When an elderly resident gets bedsores, this is often a sign of nursing home abuse. Patients that suffer from bedsores are often left unattended and are not properly rotated. In these scenarios, a claim against the nursing home or staff can help hold them accountable for their negligence and recover compensation for the resident and their family.

If your elderly loved one suffered harm in a nursing home, contact an attorney to discuss claims for bedsores in Atlanta nursing homes. An experienced lawyer could investigate the issue and advise you on your legal rights.

What Can Cause Bedsores in a Nursing Home?

Bedsores or pressure sores usually result from constant contact between the bodily surface and the surface of the bed. It often indicates long periods of time spent in a recliner, wheelchair, bed, or other location. They tend to appear on areas of the skin where the bone and skin are close together, such as:

  • Hips
  • Elbows
  • Back
  • Ankles
  • Heels

Bedsores are often painful and necessitate medical attention. Nursing home residents who cannot move on their own are vulnerable to pressure sores and require diligent attention from caretakers to prevent this condition. If bedsores develop, an Atlanta attorney could investigate to determine who may be held liable for nursing home neglect.

Preventing Bedsores in Atlanta Nursing Homes

Bedsores are often preventable with diligent care. Specific techniques and medical procedures should help prevent or eliminate bedsores.

Skin Inspections

Skin inspections can help detect bedsores early to prevent them from worsening or becoming infected. A lack of inspections is often a sign of nursing home negligence.

Appropriate Nutrition

When patients are malnourished, they are more susceptible to bedsores. Without appropriate protein, nutrients, and vitamins, bedsores may develop more quickly and severely impact a patient. Additionally, a lack of a proper eating plan is a sign of negligence even if the patient does not develop pressure sores.

Rotating Patient Positions Regularly

People that have difficulty moving on their own require round-the-clock assistance. Moving a person to a different position every fifteen minutes or so is crucial in preventing bedsores. Whether a patient is physically incapable of moving or lacks the cognitive ability to understand the need to move, nursing home staff must assist patients in regularly changing positions. If the staff fails to provide this care and a patient develops bedsores, a local attorney could help the patient bring a claim for damages.

Consult a Skilled Atlanta Attorney on Claims for Bedsores

Bedsores often lead to other medical complications that can be painful and costly to treat. These conditions may signify neglect or abuse in a nursing home. Family members who notice bedsores on their loved ones should act immediately to address the problem and prevent it from worsening.

In severe cases, a nursing home abuse lawsuit may help the patient and family win compensation for harm caused by bedsores. Our seasoned attorneys are here to help hold negligent parties accountable for bedsores in Atlanta nursing homes. Reach out to our firm today to discuss your case with a dedicated legal advisor.