Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, have different levels of severity ranging from Stage 1 to Stage 4. When someone reaches Stage 3, they suffer serious skin damage that can lead to an infection if the appropriate treatments are not administered. If your loved one has reached Stage 3 in a nursing home, reaching out to a bedsore lawyer in Suffolk County is the best thing to do. Pressure ulcers should never reach that stage, and here’s what you need to understand about them.
Stage 3 Pressure Ulcer Risk Factors
People might get Stage 3 pressure ulcers if they have limited mobility, circulation concerns, diabetes, or other types of health issues. It’s more common for people in nursing homes to develop pressure ulcers due to neglect and often being high-risk. However, as any good NY bedsore attorney will explain, even people with the most common risk factors can easily avoid pressure ulcers with proper care.
What Leads To Stage 3 Pressure Ulcers?
A bedsore lawyer in Brooklyn, NY will usually suspect neglect if a nursing home resident develops Stage 3 pressure ulcers. Neglect could be intentional or it could be due to understaffing. Neither reason is acceptable and can lead to serious consequences for the resident. Neglect will make it less likely for nursing home staff to notice the development of pressure ulcers. And they won’t help residents care for their skin properly, which makes the issue worse.
Symptoms Of Stage 3 Pressure Ulcers
So what does a NY bedsore attorney say to look out for when it comes to Stage 3 pressure ulcers? Some of the common symptoms include:
- Redness
- Odor from the sore
- Fever
- Pus or drainage from the sore
- Black tissue around the sore
These symptoms all signify an infection, which can quickly lead to serious problems and even advance to Stage 4.
Treatment Options For Stage 3 Pressure Ulcers
Nursing home staff can treat the sore by providing a special mattress and helping to relieve pressure. However, a medical professional is required at this stage to provide antibiotics and potentially surgery to remove any dead tissue. Early and decisive treatments can prevent Stage 3 pressure ulcers from getting worse.
Sinel & Olesen, PLLC is your NY bedsore attorney you can trust. Nursing home neglect is often the main reason for pressure ulcer development. Treatments can be very costly and you should not be on the hook for those costs. If your loved one has developed pressure ulcers at any stage, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
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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
Can I sue for bedsores?
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.