Millions of people suffer from bedsores every year in San Diego, and throughout the entire country. It is not uncommon for residents in nursing homes to suffer from bedsores, largely because they have limited mobility and their skin is quite fragile. Bedsores can become catastrophic for nursing home residents, which is why the staff members in these facilities must take the proper care to prevent them from forming. When nursing homes and their staff fail to do this and a resident suffers unnecessarily, it is often considered neglect and you can hold the facility liable for paying damages. Before filing your claim, it is important to speak to a San Diego bedsore lawyer who can help you claim the full settlement you deserve.
How Can Nursing Homes Prevent Bedsores?Residents in nursing homes often suffer from bedsores because they are left in the same position for too long. Bedsores form when the skin is under a great deal of pressure for a significant period of time. When residents are left in a bed or wheelchair for several hours without being repositioned, they are at a much greater risk of suffering from bedsores on their shoulder blades, knees, or tailbone.
To prevent bedsores from forming, nursing home staff members must make sure they are regularly repositioning elders to relieve the friction and stress on the skin. When residents do have to be in a bed or wheelchair, particularly if it is for a long period of time, staff members should use pillows and cushions that can reduce the amount of pressure on the skin. Any time a nursing home staff member fails to take these precautions, they can be held liable for nursing home abuse with the help of a bedsore attorney in San Diego.
The Stages of a BedsoreBedsores go through different stages as they develop and the higher the number of stage, the more severe the bedsore. When bedsores first form, they are a closed wound and that is classified as stage one. The wound will start to open as the bedsore moves into stage two, and a blister or ulcer may form. The first two stages of bedsores cause a great deal of pain for nursing home residents, but sores are generally easy to treat at this point.
Bedsores are no longer considered superficial when they enter stage three. A small crater will form, and the underlying tissue of the skin starts to show damage. Fat is also sometimes seen inside the wound during this stage. Bedsores in stage four are the most severe, as the joints, tendons, and deep tissues start to become damaged. The tissue around the wound dies, meaning the wounds are not as painful, but they can result in a life-threatening infection.
Our Bedsore Lawyer in San Diego Can Help You Make Things RightIf your family member has developed bedsores inside a nursing home, our San Diego bedsore attorney at Brod Law Firm can help you claim the damages your family deserves. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case review.