Burbank Bed Sores & Pressure Ulcers Attorney
Though bed sores and pressure ulcers can be quite common in hospitals and nursing homes, they are preventable. If bedsores and pressure ulcers aren’t addressed right away, they can lead to worsening conditions. Bedsores and pressure ulcers can also be a sign of neglect and abuse in nursing homes. If you or a loved one has been a victim of bedsores or pressure ulcers, you may want to consult with legal counsel if you suspect that nursing home abuse or neglect has been a factor.
Lawyer for Bed Sores & Pressure Ulcers in Burbank, CA
It is the responsibility of nursing home staff to minimize the health risks of residents. Nursing home residents are at a higher risk for developing bedsores and pressure ulcers and should receive special care and attention. If bedsores and pressure ulcers lead to a severe health condition, it may be a sign that the nursing home staff is being neglectful. You can file for a personal injury suit if the bedsores and pressure ulcers have affected your health condition or made you worse.
At Yarian Accident & Injury Lawyers, APC, we are experienced litigators dedicated to representing clients when their concerns have been disregarded. Our attorneys can help you explore your legal options in an effort to hold the nursing home accountable for their neglect. You may be able to recover from the pain and suffering you endured.
Call to schedule a consultation with Yarian Accident & Injury Lawyers, APC, at (818) 459-4999 or fill out a free case review form on our website. We work with clients in the counties of Tulare and Los Angeles, and throughout California.
Overview of Bed Sores & Pressure Ulcers
- What Are Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers?
- Causes of Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers
- Liability for Bed Sores & Pressure Ulcers
- Additional Resources
What are Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers?
Bedsores or pressure ulcers are skin injuries that can result from prolonged pressure on the skin. Usually, bedsores or pressure ulcers arise from individuals who maintain the same body position for long periods (hours / days) of time. Bedsores or pressure ulcers can be treatable; however, some can be long-lasting and very painful. The most common spots where bed sores or pressure ulcers are seen are in bony areas of the body such as the tailbone, spine, back of the head, shoulder blades, ankles, heels, and hip. Bed sores and pressure ulcers are a common phenomenon seen in facilities where individuals are often confined to a bed or the same position for a long time, and it is most often seen with individuals who have a lack of mobility, such as wheelchair users.
Symptoms of bedsores and pressure ulcers:
- Broken skin
- Skin inflammation
- Skin looks red
- Skin is warm or cold to the touch
- Tender skin
- Rough texture of the skin
- Pus secretion
Bedsores or pressure ulcers are dangerous as they can lead to skin infections. Skin infections can lead to other health conditions. Skin infections have symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and chills.
Causes of Bedsores and Pressure Ulcers
The main causes/risk factors of bedsores and pressure ulcers include:
- Prolonged immobility
- Being in a wheelchair
- Being bedridden
- Malnutrition
- Bad hygiene
- Prolonged hospitalization
- Circulation problems
- Diabetic
Bedsores and pressure ulcers can be prevented. Some preventative measures can include the following:
- Checking the skin regularly for any skin discoloration or inflammation
- Changing body positions regularly to avoid prolonged pressure on the skin
- Making sure that nursing home residents at risk for bedsores and pressure ulcers are moving around regularly.
Liability for Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers
In nursing homes, bedsores and pressure ulcers can be a sign of nursing home abuse or neglect. Nursing home staff are in charge of making sure that residents maintain an active lifestyle and well-being. Residents with diabetes or in a wheelchair are especially at risk for developing bedsores and pressure ulcers, so it is important that nursing home staff are checking up on residents like this regularly.
A nursing home and nursing staff may be liable for damages if it is found that neglect or abuse has resulted in a severe condition of bedsores and pressure ulcers. In California, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit per the statute of limitations. If the worsening of bedsores and pressure ulcers lead to your loved one’s death, you may be eligible to file for a wrongful death suit.
Additional Resources
Reeve Foundation| Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers in Paralysis Patients– The Reeve Foundation is dedicated to supporting paralysis patients. Bedsores and pressure ulcers can be a serious concern for paralysis patients since they may be confined to a wheelchair and lack regular mobility. The Reeve Foundation provides more information about bedsores and pressure ulcers and how to avoid them and paralysis patients.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Data on Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers and Nursing Home Residents– The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided data about the high occurrence of bedsores and pressure ulcers in nursing home residents. According to the CDC’s research study at least 1 In 10 nursing home residents had a pressure ulcer. The CDC’s research also explores the connection between malnutrition and pressure ulcers.
Attorney for Bed sores and Pressure Ulcers in Burbank, CA
Bedsores and pressure ulcers are a skin condition that needs to be addressed immediately, as they can lead to infections and serious health conditions. Nursing home staff is in charge of making sure that residents receive the best care possible while at the nursing facility. If their lack of care or actions have led to bedsores and pressure ulcers in residents, they may be liable for damage resulting from their neglect or abuse.
Bedsores and pressure ulcers are preventable if the nursing home staff is doing their job. If you or a loved one suspects bed sores and pressure ulcers were a result of negligence or abuse, you may be eligible to file for a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit.
At Yarian Accident & Injury Lawyers, APC, we are dedicated to representing nursing home residents against abuse and neglect.
Call (818) 459-4999 to schedule a consultation or fill out an initial contact form.
