Is Your Loved One a Victim of Bedsores?

If a person is bedridden for a long period of time, there is often areas of skin that are in constant contact with the mattress. This can lead to bedsores or pressure ulcers. These are specific lesions or sores within the skin that are not only painful but that can also become infected or lead to serious health issues. Bedsores, contrary to what you may have been told,  are not inevitable and can be prevented.

In a nursing home, hospital or other medical institution where bedridden patients are common, the medical provider or facility staff have the responsibility to monitor for bedsores and take action to prevent them. This involves frequently checking for discoloration within areas of skin that are in danger of ulcerating. If bedsores are a risk, bedridden patients should be moved around or changed positions on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, bedridden or very sedentary patients are often the elderly or those who may not have a strong voice or way to communicate their discomfort. When it comes to nursing homes, it is often the visiting relative or friend that notices bedsores or skin ulcers. In such cases, further investigation needs to occur and the help of an nursing home negligence attorney may be needed.

What You Need to Know About Your Claim

Bedsores that should have otherwise been prevented can hold the facility or provider liable for negligence, malpractice or even abuse. If your loved one is a victim and you’ve filed a lawsuit, you should know that the defendant’s insurance company may ask you for a recorded statement describing the appearance of bedsores, your treatment and your medical records. You have NO legal obligation to provide this statement or share this information. It is best to let an attorney guide you and make the decision about releasing information for review. In most cases, you can also expect the insurance company to offer you a quick settlement. Denying this upfront settlement often results in a higher net recovery and compensation – even after taking out an attorney’s fee.

The Dangers of Untreated Bedsores

By contacting an experienced bedsore attorney before you sign anything, you are giving yourself the chance to sue for a monetary award from new injuries and infections as well as the aggravation of old ones caused by pressure ulcers. Bedsores don’t always heal easily. Depending on their grade, untreated pressure ulcers can lead to a number of complications and secondary conditions, such as sepsis, cellulitis, bone and joint infections or abscess.

Call an Experienced Nursing Home Negligence Attorney in Stockbridge

If you suspect that your loved one has been neglected or abused in his or her nursing home, call Attorney Darrell Farr. We understand what it takes to represent victims of bedsores, slip and fall injuries, choking and more.