Bedsores, also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers, are areas of damaged skin and tissue caused by sustained pressure, often from lying or sitting in one position for too long. The pressure restricts blood flow, leading to tissue death and open wounds, particularly on bony areas such as the heels, ankles, and tailbone.
Nursing homes have a responsibility to provide care that prevents bedsores. When residents develop bedsores in Orlando nursing homes, this can be a sign that the standard of care is not being met. If you suspect that your loved one is suffering nursing home neglect or abuse, a qualified nursing home negligence attorney at Colling Gilbert Wright could help you understand your legal options.
Bedsores and Abuse in Nursing Homes
Bedsores are a strong indicator of potential nursing home abuse or neglect. With adequate care and attention, bedsores are often preventable, so the presence of pressure sores can signify an Orlando nursing home’s failure to provide residents with proper care. Residents who are not regularly repositioned, particularly those who are immobile or have limited mobility, are at high risk of developing bedsores due to prolonged pressure on bony areas.
Neglecting basic hygiene practices, such as cleaning and drying the skin, can contribute to the formation and worsening of pressure ulcers. Understaffed facilities may struggle to provide the necessary repositioning and skin assessments, leading to an increased risk of bedsores. Insufficiently trained staff may not recognize the early signs of pressure ulcers or understand proper preventative measures, further exacerbating the problem.
Bedsores can be a symptom of other forms of neglect, such as malnutrition or dehydration, which can weaken the skin and make it more susceptible to injury. Bedsores can become infected, leading to cellulitis (skin infection), osteomyelitis (bone infection), and even sepsis. These sores can cause significant pain and discomfort, impacting the resident’s quality of life.
Lack of blood flow to the area can lead to the death of tissue, potentially resulting in gangrene. Untreated bedsores that become chronic wounds can increase the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. In extreme cases, especially with advanced-stage bedsores and severe infections, untreated pressure ulcers can be fatal.
Legal Options for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
When an Orlando nursing home’s neglect leads to pressure ulcers, multiple parties could be held liable. The nursing home has a fundamental duty to provide a safe and appropriate environment for residents, which includes protecting them from preventable injuries such as bedsores.
Nurses, aides, and other staff members who provide direct care are directly involved in preventing bedsores. If they neglect proper repositioning and hygiene or ignore early signs, they could be individually liable. Doctors and other healthcare professionals who oversee care could be liable if they fail to identify or treat bedsores appropriately, especially if the condition worsens due to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
If the facility outsources services such as physical therapy or cleaning and those contractors fail to meet care standards, they may also bear responsibility. In many cases, the owners or operators of the nursing home could be held liable for damages caused by neglect or abuse.
Compensation for bedsores that occur in nursing homes due to neglect or abuse could cover various damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, future care costs, and potentially punitive damages in severe cases.
Call Our Orlando Attorneys If Your Loved One Is Suffering from Bedsores due to an Assisted Living Facility’s Negligence
Bedsores in Orlando nursing homes are often a sign of negligence or neglect. If you suspect that this is the case with your loved one, it may be wise to contact an attorney with experience handling nursing home abuse claims as soon as possible. Our team of dedicated attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright could thoroughly investigate the facts of your loved one’s case, examining medical records, patient care plans, and other relevant documents, to determine if the nursing home was negligent in preventing or treating the bedsores.
We regularly advocate for the rights of nursing home abuse victims and work to ensure they receive appropriate compensation for the injuries and suffering caused. Our team recently recovered $1.875 million for the family of a nursing home abuse victim who died from malnutrition and a severe bedsore on his tailbone. We also recovered $1.5 million in a separate case of tragic nursing home negligence where a victim suffered fatal injuries from bedsores, dehydration, and malnutrition.
Our lawyers could help you hold negligent caregivers legally accountable for maximum compensation and make every effort to ensure justice for your loved one. Call us today to request your free evaluation.