Transcript:
Gangrene is a serious medical condition where tissue and muscle dies. It is caused by the reduction or loss of blood circulation to the affected area. Because the blood is not able to supply the tissue with oxygen, nutrients, and antibodies to fight infection, the tissue simply cannot survive. Gangrene mostly affects the appendages, like fingers and toes, and is most commonly associated with extreme cold. However, gangrene can and does occur in nursing homes, and can be a sign of neglect.
There can be many causes for the restriction or loss of blood flow in a nursing home resident. One of the principal causes is prolonged pressure to the skin. When a part of the body, often the buttocks, back, or heels, maintain constant contact with a mattress or wheelchair seat, the constant pressure blocks blood flow. When the blood flow is impacted, gangrene and infection may set it.
Still other causes can be medical conditions associated with the resident, including diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis, or plaque build up in the arteries. As you can imagine, all of these inhibit the bloods ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body.
Treatment of gangrene includes debridement, in which the decayed or dead tissue is surgically removed, amputation of the infected appendage, oxygen therapy, and strong antibiotics.
Gangrene is a strong indication of wrongdoing by the nursing home, according to elder care watch dog group Long Term Care Community Coalition. This is because gangrene, particularly where the condition is caused by pressure, or bedsores, is the end result of a process that is avoidable, treatable, and reversible. Nursing homes are requires to monitor residents’ bodies and take appropriate steps to prevent gangrene.
Claims against nursing homes for gangrene are still not necessarily easy going. Almost always, the nursing home will point to the resident’s pre-existing medical conditions and point the blame elsewhere.
If your loved died or was seriously injured after developing gangrene at a nursing home and you are wondering if you have a claim, then please, feel free to call and speak to one of our experienced Georgia nursing home abuse lawyers today. Our consultations are always free. If you would like more information about this topic, be sure to click on our other videos, or better yet, click the subscribe button to subscribe to our YouTube channel. Thank you.
FAQs
- What is gangrene?
- Gangrene is a serious medical condition that occurs when body tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply or bacterial infection. It can affect any part of the body but commonly occurs in the extremities, such as the toes, fingers, and limbs. Gangrene can lead to tissue decay, necrosis, and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated.
- What are the causes of gangrene?
- Gangrene can be caused by various factors, including poor circulation due to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or atherosclerosis, trauma or injury that disrupts blood flow to tissues, bacterial infections, such as those caused by Clostridium bacteria, and medical procedures or surgeries that compromise blood flow to affected areas. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the spread of gangrene and minimize tissue damage.
- How can a lawyer assist in cases involving gangrene?
- In cases where gangrene develops due to negligence or inadequate care in a nursing home setting, an Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer can provide valuable legal guidance and representation. These attorneys specialize in advocating for the rights of nursing home residents and holding negligent facilities accountable for their actions. They can investigate the circumstances surrounding the development of gangrene, gather evidence of neglect or abuse, and pursue legal action to seek justice and compensation for the victim and their family. If you suspect that a loved one has developed gangrene due to nursing home neglect, consulting with an attorney is crucial to understand your legal options and protect your loved one’s rights.
