What To Do If Your Loved One Has Developed Bed Sores In A Nursing Home

Each year, bed sores affect millions of individuals. People confined to a bed, wheelchair, or who are otherwise largely or totally immobile are at a particularly high risk for developing these painful and potentially dangerous ulcers. Unfortunately, nursing home residents seem to be at the greatest risk of getting bed sores, as they often spend a significant amount of time in bed. 

If you or your loved one has developed bed sores while in a nursing home, it is important to understand that you have rights. In fact, bed sores that were caused by the neglect of a nursing home, a hospital, or a long-term care facility may entitle you to receive compensation. At the Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC, we take cases of nursing home neglect seriously and fight hard to see that negligent nursing homes are held accountable. We pursue these claims vigorously and work to see that our clients receive every dollar they deserve. For a free consultation, reach out to us today by calling 949-727-9300 or contact us online. 

Bed Sores Can Be Fatal

The presence of bed sores increases the risk of developing life-threatening infections like cellulitis and septicemia. Bed sores may also result in sepsis, which can also be fatal or require the amputation of the affected area. It is not uncommon for bed sores to result in bone or joint infections that can further limit mobility and cause extreme discomfort and pain. 

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Because of the seriousness of bed sores, it is important that if you or your loved one has developed them, you should not ignore them. Instead, seek medical attention immediately. Nursing homes are required to have doctors and other medical personnel present or on call. Bed sores are graded based on their severity, with stage 4 being the most serious. Stage 4 bed sores can be fatal, so it is vital that you determine which stage bed sores are present to best understand a physician’s prognosis and treatment plan. While most bed sores can be effectively treated, early detection is key to successful healing.

Document Nursing Home Conditions

Severe bed sores typically develop as a result of nursing home neglect or substandard care. In the event that you need to file a legal claim to receive compensation, you will want to document the conditions of the nursing home so that you will have evidence of what caused the sores to develop. Taking notes on how often the nursing home staff rotate patients in their beds and how frequently they change bed sheets may be helpful in proving a nursing home neglect claim. Taking photos or videos of the nursing home and any unsanitary conditions may also help to illustrate the level of care provided in the home. 

Speak With A Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

Lawyers who specialize in nursing home neglect and substandard care cases understand law and can give key insight on what you should do if your loved one has developed bed sores while in a home. These attorneys also work with medical professionals who can determine if a nursing home has been neglectful by comparing its practices to accepted industry standards. Speaking with a lawyer early on in the process can help preserve your rights and may prevent the nursing home from employing tactics to conceal their wrongdoing. 

Orange County Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers

Bed sores caused by nursing home neglect are not uncommon. The law recognizes that nursing home patients who have suffered at the hands of their caregivers are vulnerable and deserve protection. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC, take nursing home neglect claims seriously and we take pride in working to better ensure that our clients receive all the protections that the law affords. To schedule a consultation at no cost, reach out to us today by calling 949-727-9300 or contact us online. We look forward to hearing from you.