Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a constant threat to nursing home residents. They are also often a result of nursing home abuse and neglect. Bedsores form when the skin does not receive enough oxygen or blood flow, which is a result of constant pressure applied to the layers of skin. Seniors are more at risk of developing bedsores because their skin is already thin and fragile. However, the severity of bedsores ranges significantly, from a mild reddening of the skin to severe wounds that expose muscle and bone. If your loved one has developed bed sores while in a nursing home, it is important to speak to a San Francisco bedsores lawyer that can help you claim the damages your loved ones deserve.
Are Bedsores Preventable?Yes. Bedsores are preventable; they will not form when an elder receives proper care. Bedsores form when elders are left to sit in a wheelchair, lie in a bed, or otherwise remain in the same position for a long period of time. It is the responsibility of nursing home staff to regularly move elders and change their position so bedsores do not form in the first place. Generally speaking, seniors should be moved every two hours. This relieves the pressure and allows the blood to flow to certain areas of the skin once again. If your loved one suffers from bedsores due to inadequate care at a nursing home, a bedsores lawyer in San Francisco can help.
Where are Bedsores Most Likely to Appear?Bedsores are more likely to appear on skin that is subjected to constant pressure. The most common places to look for bedsores include:
Nursing home staff members should regularly check these areas to ensure bedsores are not developing. When visiting loved ones, these areas should also be checked in case nursing home staff members have not paid proper attention to them.
Complications of BedsoresBedsores are extremely painful for any senior citizen who develops them. Tragically, they can also have dire consequences. Bedsores have four different stages that range from minor to most severe. Once bedsores reach stage three or four, they become open wounds that expose the elder’s muscle and bone. This places the resident at great risk for suffering from infections such as sepsis, which can result in wrongful death. Although nursing home residents and their loved ones can file a bedsore lawsuit, family members can also file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages such as medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and more with the help of a San Francisco bedsores attorney.
Call Our California Bedsores Lawyer TodayIf your loved one has developed bedsores while residing in a nursing home, it is important to hold the facility and its staff members accountable. Not only does your family deserve damages for your losses, but it is important to also prevent this type of abuse from happening to others. At Brod Law Firm, a knowledgeable bedsores attorney in San Francisco knows how to hold nursing homes liable, and he wants to put his experience to work for you. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case review.