Learn More About The Rights Of Your Loved One
Who To Call In Philadelphia For A Bedsore Claim
If your loved one developed a bedsore during their nursing home stay, a Philadelphia bedsore lawyer is on your side. Families struggle with placing a resident in a nursing home, only to find them victim of negligent care. Bedsores often develop when a resident is too weak to adjust their body often. As a result, they remain static for long periods of time in a wheelchair or bed. A Philadelphia bedsore lawyer can help you determine if the bedsore is a result of neglect at the nursing home.
Bedsores often arise on bony prominences of the body such as:
- Spine
- Tailbone area (sacrum or coccyx)
- Ankles
- Elbows
- Hips
According to the Mayo Clinic, the resident typically will develop warning signs of a bedsore. The resident might have swelling, tenderness, changes in skin color, or pus-like drainage. These warning signs are important indicators to change position and relieve pressure. If improvement in the skin isn’t noted with 1-2 days, a physician should be alerted. Facility staff are responsible for assisting the resident to change positions. A Philadelphia bedsore lawyer knows that facilities should be held accountable for lack of care that results in a preventable bedsore injury.
Stages of Pressure Ulcers
Bedsores can develop over hours or days. Many sores can health with proper care, but some become chronic and non-healing. There are several stages of pressure ulcers that denote their severity.
Stage I
The skin is intact but feels red and warm to touch. Residents with darker skin may have a purple or blue tint to their skin. The resident might complain of burning, itching, or pain.
Stage II
The skin is open, and may appear like a sore, scrape, or blister. Pain around the area is often more significant. Discoloration around the wound may occur. Skin at this stage may be damaged beyond repair.
Stage III
The sore at this stage extends into the tissue beneath the skin, including the fat layer. The wound may look like a crater.
Stage IV
The bedsore is very deep, extending into muscle and bone. There may be damage to deeper tissues, tendons, and joints. Extensive damage is present during this stage.
In later stages (Stage III and IV), pain may dissipate due to significant tissue damage. The risk of complications such as bone or blood infections increases.
Who Is Responsible For Bed Sores?
Federal laws exist to protect nursing home residents from negligence. According to a top Philadelphia bedsore lawyer, nursing homes are responsible for the prevention be pressure injuries. Nursing home residents are in a care facility because they are dependent on others for assistance. Nursing homes are required by law to develop care plans for their patients who are at risk for skin breakdown. When staff fail to re-position a resident and a bedsore develops, the facility should be held accountable.
Help For Residents With Bed Sores
If your loved one develops bedsores, you should contact a Philadelphia bedsore lawyer experienced in dealing with bedsores and negligence immediately. We have attorneys who are experts in dealing with nursing negligence and will provide a no cost consultation to discuss your matter.
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Contact the Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers at Our Firm
The nursing home neglect lawyers at our firm understand the plight of the nation’s nursing home residents. No one should be subject to neglect and substandard care in long term care facilities. Our attorneys will partner with you to take a stand against underperforming nursing homes and seek compensation for their injuries. Call us today or send us a message to speak directly with an nursing home neglect lawyer.