Bedsores
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, begin when a person stays in one position for too long, which damages the skin and underlying tissue. A National Center for Health Services report in 2004 found that 11 percent of nursing home patients had bedsores. Of that population, eight percent were found to have stage two or worse bedsores, which means the pressure ulcer had not been caught early and had worsened over time. If a nursing home resident is suffering from bedsores, it is a sign of neglect. They need to get appropriate medical care and possibly be moved to living arrangements with a higher standard of care. These expenses can be offset by filing a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the neglect and subsequent injury. The office of Mark H. Wright, PLLC can help you represent your best interests.
Warning Signs of Bedsores
There are certain areas of the body that are prone to getting bedsores because they are contact points. A person who gets a pressure ulcer is unable to move themselves, so they are likely restricted to a bed or wheelchair. Thus, common places to see bedsores include the tailbone, hips, feet, shoulder blades, backs or sides of the knee, and back of the head. Signs to look for include:
- Skin discoloration;
- Swelling;
- Pus-like draining;
- Change in skin texture;
- Change in temperature to an area of skin; and
- Areas of the body that are tender to the touch.
Stages of Bedsores
According to Medscape, each year 60,000 people die from complications of pressure ulcers. These injuries are entirely preventable if the caretakers simply moved the patients more frequently and took notice of any signs of bedsores early on. Bedsores are categorized by severity into the following stages:
- Stage 1 – This is the least severe type of bedsore. The skin might be red and warm to the touch but it has not yet become an open wound. Complaints may include that the area is itchy, warm, or burns.
- Stage 2 – At this point the skin has blistered or has cracked open. The area will be discolored and the pain is more severe.
- Stage 3 – The skin has begun to crater inwards and the damage has now extended to the tissues below the skin. There may actually be less pain at this stage because of nerve damage.
- Stage 4 – This is the most severe stage of a bedsore. The damage has extended into the nearby muscles, tendon, and even bone. The risk of infection is also high.
Take Legal Action If You or a Loved One Has Suffered Bedsores
A severe pressure ulcer can take months to recover from and may even require surgery, all which take a financial burden on the patient. If you or a loved one has been in a healthcare setting and developed bedsores due to lack of medical attention, you have the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation. A Tampa bedsores attorney at the office of Mark H. Wright, PLLC can guide you through the legal process and represent your best interests. Contact our legal team today at 813-425-2020 to schedule your free consultation.
