Bedsores

A bedsore can result from a lack of movement in bedridden patients. When there is too much pressure on an area where bones protrude, such as the hips or tailbone, sensitive areas may develop in the skin around the irritated area. Like with burn injuries, there are different stages of bedsores, depending on how long they have had to develop and the severity of the damage.

Stage 1 bedsores are not yet open wounds, though the damaged skin will likely be red and may feel painful and warm to the touch.

At Stage 2 , bedsores will have broken open, or may look like a scrape or blister. They may also develop into painful ulcers, sometimes causing areas of the damaged skin to die.

Stage 3 bedsores will have significantly worsened in appearance and will likely be even more painful. The soft tissue under the skin will be damaged, leaving the injured area with crater-like open sores.

Lastly, Stage 4 bedsores will be very deep, usually reaching muscle or bone. At this point, the damage is often so severe that the patient may not even feel the pain because the damaged tissue has died.

While bedsores may develop anywhere a person regularly rests their weight, they occur more frequently along the spine, on the buttocks area, shoulder blades, the back of the head, or the hips. Bedsores may also lead to other serious complications, including infections.

In very severe cases, some infections may require surgeries, or skin or muscle grafts.

How Does a Bedsore Develop?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that as many as 1 out of every 10 nursing home residents suffer from bedsores. These painful ulcers develop when a bedridden person is not repositioned enough. This may happen if a nursing home staff member or care provider neglects his or her patients. Whether the patient spends the majority of his or her time on the couch, in bed, or in a wheelchair, it is crucial to stimulate movement or reposition frequently in order to prevent bedsores.

Who Is Liable?

If a nurse, doctor, or caretaker does not give bedridden patients frequent attention, bedsores may develop. Patients at risk for bedsores should be provided with foam padding or pillows to alleviate pressure, should always have clean, dry clothing and bedding, and should receive close attention.

In some cases, bedsores may develop even when patients receive proper care. However, even if the patient developed the sores while receiving suitable consideration, the caretaker should still see to it that the nursing home patient receives medical attention to prevent the condition from worsening. Failure to monitor residents is as much a fault as causing the injury in the first place.

Making a Claim for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Bedsores can be very painful. In some cases, bed sores can develop into serious infections. If you find your loved one has developed a bedsore, and you suspect the nursing home they reside in is at fault, you may have a personal injury claim. We may be able to help you recover compensation for damages, including medical bills and pain and suffering. Call us for assistance.

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