Bedsores in Nursing Homes

A Tampa attorney can help your loved one get justice

Bedsores – also called pressure sores, decubitus ulcers, or pressure ulcers – are a common problem among nursing home residents. They are painful injuries that can become infected, leading to further health problems. When bedsores are the result of nursing home abuse and neglect, it’s important to hold negligent nursing home facilities accountable.

At Armando Personal Injury Law, we understand the devastating impact decubitus ulcers can have on nursing home residents and the emotional and financial toll that can take on family members.  Attorney Armando Edmiston is dedicated to building strong cases that help residents and family members recover the financial compensation they deserve.

How bedsores develop in nursing homes

Bedsores are injuries that develop on an area of the skin after prolonged pressure, usually from remaining in the same position for long periods of time – for example, lying in bed or sitting in a wheelchair. The pressure restricts blood supply to the area and skin tissue begins to break down.

Pressure sores are more likely to occur on areas of the body where there is not a lot of muscle or fat underneath the skin, such as the tailbone, hips, heels, shoulder blades, backs and sides of the knees, toes, and small of the back.

Nursing home and assisted living residents are at a greater risk of developing bedsores if they have poor nutrition or hydration, certain health conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation, or are left in the same position for too long.

What are bedsore symptoms?

Symptoms of decubitus ulcers include skin that is red or swollen, wounds with thick pus and a foul smell, pain or tenderness, and fever. Bedsores develop in stages:

• Stage 1 – There is redness or discoloration and warmth in the affected area, which may also be warm to the touch. When the area is pressed with a finger, it does not blanch (turn briefly white).
• Stage 2 – The skin is broken, creating an open wound. There may be an open sore or blister, with discoloration around the affected area. The person may also have pain.
• Stage 3 – The pressure wound has developed into a small crater and has cut through layers of skin, exposing fatty tissue.
• Stage 4 – The wound has become larger and deeper. There is extensive tissue damage and muscle, tendon, or bone may be exposed. There is also a higher risk of infection.

If your loved one has Stage 1 or Stage 2 bedsores, or an unstageable pressure ulcer, we recommend filing an official nursing home neglect complaint with the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. If they have a Stage 3 or Stage 4 pressure wound, or another serious complication, contact us immediately to discuss your legal recourse with an attorney.

A painful injury that can have serious complications if not treated

Bedsore treatment includes frequent repositioning to remove pressure, keeping wounds clean, and protecting wounds with gauze or other dressings. Other treatment may involve debridement (the removal of damaged tissue), negative pressure wound therapy, medication, and skin grafts to repair damaged skin.

If pressure sores are not treated properly, there is a greater risk of complications such as osteomyelitis (infection in the bone), cellulitis (infection of the skin and soft tissue), and sepsis (infection in the blood).

Nursing homes need to prevent bedsores among residents

Nursing homes have a responsibility to regularly examine residents for signs of pressure ulcers and take steps to help prevent them. These steps include regular repositioning, providing proper nutrition and hydration, and ensuring any illnesses or medical conditions are properly treated. When a resident does develop a bedsore, the nursing home must provide proper treatment.

If you think a loved one developed a pressure wound as the result of nursing home neglect, talk to a supervisor or manager at the facility. If you don’t like how they respond to your concerns, talk to an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer.

We hold nursing homes accountable for pressure sores

At Armando Personal Injury Law, our first priority is making sure that your loved one is receiving all necessary treatment. Then we investigate to get the facts and work tirelessly to help you build a strong bedsore lawsuit.

Nursing homes may try to hide evidence of negligence. Our legal team will take steps to gain access to medical records, hiring and supervision records, and other evidence. We also interview witnesses and if needed, consult experts who can help us understand whether your loved one received proper care.

Attorney Armando Edmiston knows how to build a strong case that nursing homes and their insurance companies have to take seriously. He will demand appropriate compensation for damages that may include all current and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

How much is a bedsore lawsuit worth?

The value of your lawsuit depends on how severe the pressure sore was and the impact on you or your loved one’s health. The level of nursing home negligence can also determine the value of your bedsore lawsuit.

If the wound is minor and heals quickly, your case may be worth tens of thousands of dollars. However, if it leads to serious infections, permanent tissue damage, or even wrongful death, your settlement or verdict could reach hundreds of thousands or even millions.

Call for a free consultation with a bedsore injury lawyer

You may not be sure if your loved one’s bedsores are related to nursing home neglect. That’s why it’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can listen as you describe what happened to your loved one, go over your legal options for recovering financial compensation, and answer any questions you have.

There is no cost and no obligation. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.