PRACTICE AREAS

Resulting from sustained pressure on the skin, bedsores (also called decubitus ulcers) are injuries that most commonly affect patients with medical conditions that inhibit their ability to change position frequently, and/or are confined to a bed or chair. While most bedsores are treatable of caught early, there are some that will never heal completely, leading to long-term pain and suffering. Consequently, it is crucial that medical providers and caregivers give patients the attentive care needed to prevent and treat pressure ulcers.

The most common areas susceptible to bedsores are on the body’s natural pressure points, such as:

• Heels, ankles, knees
• Hips and sacrum
• Spine and shoulder blades
• Elbows
• Ears and back or sides of the head

HOLDING NEGLIGENT NURSING HOMES ACCOUNTABLE

Bedsores can develop anywhere there is extended, uninterrupted pressure, especially when a patient’s mobility is limited. Additionally, bedsores can also be caused by things like a too-tightly wrapped ankle or a tube from a catheter running under the body. Therefore, it is the duty of the medical professionals overseeing their care to ensure that their patient’s risk of pressure ulcers and infections is limited and that any wounds the patient develops are treated promptly and appropriately.
However, if a nursing home or hospital is understaffed, overburdened, or lacking in crucial resources, negligence can and does occur. Our medical malpractice and nursing home neglect lawyers are ready to help you seek justice for your loved one.

BEDSORES IN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

Assisted living facility residents should generally be mobile enough that bedsores do not have a chance to develop. Once a bedsore does develop in an assisted living facility, these facilities are typically poorly equipped to provide appropriate treatment.
In most assisted living facilities a stage three bedsore disqualifies the facility resident from confined care in the facility and requires discharge.