Aggressive Bedsore Lawyers in NYC Representing Victims’ Rights

Bedsores can go by several different names, including pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers. Bedsores are painful injuries that result from limited blood flow to the skin and are caused by prolonged pressure on areas of the skin. Although it is common to find bedsores on areas of the skin that typically hold weight, like the hips, ankles, and shoulder blades, they can occur anywhere on the body. If you have developed bedsores while receiving medical treatment or as a resident in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, you should speak to an NYC bedsore lawyer as soon as you can. You may be entitled to significant compensation.

bedsores

Common Causes of Bedsores

If you or a loved one are living in a nursing home or an extended care facility, it is important to be aware of the treatment you are receiving. Many cases of bedsores are due to neglect, in which an attendant leaves their patient for hours or days at a time without moving them. For this reason, it is essential to watch for these common causes of bedsores:

Limited mobility

When a person has limited mobility is unable to move, they are at a higher risk of developing bedsores because they might be in the same position for an extended period of time.

Pressure

Bedsores are caused by pressure on the same area of the skin for an extended period of time. For example, laying down in the same position for hours at a time can result in painful bedsores on the hips and shoulder blades.

Friction

Moving back and forth on the same spot can damage the skin and result in serious bedsores. For example, if the skin is consistently moving against the same area of bedding or clothing, bedsores can develop. It is vital for caregivers to pay special attention when they are moving their immobile patients in order to avoid this cause of bedsores.

 If you have experienced bedsores and believe they were caused by a caregiver’s neglect, it is important to explore your legal rights. An experienced New York City bedsores lawyer can help.

Bedsores can Lead to Dangerous Complications

One of the major issues with bedsores is that they often occur because an immobile person is neglected and ignored by the caregiver who is tasked with attending to them. Therefore, one of the biggest dangers of bedsores is that they are often not detected for some time.

Some of the dangerous complications caused by bedsores include:

  • Infection that extends to the muscles, joints, and bones
  • Cellulitis – a potentially life-threatening bacterial skin infection
  • Sepsis – although rare, this deadly infection is sometimes caused by bedsores

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Bedsore Lawyer in New York

Bedsores are a serious issue and can lead to long term health effects. If you or someone you know has dealt with bedsores and believe that they were caused by nursing home neglect, it is advisable to speak with an NYC bedsores attorney without delay. Bedsores can lead to chronic health issues that often result in expensive medical treatment. At Sinel & Olesen, PLLC, our legal team will work tirelessly to fight for your right to recover compensation. Call us today at (844) 512-4098 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your situation. You can also contact us online.

Call for a Free Case Evaluation

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.