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If you or someone you know has spent an extended amount of time in a horizontal position or in a wheelchair, you might have heard the term bedsores or pressure ulcers. Bedsores occur when there is pressure to the same area of skin for an extended amount of time, damaging layers of the skin and soft tissue. Treatment for bedsores varies depending on the stage of the damage.

Anyone who has developed bedsores while in the care of a healthcare professional should speak to an attorney as soon as possible, regardless of their severity. Bedsores are typically a sign of neglect, and victims are often able to recover significant compensation for their injuries.

bedsore-treatments

Treatment for stage 1: At this stage, bedsores typically impact only the first layer of skin. This is the stage at which the bedsore is developing, and proper treatment can be crucial in avoiding a more serious injury. At this stage, it is advisable to start by relieving the pressure. For example, move positions every 15 minutes to reduce the pressure to the impacted area. As soon as you notice a bedsore is forming, it is essential to speak with your doctor to learn their suggested treatment plan.

 Treatment for stage 2: The second stage of bedsores is usually identified by an open wound than extends before the surface layer of the skin. At stage two, treatment is often advised to clean and dress the wound to avoid infection. Reducing pressure to the damaged area is important as well to speed up healing.

Treatment for stage 3: In stage three, the damage has extended beyond the first and second layers of the skin and now is impacting the ligaments and muscle tissue. At this stage, the bedsore is typically quite painful, often due to being untreated and infected. Treatment at this stage is typically administered by a medical professional. Your doctor might need to remove some of the damaged skin and give you antibiotics to treat an infection. There may also be a special mattress that can alleviate some of the pain.

 Treatment for stage 4: Stage four of a bedsore is very serious. At this point, the sore is typically an unattended open wound that is often infected. Treatment at this stage often requires surgery to fix or minimize the lasting damage. At this stage, bedsores can take months or even years to fully heal.

Bedsores can be a direct result of a caregiver who is not providing proper attention to their patients. Those who are left alone for hours or even days without the aid of someone to help them move positions often develop bedsores. A New York City bedsores attorney can help you understand your rights if you are a victim of this injury.

Call Sinel & Olesen, PLLC Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with an Attorney

Pressure ulcers are often a sign of nursing home neglect or medical malpractice and should be treated immediately. If you or someone you love has developed bedsores due to neglect, it is essential to understand your legal rights. Medical bills can add up and become an overwhelming expensive. At Sinel & Olesen, PLLC, our team of skilled New York City bedsores lawyers is ready to fight for your right to recover compensation for your injuries. Call us today at (844) 512-4098 to discuss the details of your situation or contact us online. Your initial consultation is free, so don’t wait, call us today.

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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.