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Nursing Home Bedsore Lawsuits

Nursing home bedsores are also known as pressure sores or decubitus ulcers.  These sores are caused by a lack of blood flow to an area of the skin resulting from prolonged pressure on one area of the body.  Bed sores commonly develop on areas with prominent bones beneath thin layers of skin, such as the tailbone, heels, elbows and shoulder blades.
Most people do not develop bedsores since they are constantly moving and repositioning themselves.  However, many nursing home residents are disabled and unable to move independently.  These individuals rely on others to care for them and prevent the development of bedsores.
When a loved one is unable to reposition themself and requires constant care and monitoring, families often rely on nursing homes.  Trust is placed in the nursing home to provide the proper care and attention that the family is unable to provide in their own home.  However, it in many nursing homes across the country residents are neglected.  Failure to properly turn and reposition a resident could lead to severe and life-threatening bedsores or decubitus ulcers.
 

NURSING HOME NEGLECT RESULTING IN BEDSORES

Failure to provide the proper standard of medical care increases the risk of developing nursing home bedsores.  In addition, failure to identify pressure sores once they develop may lead to a worsening of the condition or could even lead to death.  Examples of neglect which could contribute to the development of nursing home bedsores include:
  • immobile residents being allowed to remain in the same position for extended periods of time
  • failing to provide proper nutrition and fluids 
  • allowing moisture to remain close to the skin, which could be the result of not changing soiled adult diapers or wet bed sheets.
  • failing to check residents regularly for signs of pressure sores
  • failing to notify the family and physician upon development of sores so that proper treatment may be rendered

In many cases a nursing home may not notify the family or physician of the existence of bedsores.  Failure to report the existence of bedsores or any changes in their condition will result in the resident being left with untreated open wounds.  In severe cases, unrecognized pressure sores or inappropriately treated ulcers could result in septic shock or gangrene.

FREE NURSING HOME BEDSORES CLAIM EVALUATION

The nursing home lawyers at The Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP, investigate and review potential lawsuits for bedsores and other nursing home injuries.  Bedsore lawsuits are pursued to obtain compensation for the injuries suffered and operate as an important safeguard in our society to protect the rights of residents and make sure that proper standards are followed.

If a friend or loved one have developed a bedsore while in a nursing home, request a free consultation and legal claim evaluation to determine if they may have a claim.  Our nursing home attorneys have experience handling complex injury claims and can review the circumstances surrounding the treatment to determine if your loved one and family may be entitled to compensation. 

There are no fees or expenses unless a recovery is obtained.  However, every claim has a deadline, so it is important that you review any potential claim with a qualified nursing home lawyer as soon as possible. 

Richard S. Jaffe, Esq.