Admitting a loved one to a nursing home is a difficult decision. It can help set your mind at ease when you know a facility gives its residents the respect and care they deserve. However, even in the best homes, it’s important to be vigilant and watch for signs of abuse.
Some forms of nursing home abuse are subtle, and if you don’t know what to look for, you may not realize it is occurring. Bed sores are often a sign of neglect. Our nursing home bed sores lawyers in Auburn can investigate your concerns and help you take action.
Our team at Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and find out how our Auburn nursing home abuse lawyers can help you and your loved one.
What Are Bedsores?
Bed sores, sometimes called pressure ulcers, are areas of damaged skin that typically occur in regions such as the head, hips, and heels. They range in severity from minor, red areas of skin to deep wounds caused by constant pressure over a long period.
Bedsores are a concern for bedridden people or those in wheelchairs. Left untreated, bedsores can continue to worsen and potentially become infected.
Avoiding and managing bedsores for at-risk populations, such as nursing home residents, requires awareness and thoughtful care planning. Staff-assisted position changes, proper skin care, and special mattresses or cushions can mitigate problems.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home bedsores lawyer serving Auburn, call
Do Bedsores Indicate Neglect?
Bedsores are a serious issue, and a nursing home’s wound care protocols should address them when they occur. While an occasional bedsore may not always indicate neglect, a pattern of recurring or worsening sores can be a strong sign of inadequate care.
Bedsores often develop when a resident is left in the same position for extended periods, leading to pressure and breakdown of the skin. Dehydration and malnutrition can contribute to bedsores and also suggest neglect.
If your loved one is suffering from frequent or untreated bedsores, it may be time to consult a nursing home bedsores attorney in Auburn for advice. An experienced attorney can help you take steps to protect your family member and potentially others in the facility from abuse.
Auburn Nursing Home Bedsores Lawyer Near Me (678) 823-7678
What Should You Do if Your Loved One Suffers From Bedsores?
If you believe your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse, it is important to speak up. Bedsores can be a sign of neglect, and if left untreated, can contribute to serious infection or even death. If you notice pressure ulcers, consider the following steps.
Document the Wounds
Take notes on the date and location of the bedsores, and take photos if permitted and if appropriate. Also, record any additional signs of neglect, such as poor hygiene. This information can be helpful if you need to take legal action against the nursing facility.
Inform the Staff
Tell a staff member about the bed sores you found. Ideally, you’ll want to inform the person in charge of your loved one’s unit. Don’t downplay your concerns. Let them know you are aware how serious bedsores may become if left unaddressed.
Follow Up
Give the facility a day or two to handle your concerns. Then, follow up. Ask about the wound care procedure and their proposed treatment plans. Attend any care plan meetings if possible. Document your conversations, including who you told and their responses.
Contact an Elder Law Attorney
If you are your loved one’s responsible party, and the wound is obvious, the facility should have already informed you. If they didn’t, they may be attempting to cover up serious issues. If you suspect abuse, contact an Auburn nursing home bedsores lawyer for advice on what to do next.
Inform the Administrator
Your attorney may suggest contacting the facility administrator. Nursing home administrators are mandatory reporters in Georgia, meaning they must report allegations of abuse to the Georgia Department of Community Health and local law enforcement.
Contact an Ombudsman
Ombudsmen are trained advocates for people in facilities such as nursing homes. After consulting with your attorney, you may wish to file a report with the county ombudsman. They will investigate your concerns, and their report could trigger sanctions against the facility.
How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
Taking action when you notice frequent or severe bedsores or other signs of nursing home abuse and neglect can help keep your loved one safe. You may also protect other present and future residents.
Your reports could trigger legal action that penalizes the nursing home or holds those who perpetrated the abuse accountable. However, that doesn’t help you or your loved one recover from the damage caused by the abuse.
Some of the ways a nursing home abuse lawyer can help with your case include:
- Legal Advice: Your attorney can review your case and explain your rights and options, then give their best advice on how to proceed.
- Investigation: We can investigate your allegation to determine the extent of the abuse and the level of responsibility for the facility and individual staff members.
- Damage Assessment: Our attorneys will calculate your maximum compensation based on such factors as additional expenses you’ve paid due to the abuse, the cost of moving your loved one to another facility, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
- Settlement Negotiations: The facility or its ownership may wish to avoid a trial and settle out of court. We can negotiate for a fair settlement that fully accounts for your loved one’s hardship.
- Courtroom Representation: We can file civil charges on behalf of your loved one and fight for an award in court.
Contact a Nursing Home Bedsores Attorney in Auburn
When people think of nursing home abuse, they often imagine things like physical abuse, emotional abuse, or financial fraud. However, neglect is a common form of nursing abuse that isn’t always easy to spot.
If you notice bed sores or other signs of neglect when your loved one is in a nursing home, it is important to get legal help. Our nursing home bedsores attorneys in Auburn can help you understand your options and take the right steps to protect your loved one.
At Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law, our team is dedicated to standing up against abuse and neglect in skilled-nursing facilities, personal care homes, and assisted living facilities. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.