PRACTICE AREAS

Contractures

Contractures result when unused muscles “contract” and remain in place for such an extended period that the muscles freeze in the contracted position. These contractures can serve as a red flag that the resident was probably not receiving the minimal care, attention, and exercises (called range of motion exercises, or ROM) that are necessary to prevent contractures from taking place.

Contractures are a form of nursing home neglect and abuse. When nursing homes fail to provide their residents with adequate movement and exercise, they can be held liable for nursing home neglect. If you believe your elderly loved one has been neglected, our team of nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys is ready to help you act.

EFFECTS OF CONTRACTURES

In the case of severe contractures, surgical contracture “release” surgery may be necessary. One who is severely contracted is also at increased risk for the development of pressure ulcers and other complications. However, what is most important about a preventable contracture is that they are evidence of repeated, long-term neglect as they take an extended period to develop.

PREVENTION OF CONTRACTURES

Contractures are preventable with proper ROM exercises, but once they occur, they are difficult to alleviate. To lessen the severity of contractures, exercise, proper body positioning, and splinting are methods that should be considered for treatment. Though they can be avoided, many nursing home residents can suffer contractions because of nursing home neglect, understaffing, or the inability of staff to provide proper preventable measures.

FREE INITIAL CASE EVALUATION
If you believe that your loved one has suffered a contracture while in the care of a nursing home facility, our nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers are ready to help. Our team brings more than 100 years of collective legal experience to our clients’ cases—much of it from the personal injury and medical malpractice arena. We know what it takes to substantiate these claims and effectively pursue the relief you and your family deserve. Contact our office today to schedule your free initial case evaluation.