Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are a painful and dangerous medical condition that can develop when a person is confined to a bed or wheelchair for an extended period. While they may seem like a minor skin irritation at first, bedsores can quickly progress into deep, infected wounds that can lead to life-threatening complications. The shocking truth is that, in most cases, bedsores are entirely preventable. When a nursing home resident develops a bedsore, it is almost always a sign of neglect.
If your loved one has developed a bedsore in a Georgia nursing home, you may be wondering if you have legal recourse. The answer is a resounding yes. Nursing homes have a legal and ethical obligation to provide a standard of care that prevents the development of bedsores. When they fail in this duty, they can and should be held accountable. The experienced Georgia nursing home neglect attorneys at Chance, Forlines, Carter & King have successfully represented many families in these types of cases, and this blog post will explain how.
How Bedsores Develop and Why They Are a Sign of Neglect
Bedsores are caused by prolonged pressure on a specific area of the body, which cuts off blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues. This lack of blood flow causes the tissue to die, leading to the formation of an ulcer. The most common areas for bedsores to develop are bony prominences, such as the hips, tailbone, heels, and elbows.
Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to bedsores because they often have mobility issues that prevent them from repositioning themselves. This is why nursing homes are required to have protocols in place to prevent the development of pressure ulcers. These protocols include:
•Regular Repositioning: Staff should turn and reposition residents at least every two hours.
•Proper Nutrition and Hydration: Good nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining healthy skin.
•Skin Care: Staff should keep the resident’s skin clean and dry and use moisturizers to prevent it from becoming too dry or fragile.
•Pressure-Relieving Devices: Special mattresses, cushions, and pads can be used to reduce pressure on vulnerable areas.
When a nursing home fails to follow these basic protocols, it is a clear sign of neglect. There is simply no excuse for a resident to develop a severe bedsore in a facility that is providing adequate care.
The Four Stages of Bedsores
Bedsores are typically classified into four stages based on their severity:
•Stage 1: The skin is red and may feel warm to the touch, but it is not broken.
•Stage 2: The skin is broken, and there is a shallow open sore or blister.
•Stage 3: The ulcer is much deeper, extending into the fatty tissue below the skin.
•Stage 4: The ulcer is very deep, and there may be damage to the muscle, bone, and even tendons or joints. Stage 4 bedsores are a medical emergency and can lead to life-threatening infections like sepsis and sepsis.
Proving Negligence in a Georgia Bedsore Lawsuit
To win a bedsore lawsuit in Georgia, you must prove that the nursing home was negligent and that this negligence directly caused your loved one’s injury. An experienced nursing home neglect lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case. This can include:
•Medical Records: Your loved one’s medical records can provide a wealth of information about their condition, the care they received, and the progression of the bedsore.
•Nursing Home Records: The nursing home’s own records, such as staffing schedules, care plans, and incident reports, can often reveal evidence of understaffing, inadequate training, and other forms of negligence.
•Expert Testimony: Medical experts can provide testimony about the standard of care for preventing bedsores and how the nursing home failed to meet that standard.
•Witness Testimony: Testimony from family members, friends, and even other residents can help to paint a picture of the conditions in the nursing home.
A successful lawsuit can provide compensation for a variety of damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and the cost of any future care that may be required. In cases of egregious neglect, it may also be possible to recover punitive damages, which are intended to punish the nursing home and deter similar conduct in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bedsore Lawsuits
Q: Can a nursing home be sued if a resident develops a bedsore?
A: Yes. If a nursing home fails to provide the proper care to prevent bedsores, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. The development of a bedsore is often a clear sign of neglect.
Q: What should I do if I discover that my loved one has a bedsore?
A: You should immediately notify the nursing home administration and demand that your loved one receive proper medical treatment. You should also document the bedsore with photographs and detailed notes. Then, you should contact an experienced nursing home neglect attorney to discuss your legal options.
Q: How much is a bedsore lawsuit worth?
A: The value of a bedsore lawsuit depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the bedsore, the cost of medical treatment, and the amount of pain and suffering the resident has endured. An experienced attorney can help you understand the potential value of your claim.
Holding Negligent Nursing Homes Accountable
Bedsores are a painful and dangerous condition that no nursing home resident should have to endure. If your loved one has developed a bedsore in a Georgia nursing home, it is a clear sign that they are not receiving the care they deserve. The dedicated and experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Chance, Forlines, Carter & King are committed to holding negligent nursing homes accountable and fighting for the rights of vulnerable adults. We have the knowledge, resources, and passion to get your family the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about how we can help. Call us at 404-760-7400 or fill out our online contact form to get started.