The Hidden Dangers Of Bed Sores: What Every Patient And Caregiver Needs To Know

Every day, bed sores plague nursing home residents and bedridden individuals. Left untreated, bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, can become infected and cause life-threatening conditions. In fact, each year over 60,000 people die from complications caused by bed sores. Fortunately, there are ways to treat bed sores if they are spotted before they have progressed to an advanced stage.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC specialize in holding nursing homes, caregivers, and hospitals accountable when they provide substandard care and cause injuries or death to their residents and patients. If you have a loved one who is suffering from bed sores caused by medical neglect, we will fight hard to ensure that you and your family receive the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, reach out to us today by calling 949-727-9300 or contact us online.

What Are Bed Sores?

Bed sores are ulcers that develop from prolonged pressure on skin. People who are hospitalized, bedridden, or in wheelchairs are at a particularly high risk of developing bed sores. The severity of a bed sore is determined by what stage it is in, with stage 4 being the most serious and life-threatening.

Fortunately, bed sores in stage 1 or stage 2 are often easily treated and with the proper care and can generally be managed or eliminated altogether. Bed sores that reach stage 3 or stage 4 are usually the result of neglect or abuse. These advanced sores can cause severe infections that can ultimately be fatal. 

How To Prevent Bed Sores

It is estimated that nearly 2.5 million people suffer from bed sores each year. Still, bed sores are not inevitable and there are ways to prevent them from forming. Individuals who are confined to a bed or wheelchair need to be turned or adjusted regularly to alleviate pressure on the skin and prevent sores from forming. Eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly can also ward off potential sores and infection. Caregivers will need to check their patients’ skin regularly for the warning signs of bed sores, such as changes in skin color or sensations. Skin that is moisturized and cleaned regularly has also been shown to be less susceptible to bed sore formation. Finally, regularly washing and changing bed sheets has been proven to lessen the risk of bed sores as well. 

Signs Of Bed Sores

Because bed sores usually form on parts of the body that are not generally visible, they may be hard to spot. Trained medical personnel should be aware of the warning signs of bed sores, but you may need a doctor to make an official diagnosis. Some of the known signs of bed sores include:

• Swollen Skin
• Irritated or extremely painful skin
• Redness
• Skin warm to touch
• Foul smell
• Pus oozing out of affected area

If you notice any of the above warning signs, it is important that you immediately contact a medical professional. Bed sores can be extremely painful and, if left untreated, can eat away at skin all the way down to the bone. 

Orange County Bed Sore Attorneys

In many cases, the presence of bed sores is caused by inadequate medical care or a neglectful caregiver. The law says that if you or a loved one has developed bed sores as a result of the negligence of a nursing home, hospital, or caregiver, then you may be able to file a claim and receive compensation. 

There are many factors that go into filing a successful claim for medical neglect, and you will need an experienced attorney on your side to better ensure that you have the evidence you need to receive the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC, have helped many people receive justice in this way. For a free consultation, reach out to us today by calling 949-727-9300 or contact us online. We look forward to speaking with you.