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Although the majority of nursing homes do a
satisfactory job of providing their patients with a safe
and comfortable residence, there are lapses in care.
Such lapses may result in a condition known as bedsores
or decubitus ulcers. A bedsore occurs when a person’s
body tissue begins to decay because of a lack of blood
circulation. Bedsores are classified in stages according
to severity and can range from a mild discoloration of
the skin to a deep wound.
There are three physical causes for bedsores:
- Pressure — tissue compression is caused by the force
of bone against a surface such as when a person stays in
a single position for a long period of time.
- Shear force — this occurs when a person’s skin remains
in one place as gravity pulls down on their deep tissue
and muscles.
- Friction — where skin is sheared off by rubbing
against something such as a bed sheet, cast, brace, etc.
Bedsores are a common hazard to people who are
relatively immobile or paralyzed. Patients at the
greatest risk are those confined to a bed or wheelchair,
and those that cannot alter their body position without
help. Changing a patient’s position at least once every
two hours to relieve stress on the susceptible tissue
can prevent bedsores. There are even special medical
pads that can help prevent bedsores by reducing pressure
and improving a patient’s posture. Proper hydration and
nutrition are essential to prevention as well. Good
hygiene is also important such as keeping a patient’s
skin clean and dry, and inspecting the skin often for
signs that bedsores are developing.
Besides being extremely uncomfortable, bedsores can
cause severe injury and scarring. They also increase the
risk for various infections due to the creation of dead
skin cells. Although completely treatable if found early
on, bedsores that get infected can actually be
life-threatening. Because bedsores are preventable, the
development of severe ones may be evidence of negligent
treatment or inadequate care. Of course, it is possible
that a competent patient may refuse food, water or
repositioning. Such noncompliance may lead to the
development of bedsores. Nevertheless, nursing homes
should be staffed with medical professionals that are
trained to look for and prevent bedsores.
Therefore, patients who have serious bedsores may have
not been properly attended to by the professionals
responsible for their care. A nursing home that does not
take reasonable steps to prevent or treat bedsores can
be held liable for damages.
If you or a loved one has developed bedsores while in
medical care, you may be able to recoup damages in the
form of medical costs, emotional distress, and pain and
suffering. Talk to one of the highly knowledgeable
attorneys at Peterson & Associates today. Please
contact
one of our attorneys immediately for a free consultation
at 816-LAW-FIRM or click here to fill out an online
form.
For more information:
Nursing Home Abuse
FAQs
Nursing
Home Abuse Legal Glossary
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