When an elderly resident of a nursing home suffers abuse or neglect, a variety of different injuries can result. Worse, each of these injuries can have an extremely negative effect on your loved one’s overall physical and mental health. But there are some injuries that are worse than others in a nursing home abuse situation. One such injury that is extremely common in these situations is bed sores.
While you may be aware of bed sores, you’ve likely never had to experience the pain and effects that these unfortunate injuries can cause. But for thousands of elderly nursing home residents, bed sores are a persistent and ever-present threat to their overall health and well-being. When bed sores are caused by nursing home abuse, there are steps that can be taken to treat them, as well as hold the nursing home that allowed them accountable.
Contact Maison Law Today If Your Loved One Has Suffered Nursing Home Abuse
Your elderly loved one under the care of a nursing home should not live with bed sores. Usually, these injuries are an unmistakable sign of abuse or neglect. However, like any other injury, if they go untreated for too long, it can have severe consequences for your loved one or any other resident that suffers from them.
Because bed sores can be so devastating, acting quickly when you recognize them is crucial to getting your loved one the care and treatment they need. At Maison Law, our team of experienced California nursing home abuse lawyers can help you through this process. To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation.
What Are Bed Sores?
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are skin injuries that develop as a result of continuous pressure applied to a specific area of the body. This pressure cuts off the blood supply to the skin and underlying tissue, leading to the breakdown of skin and tissue and the formation of an ulcer.
Not surprisingly, elderly residents of nursing homes are especially susceptible to bed sores because of the conditions that frequently cause them. Most often, bed sores occur in individuals who spend long periods of time in bed or a wheelchair, and are most common in people with limited mobility.
Bed sores are classified into four stages based on their severity, as follows:
- Stage 1 – In this stage, the skin appears red and irritated, but there is no break in the skin. The area may feel warm and tender to the touch, but it is not yet an open wound.
- Stage 2 – In Stage 2 of bed sores, the skin breaks open, and a shallow wound or ulcer forms. The wound may appear as a blister, abrasion, or shallow crater.
- Stage 3 – Stage 3 bed sores happen when the wound becomes deeper and more extensive, exposing fat and muscle tissue. The wound may also have a foul-smelling discharge.
- Stage 4 – In Stage 4, the wound is the most severe and extensive, reaching down to the bone or tendons. The wound may be large and may extend into the surrounding tissue.
It is important to monitor the skin for any changes and to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent the progression of bed sores to more severe stages. Early intervention can significantly improve the outcome and reduce the risk of complications.
How Does Nursing Home Abuse Cause Bed Sores?
Obviously, in situations where nursing home abuse occurs, bed sores frequently result. Of the various causes that lead to bed sores, virtually all of them are present in a nursing home abuse situation.
While bed sores are extremely dangerous, especially when they aren’t treated properly or quickly, it is helpful to remember that they are also usually ironclad evidence that nursing home abuse is occurring. Still, it’s crucial that you or your elderly loved one stay vigilant and ask for help as soon as they see bed sores forming. With that in mind, here are some of the most common causes of bed sores in the context of nursing home abuse:
- Neglect – Usually, neglect is the number one cause of bed sores. Failure to reposition residents frequently enough or provide adequate assistance with daily activities, leading to continuous pressure on one area of the skin.
- Improper hygiene practices – Because bed sores can develop because of bacteria on the skin, improper hygiene practices frequently lead to them. When caregivers fail to clean residents regularly or change soiled clothing promptly, dirt and bacteria build up on the skin, which can infect open sores.
- Lack of nutrition and hydration – Residents who are not provided with proper nutrition and hydration are at a higher risk of developing bed sores, as skin health and healing depend on adequate nutrition and hydration.
- Inadequate staff training – Staff members who are not properly trained in the care of bedridden or immobile residents may be more likely to cause bed sores through neglect or improper treatment.
- Overuse of restraints: Some residents in nursing homes require the use of restraints because they are a danger to themselves or others, However, the overuse of physical restraints, such as bed rails or ties, can restrict a resident’s movement and increase the risk of bed sores.
- Poor quality beds or bedding – Beds that are not comfortable or supportive, or bedding that is not properly cleaned, can increase the risk of bed sores by applying continuous pressure to one area of the resident’s skin.
Like any injury, bed sores can get progressively worse if they are not properly cared for. It is the responsibility of nursing home staff to provide proper care and prevent the development of bed sores. If a resident develops bed sores due to neglect or abuse, it is a sign of a larger problem and should be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities. In California, this means filing a complaint with the Department of Public Health (DPH), which is responsible for investigating claims of nursing home abuse throughout the state.
How To File a Claim For Nursing Home Abuse in California
As a serious injury, bed sores can result in the need for extensive treatment on top of any costs related to your loved one’s residence in a nursing home. However, this treatment means one thing: medical expenses. To address this, California law allows victims of nursing home abuse to file claims for damages. In a California nursing home abuse claim, the following damages are available:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages
- Property damage
- Legal fees and court costs
Like any claim, the damages that can be recovered are dependent on the facts and circumstances that surround the case. In a nursing home abuse case, the extent of your loved one injuries–such as bedsores–will ultimately determine how much they will be able to recover.
Work With Our California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Maison Law and our team of experienced California nursing home abuse lawyers know how devastating bed sores can be. When these injuries result in further health issues for your loved one, we will be there to stand up for them. Through our experience, we have developed a proven system of success in nursing home abuse claims, and can make sure your family gets the benefits and support that they need from the nursing home. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
