What To Do When a Loved One Develops Bedsores in a Medical Facility
Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are an extremely painful condition that can rapidly progress to severe deep tissue injuries. They are often one of the first signs of neglect by healthcare workers, and when staff leave them untreated, bedsores can lead to life-threatening complications.
Discovering that someone you love developed bedsores in a medical facility is understandably distressing. Since this is a preventable injury, you may experience feelings of shock, guilt, and anger. If you are unsure what to do when a loved one develops bedsores in a medical facility, read on to learn how our attorneys could assist you.
Demand Immediate Medical Attention
If you notice that your loved one in a medical center has developed pressure sores, you must demand a medical evaluation immediately. Do not accept vague explanations from nurses. Request a direct examination by a staff doctor, the director of nursing, or an on-site wound care specialist. If the facility stalls, minimizes the severity of the bedsore, or refuses proper care, you have the right to request a transfer to an emergency room or hospital for an independent medical evaluation.
Gather Proof and Document the Evidence
If someone you love develops pressure ulcers in a healthcare center, start by taking clear, well-lit photographs of the bedsore from multiple angles. If possible, place a ruler or coin next to the wound for scale, and ensure all photos are dated.
Log the dates, times, and names of every staff member or doctor you speak with about the bedsore, along with a summary of their responses. Then, request copies of your loved one’s evaluations, the facility’s repositioning schedules, and its formal wound care plan to support your claim.
Can You Seek Legal Help?
Bedsores are preventable injuries, so if a loved one in a medical center develops them, an important step you can take is to request an investigation. Filing a formal complaint with the Department of Health or the local ombudsman could prevent another family’s loved one from suffering the same injuries.
Once you file your report, you can consult a legal professional. Since bedsores can quickly lead to severe infections, such as sepsis, it is important to contact a qualified medical malpractice or elder neglect attorney immediately. At Colling Gilbert Wright, we offer a free initial consultation and could help protect your family member and secure resources for recovery.
Contact Us for Help When a Loved One Suffers Pressure Ulcers in a Healthcare Facility
Discovering that your loved one developed bedsores in a medical facility can be emotionally devastating for our clients. Realizing your vulnerable family member has suffered unnecessarily from preventable injuries should prompt you to learn what to do when a loved one develops bedsores in a medical facility.
At Colling Gilbert Wright, many of our personal injury cases come from other attorneys who refer their clients to us because of our dedication to justice. With decades of experience handling medical malpractice claims, our award-winning team at The Florida Firm Injury and Accident Lawyers could guide your family through complex litigation, whether you suffered injuries in a car accident, from a defective product, on the job, or in a medical facility. Contact us today for a free consultation.
