the hips, back, and heels.

Bedsores occur when a person remains immobile for extended periods, which cuts off blood flow to the affected area and damages the skin and underlying tissues. Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to bedsores due to limited mobility, fragile skin, and underlying health conditions.

If your loved one suffered from bedsores due to nursing home neglect, it’s important to know how to take action through a personal injury claim and hold responsible staff accountable.

How do I identify bedsores?

The first sign of a bedsore is usually skin discoloration. In lighter skin tones, the affected area may appear red, while in darker skin tones, it may look purplish or bluish. Unlike a bruise, the discoloration doesn’t fade when pressure is removed. Residents may also report itching, pain, or tenderness in the area before visible sores appear.

As a bedsore progresses, the skin may feel warm or firm to the touch. In advanced stages, the sore can break open and reveal underlying tissue or even bone in severe cases. You might notice swelling, pus, or a foul odor, which can indicate an infection.

Pay close attention to pressure points, such as the back of the head, shoulders, elbows, lower back, hips, buttocks, and heels. These areas are most vulnerable, especially in residents who have limited mobility.

Bedsores are classified into four stages:

1. Stage 1: The skin appears red and may feel warm. There are no open wounds, but discomfort is noticeable.
2. Stage 2: The affected area becomes an open sore, resembling a blister or shallow crater.
3. Stage 3: The sore deepens, damaging tissue below the skin and exposing fat layers.
4. Stage 4: Severe damage occurs, with exposed muscles, tendons, or bones, often accompanied by infection.

What complications can arise from nursing home bedsores?

If you notice any signs of nursing home bedsores, it’s important to act fast. Waiting too long to address this condition can lead to serious and potentially fatal consequences. This includes:

• Infections: Open sores can become infected, leading to cellulitis, sepsis, or bone infections (osteomyelitis).
• Necrosis: Severe bedsores can cause tissue death, which requires surgical removal of dead tissue.
• Sepsis: This is a life-threatening infection that spreads through the bloodstream and potentially causes organ failure.
• Chronic pain: Bedsores can lead to persistent discomfort that can significantly affect a resident’s quality of life.
• Reduced mobility: Bedsores can worsen a resident’s mobility and further complicate their ability to move and change positions.
• Amputations: In extreme cases, severe infections can necessitate the removal of affected limbs.

How do bedsores indicate nursing home neglect?

Nursing home bedsores linked to negligence typically occur due to:

Failing to reposition immobile residents

One of the primary causes of bedsores is the failure to reposition residents regularly. Prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body, such as the hips, back, and heels, restricts blood flow and damages the skin. Caregivers are responsible for turning or shifting immobile residents frequently to relieve this pressure. Neglecting this task can quickly lead to the development of bedsores.

Neglecting hygiene and skincare

Poor hygiene is another major contributor to bedsores. Moisture from incontinence or sweat can weaken the skin and make it more prone to breakdown. Failing to clean and dry residents promptly or leaving them in soiled bedding increases the risk of skin damage and infection.

Ignoring nutritional needs

Malnutrition and dehydration weaken the skin and slow down the body’s ability to heal. Nursing homes that fail to provide proper meals or monitor residents’ dietary needs significantly increase the likelihood of bedsores. Adequate nutrition and hydration are important for maintaining healthy skin.

Inadequate staffing and training

Overworked or untrained caregivers may overlook important tasks such as repositioning residents, inspecting for early signs of bedsores, or providing necessary skincare.

Can I sue a nursing home for bedsores?

Families can sue a nursing home for bedsores, especially if they result from neglect. When a nursing home fails to meet these basic standards, it may be held legally accountable.

Compensation in a nursing home neglect lawsuit may cover:

• Medical expenses: These are costs for treating the bedsores and any related complications, including hospital stays or surgeries.
• Transfer costs: This includes the cost of transferring your loved one to a new facility.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for the resident’s physical pain and emotional distress.
• Wrongful death: If bedsores lead to fatal complications, you may file a wrongful death claim.

Proving negligence in a nursing home bedsore case

Nursing homes are subject to strict state and federal regulations that set the baseline for acceptable care. For example, the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act mandates that facilities prevent bedsores unless they are clinically unavoidable. To establish negligence, families must provide evidence that the nursing home breached this duty.

Medical records can show whether a resident received appropriate care, including repositioning, wound treatment, and regular monitoring. Staff schedules and reports can reveal understaffing or inadequate training that might have contributed to neglect.

Additionally, photographs of the bedsores, documentation of their progression, and testimony from the resident can help establish the timeline and severity of the neglect. Expert witnesses, such as healthcare professionals, can also provide insights into the standards of care expected in similar situations and how the nursing home failed to meet those standards.

Should I contact a Cleveland nursing home neglect lawyer if my loved one developed bedsores?

If your loved one has suffered bedsores due to nursing home neglect, you deserve answers. The personal injury lawyers at Merriman Legal understand how devastating this situation can be, and we’re here to fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

Our compassionate attorneys will take the time to understand your case, investigate the evidence, and work tirelessly to pursue a favorable outcome. When you work with us, you don’t just get a lawyer. You gain a trusted advocate who is ready to stand up to negligent nursing homes and their insurance companies.

We believe everyone deserves high-quality legal representation, which is why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid if we get maximum compensation and justice for your family.

Don’t wait to take action. Contact us online or call our Cleveland law office today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you, so you can focus on your loved one’s recovery and well-being.

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