Can You Claim Compensation For Bedsores?
When your loved one has bedsores because of poor care at a long-term care facility or nursing home, it could be due to nursing home abuse or neglect. Pressure ulcers develop when the skin is in prolonged contact with a surface like a bed or wheelchair. This constant pressure cuts off blood flow, damaging the tissue and potentially causing it to die, which leads to painful open sores.
Early-stage bedsores can be treated by relieving pressure and restoring blood flow. However, if not treated promptly, they can worsen and affect deeper tissues, including muscles and bones, becoming potentially fatal. Open bedsores increase the risk of severe infections, such as sepsis, and may require surgery.
At McMurray Henriks, LLP, in Los Angeles, we are mad as hell when it comes to elder abuse. Our bedsores injury lawyers can help you answer emotionally difficult questions about assisted living facilities and the steps you may take to make it right for your loved one and your family. If negligence is afoot, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the staff members and the facility.
Are Bedsores Preventable?
Individuals who are bedridden, use a wheelchair or are unable to change their position regularly are at higher risk of bedsores. Decubitus ulcers – or bedsores – are skin tissue injuries. Developing on bony areas of the body such as the hips, tailbone, ankles or heels they result from prolonged pressure. The severity of bedsores can range from mild reddening of the skin to severe deep wounds that can affect muscles and bones, potentially leading to serious infections.
Preventing bedsores involves a combination of strategies aimed at reducing pressure, improving nutrition and maintaining skin hygiene. In Los Angeles County, health care providers emphasize regular repositioning of patients to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas. Specialized mattresses and cushions designed to redistribute weight can also be employed. Ensuring that patients receive adequate hydration and nutrition, particularly protein and vitamins, is crucial for good skin health. Additionally, keeping the skin clean and dry helps prevent the breakdown of tissue.
What Is The Best Treatment For Bedsores?
Treatment includes relieving pressure on the affected area through repositioning and the use of support surfaces. Wound care specialists may clean and dress the sores to promote healing and prevent infection. In severe cases, surgical intervention might be necessary to remove dead tissue and close the wound.
Pain management, nutritional support and addressing underlying health conditions are also integral parts of the treatment plan. Access to comprehensive care teams, including nurses, doctors and nutritionists, ensures that patients receive holistic and effective treatment for bedsores.
The Dangers of Untreated Bedsores: A Serious Health Risk
What happens when bedsores go untreated? When pressure ulcers go untreated, they can progressively worsen and lead to severe complications. Initially, these sores may appear as red or discolored areas on the skin. Without proper care, they can deepen and develop into open wounds. As the condition advances, the risk of infection increases significantly. Bacteria can invade the sore, potentially leading to cellulitis, a skin infection, osteomyelitis – a bone infection – or sepsis, a life-threatening systemic infection.
Untreated bedsores are painful. Without treatment, muscles, tendons and underlying tissues are at risk of permanent damage. This can result in prolonged hospital stays, complex medical treatments and a diminished quality of life. Preventative measures, early detection, and prompt intervention are crucial to managing and mitigating the risks associated with bedsores.
Contact Us Now For Guidance And Answers To Your Questions
At McMurray Henriks, LLP, in Los Angeles, we offer free consultations to answer your questions about bedsores, elder abuse and filing a personal injury lawsuit. We provide legal representation for these difficult cases on a contingency basis. You do not pay for legal services until we win your case. Send us an email or call us at 323-931-6200 for experienced legal help.