Bedsore Lawyers in New York Who Can Get You the Compensation You Deserve

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure sores, are common injuries for those who are unable to move, bedridden, or confined to a wheelchair.

These sores develop when there is pressure on an area of the skin for an extended period of time. Although the name might sound somewhat benign, bedsores can actually be quite serious and painful. Recovery time is often much longer than one might imagine. Bedsores can lead to a number of other medical complications, including critical infections in the bones or soft tissue.

Although bedsores should be treated by a medical professional, many people can self-diagnose their appearance. To reduce the risk of serious injury and long term health effects, it is important to be able to recognize bedsores in the early stages. There are four stages of bedsores. Identifying and treating bedsores as soon as possible improves the chance of recovery.

A picture showing the four stages of a pressure ulcer

Over time, a bedsore, also known as a pressure ulcer, can get increasingly worse.

Stage 1

With the first stage of bedsores, the first layer of skin is affected. This is the first sign that there is a problem that might evolve into a serious medical issue if not treated. In this first stage, it is common for the area to feel painful or itchy. Your skin might also look red in the irritated area. It can take several weeks to heal from a stage one pressure ulcer.

Stage 2

In the second stage, the sore extends deeper into the skin, beyond the first layer. It is common to see an open wound in this stage, and the area around the pressure ulcer can become much more painful. This is when bedsore becomes vulnerable to infection.

Stage 3

Stage 3 occurs when the sore has gone beyond the first and second layers of the skin and into the fat tissue. You might notice that the wound shows signs of a serious infection. At this stage, the pressure ulcer typically takes between one and four months to heal.

Stage 4

Stage 4 is the most severe stage of bedsores and might affect your muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissue. There are a number of complications with stage four bedsores, the most common being a critical infection and dead tissue around the source of the wound. Stage four bedsores often require surgery to repair and can take four months to several years to heal completely.

Some people never fully recover from bedsores, especially those who are limited to a wheelchair or bed and unable to relieve that pressure from the impacted area. For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as you think you’re developing a pressure ulcer.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Bedsore Lawyer in New York

The existence of bedsores is a serious issue in itself and might signify that you or the injured person is a victim of nursing home neglect. If you believe this to be the case, it is essential to understand your legal rights. The New York City bedsores lawyers at Sinel & Olesen, PLLC, are dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims of nursing home or medical malpractice. Call us today at (844) 512-4098 to schedule a free initial consultation 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.