Did someone you love suffer from bedsores while under nursing home care? Families trust these facilities to provide adequate medical attention, maintain the comfort of the residents, and protect vulnerable people from getting hurt.
Nursing homes have a duty to prevent neglect-related injuries like bedsores, but when they fail to meet this standard of care, you can take action. A Warner Robins nursing home bedsores lawyer can help you advocate for your loved one’s right to proper care.
At Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law, we are committed to holding nursing homes accountable for any negligent behavior we uncover. With 17 years of experience recovering millions for our clients, we can pursue compensation as your Warner Robins nursing home abuse lawyer.
What Are Bedsores and How Do They Form?
Bedsores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue. They are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. In many cases, they typically arise on areas of the body where bones are close to the skin, such as the heels, tailbone, hips, and elbows.
When pressure is applied to these areas for extended periods, it restricts blood flow to the skin and tissues, leading to tissue damage and the formation of bedsores. But what are the warning signs of bed sores?
If you know what each stage of a bedsore’s development looks like, you’ll be able to notice bedsores at any stage in the process. Bedsores are classified into these four stages:
- Stage 1: The skin is red or discolored, but it is not broken, though it may feel warm to the touch.
- Stage 2: The skin is officially broken, creating a shallow wound that often resembles a blister.
- Stage 3: The wound has deepened into the underlying tissue and formed a crater-like ulcer.
- Stage 4: The wound now extends through all layers of the skin and underlying tissue to the point where bone or muscle is exposed.
If not properly treated, bedsores can lead to serious complications, including infections, sepsis, or—in worst-case scenarios—death. In nursing homes, the development of bedsores is often a clear sign of neglect because they are typically preventable with regular care and attention.
For a free legal consultation with a nursing home bedsores lawyer serving Warner Robins, call
Why Bedsores Are a Sign of Nursing Home Neglect
In a nursing home, residents who are unable to move on their own—whether due to physical disabilities, pre-existing illnesses, or old age—rely on staff for care and assistance. Part of this includes being repositioned regularly to relieve pressure on the skin.
This movement helps prevent the formation of bedsores. However, when nursing homes fail to provide the necessary level of care, residents are at risk of developing painful sores. Staff negligence can manifest in several ways.
Failure to Reposition
Residents who are bedridden or in a wheelchair need to be repositioned at regular intervals. Otherwise, they are at risk of pressure building up on certain parts of their body. If staff members neglect to reposition a resident regularly, bedsores can quickly form.
Inadequate Hygiene
Proper hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing infections. Failure to bathe residents, clean their skin, or change their bed linens regularly can lead to skin breakdown and the development of bedsores.
Malnutrition and Dehydration
A lack of proper nutrition and hydration can impair the skin’s ability to heal, which often makes it more prone to developing sores. Nursing homes are responsible for making sure residents receive the food and fluids they need to maintain their health.
Inadequate Staff Training
Nursing home staff should receive adequate training before caring for residents who have limited mobility. This includes understanding how to prevent bedsores. Inadequate training processes can lead to mistakes that put residents at risk of serious harm.
Overcrowding and Understaffing
Many nursing homes struggle with staffing shortages, which can result in neglectful care. When there are not enough staff members to care for all of the residents, essential tasks—such as repositioning and cleaning—may be overlooked, increasing the risk of bedsores.
When a nursing home fails to meet the basic standards of care, it can be held legally accountable for the harm that is subsequently caused to residents.
Warner Robins Nursing Home Bedsores Lawyer Near Me (678) 823-7678
The Consequences of Untreated Bedsores
If bedsores are left untreated, they can lead to serious complications. The damage that is caused by prolonged pressure can cause infections, which often spread to deeper tissues, bones, or organs.
Infections like cellulitis, osteomyelitis, or sepsis can be life-threatening as well. These conditions usually require immediate and thorough medical treatment to resolve. Here are a few other complications that untreated bedsores can cause:
- Chronic pain: Bedsores can be extremely painful, resulting in physical discomfort and affecting a resident’s quality of life for a long time.
- Long-term health problems: Severe or untreated bedsores can lead to long-term health issues, such as permanent disabilities and chronic wounds, not to mention a longer healing process.
- Emotional and psychological toll: The development of bedsores can cause emotional distress not only for residents but for their family members as well. Loved ones might feel helpless in the face of the pain and suffering their loved one is enduring.
Contact Our Warner Robins Nursing Home Bedsores Law Firm To Hold Nursing Homes Accountable
Nursing homes have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy environment for their residents. When they fail to meet this responsibility, the consequences can be devastating.
Holding nursing homes accountable for neglect and abuse is important, but you don’t have to go up against them on your own. If you want to take measures to make sure vulnerable residents are protected from harm, reach out to Schenk Nursing Home Abuse Law.
We can represent you as your Warner Robins nursing home bedsores attorney and help you pursue the compensation your family deserves. Call us today to learn more about our firm and how we can help you take the first step toward holding the responsible parties accountable.