Bedsores are a common result of receiving substandard medical care and can often directly be tied to the negligence of healthcare professionals and caregivers. In addition, they are much more serious than many people assume, potentially resulting in life-threatening complications and the need for emergency medical treatment.

What are Bedsores?

Learn more about bedsore basics.

Causes of Bedsores

Bedsores can have a variety of causes. Click here to learn more.

Stages of Bedsores

There are several stages of bedsore development. To learn more, visit our “Stages of Bedsores” page for more information.

Bedsore Treatment

Fortunately, bedsores are typically treatable. Learn more about how bedsores are treated here.

Can I Sue for Bedsores?

Not surprisingly, many people want to know whether they can sue and recover compensation for their bedsores. In many cases, the answer to this question is “yes.” Click here to learn more about bedsore lawsuits in New York City.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a New York City Bedsore Lawyer

If you or a loved one has developed bedsores while in the hospital or at a nursing home, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with a bedsore lawyer in New York, call our office today at (213) 568-4159 or contact us online.

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What causes bedsores and pressure sores?

People develop bed sores when they don’t receive adequate medical attention. This results in an open wound and irritated skin patches that are caused by friction or unrelieved/prolonged pressure.

Although a bed sore can develop almost anywhere, the most common areas of the body to develop them are:

  • the backside
  • the buttocks
  • heels
  • ankles
  • hips
  • the head

Diagram showing bedsore causes

Can I sue for bedsores?

Yes. Once a family places a loved one in a nursing home, they should expect that they will not be injured due to neglect or abuse.
Bedsores are one of the most common preventable, avoidable injuries in nursing homes.

Why are some people at risk for bedsores or pressure sores?

Anyone who relies on heathcare staff to reposition them is at greater risk since failure to do this can cause bedsores to develop.

Even for elderly and immobile patients, bedsores are completely preventable if the staff uses proper precautions and ensures that residents receive adequate care.

Frequently Asked Questions

People frequently develop bed sores when they do not receive adequate medical attention. This injury results in open wounds and irritated skin patches that are caused by friction, unrelieved pressure, or when prolonged pressure is placed on the skin. Although a bed sore can develop almost anywhere, the most common areas of the body prone to develop the wounds include the backside and buttocks as well as bony areas such as heels, ankles, hips and head.

Absolutely. Once a family has made the difficult decision to place a loved one in a nursing home, they have a right to expect that their loved one will not be injured as a result of neglect or abuse. In fact, bedsores are one of the most common preventable, avoidable injuries in nursing homes.

Aside from bed sores, the elderly are also at risk for associated complications like:
• Inadequate wound care leading to infections
• Dehydration, malnutrition, and failure to provide sufficient quantities of food
• Over or improper medication
• Lack of supervision due to their immobility from bedsores, leading to falls
• Poor hygiene

Elderly and immobile patients rely on heath care staff at nursing homes and hospitals to reposition them at least every two hours and provide a level of care that meets required standards in New York. Failure to do this often causes bedsores to develop. In almost every case, bed sores are completely preventable if the health care staff implements the proper precautions and ensures that the resident receives adequate care.