Bedsores, also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers, are painful injuries that occur when nursing home residents are neglected or improperly cared for. These injuries are almost always preventable with the right care and attention, yet they remain a common issue in nursing homes where negligence occurs.
At Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law, our Augusta nursing home bedsores lawyers have helped families hold negligent nursing homes accountable and recover millions in compensation.
If your loved one developed bedsores, our Augusta nursing home abuse lawyers are here to support you in seeking justice and ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable.
What Are Bedsores?
Bedsores develop when prolonged pressure on the skin restricts blood flow, causing damage to the skin and underlying tissue. They often occur on parts of the body where the skin is thin and close to bone, such as the hips, back, elbows, and heels.
These injuries are classified into four bedsore stages, depending on their severity:
- Stage 1: Redness or discoloration on the skin that does not fade with pressure relief
- Stage 2: Open sores or blisters that may be painful and affect the skin’s outer layer
- Stage 3: Deep sores that reach the fatty tissue beneath the skin
- Stage 4: Severe wounds that expose muscle or bone, often leading to serious infections
Bedsores progress quickly without proper care, making early detection and treatment critical. Nursing homes are responsible for monitoring residents and preventing these injuries from occurring.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home bedsores lawyer serving Augusta, call
What Causes Bedsores in Nursing Homes?
In nursing homes, bedsores are almost always a sign of neglect. These injuries typically develop when caregivers fail to provide the necessary attention and care to residents who are immobile or require assistance with movement.
Common causes of bedsores in nursing homes include:
- Failure to reposition residents: Immobile residents should be regularly repositioned to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas of the body.
- Poor hygiene: Allowing residents to remain in soiled bedding or clothing can weaken the skin and increase the risk of pressure sores.
- Inadequate nutrition or hydration: Malnutrition and dehydration make the skin more fragile and prone to injury.
- Staff shortages: Understaffed facilities often struggle to meet the basic needs of residents, leading to neglect.
If your loved one developed bedsores due to any of these failures, an Augusta nursing home bedsores lawyer from our firm can help you seek accountability and justice.
Augusta Nursing Home Bedsores Lawyer Near Me (678) 823-7678
What Are the Risks of Untreated Bedsores?
When left untreated, bedsores can lead to severe and life-threatening complications. These injuries not only cause significant pain but can also lead to long-term health issues or death.
Some of the most serious risks associated with untreated bedsores include:
- Infections: Open sores can become infected, leading to cellulitis, abscesses, or systemic infections like sepsis.
- Tissue and bone damage: Advanced bedsores can penetrate deep into muscle and bone, causing permanent damage.
- Chronic pain: Bedsores are extremely painful and can diminish a resident’s quality of life.
- Increased mortality risk: For elderly or medically fragile residents, the complications of bedsores can prove fatal.
Nursing homes have a legal and moral obligation to prevent these injuries and provide immediate treatment if they do occur. Failing to do so is a breach of their duty of care.
What Compensation can be Recovered in a Bedsores Case?
If your loved one has developed bedsores (pressure ulcers) due to nursing home neglect, you may be entitled to compensation. This financial recovery is intended to address the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of the facility’s negligence.
Compensation may include:
- Medical expenses: Reimbursement for the cost of treating bedsores and any resulting complications
- Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the neglect
- Relocation costs: Assistance with moving your loved one to a safer care facility
- Punitive damages: In cases of egregious neglect, additional damages may be awarded to punish the facility and deter future misconduct
At Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law, Augusta nursing home bedsores lawyers will evaluate your case and fight to secure the compensation your family deserves.
Why Accountability Matters for Nursing Homes
When nursing homes are held accountable for neglect, it creates a ripple effect that benefits all residents. Legal action sends a powerful message that substandard care will not be tolerated, encouraging facilities to improve their practices and prioritize resident safety.
- Improving care standards: Lawsuits highlight the importance of proper training, staffing, and attention to resident needs.
- Preventing future harm: Holding negligent facilities accountable can help prevent other residents from suffering similar injuries.
- Ensuring justice for your loved one: Your case affirms that your loved one’s suffering matters and that neglect has consequences.
By taking legal action, you not only seek justice for your family but also contribute to positive changes in nursing home care across Augusta and beyond.
Contact an Augusta Nursing Home Bedsore Lawyer Today
If your loved one has developed bedsores due to neglect in an Augusta nursing home, you don’t have to face this alone. At Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law, we are dedicated to protecting vulnerable residents and holding negligent facilities accountable for the harm they cause.
Contact us today to discuss your case. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we will work toward the justice and compensation your loved one deserves.
Even if we cannot take your case, we will provide the resources and guidance you need to make informed decisions. Let us help you take the first step toward holding negligent nursing homes accountable.
