Are Bedsores in Nursing Homes a Sign of Neglect? : Expert Advice and Legal Remedies

Call 407.612.6464 • 863.324.3500 today to schedule a confidential consultation with Nursing Home Neglect Attorney, Sanga Turnbull.

Are you concerned about the quality of care your elderly loved one is receiving in a nursing home? Do you suspect that they may be suffering from neglect or abuse? One common form of neglect that often goes unnoticed is the development of bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers. That is where an Orlando bedsore attorney can seek the justice and the dignity the nursing home stole from them.

Introduction to Nursing Home Bedsore Issues

When you entrust the care of your loved one to an Orlando nursing home, bedsore lawyer you expect them to receive the highest level of care and attention. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Nursing home neglect and elder abuse in Orlando nursing homes can take many forms. One common and often overlooked form of neglect is the development of bedsores, which can cause immense pain and suffering and can even be life-threatening. As part of its efforts to improve patient safety, Medicare has designated bedsores as “never events.” These are errors that should never occur and are considered preventable with proper care and attention.

What Are Bedsores?

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are areas of damaged skin and tissue that develop when a person stays in one position for too long without moving. They are most commonly found in areas of the body where the bones are close to the skin, such as the hips, heels, and tailbone. Bedsores can range from mild, surface-level wounds to deep, open wounds that expose muscle and bone. An Orlando pressure ulcer lawyer can explain to the jury why these injuries are a significant sign of neglect.

What Are The Stages of Bedsores?

What Are the Causes of Bedsores?

Bedsores are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissue, which restricts blood flow and deprives the affected area of oxygen and nutrients. Our Orlando elder abuse lawyers typically find that this can happen when a person is confined to a bed or wheelchair for an extended period of time without proper repositioning or movement. Other factors that can contribute to the development of bedsores include:

• Friction and shear: when the skin rubs against bedding or clothing
• Moisture: when the skin is in contact with sweat, urine, or feces for extended periods of time in incontinent residents
• Poor nutrition: when a person’s diet lacks the nutrients necessary for healthy skin and tissue

Symptoms of Bedsores

The symptoms of bedsores can vary depending on the severity of the wound. In the early stages, a bedsore may appear as a red or discolored patch of skin that feels warm to the touch. As the sore progresses, it may become an open wound or blister that oozes fluid or pus. Other symptoms of bedsores may include:

• Pain or tenderness
• Swelling or inflammation
• A foul odor
• Changes in skin texture or temperature

How Can Nursing Homes Prevent Bedsores?

The best way to prevent bedsores is to ensure that the affected person is repositioned and moved regularly. This can be done by nursing home staff or by family members who visit regularly. Other steps that can be taken to prevent bedsores include:

• Maintaining good nutrition and hydration
• Keeping the skin clean and dry
• Using specialized mattresses and cushions
• Changing bedding and clothing regularly
• Encouraging movement and exercise

If bedsores do develop, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment will depend on the severity of the sore, but may include:

• Cleaning and dressing the wound
• Removing damaged tissue
• Using antibiotics to prevent infection
• Pain management
• Surgery in severe cases

Bedsore FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about nursing home neglect and bedsores, along with their answers:

Q: What are the early signs of nursing home neglect?

A: Some early signs of nursing home neglect may include unexplained injuries, malnutrition, dehydration, poor hygiene, and unresponsiveness.

Q: Can bedsores be prevented?

A: Yes, bedsores can be prevented by ensuring that the affected person is repositioned and moved regularly, maintaining good nutrition and hydration, and keeping the skin clean and dry.

Q: Are bedsores always a sign of nursing home neglect?

A: In many cases the answer is yes. Bedsores can develop for a variety of reasons, including prolonged bed rest due to illness or surgery. However, if bedsores develop in a nursing home resident who is not receiving adequate care, it may be a sign of neglect. In order to know for sure, fill out our contact form or hold a free consultation with an Orlando Nursing home neglect attorney.

Q: How can I report nursing home neglect or abuse?

A: You can report nursing home neglect or abuse by contacting the nursing home administration, the state licensing board, or local law enforcement. To file a complaint with DCF, you can call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call, you will be asked to provide information about the suspected abuse or neglect.

Q: Can I sue a nursing home for neglect?

A: Yes, you can sue a nursing home for neglect if they have failed to provide adequate care to your loved one. It’s important to consult with a Orlando nursing home neglect lawyer who specializes in nursing home abuse cases to understand your legal rights and options. An Orlando Bedsore Attorney can investigate the circumstances surrounding the development of the bedsores, gather evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions, determine liability for the bedsores and hold the responsible parties accountable, and seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Q: Will it Cost Me Anything to Pursue this Claim?

A: No, We understand the main motivation for you seeking justice is not about money but about accountability. Our firm only recovers compensation if we can recover damages from the at fault nursing home. If there is no recovery you will never owe our firm anything regardless of how long and how much we spent pursing the case.

Let A Skilled Attorney Fight For You

If you need assistance with a nursing home neglect claim, a bedsores attorney in Orlando can help. Contact The Turnbull Law Firm today by calling 407.612.6464 • 863.324.3500 or send us an email to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.

About the Author

Attorney Sanga Turnbull is an Orlando nursing home abuse lawyer and has been practicing Nursing Home Litigation for 20 years. He has handled Orlando bedsore neglect cases as both a former nursing home defense attorney and exclusively on behalf of families over the last 15 years. He specializes in Orlando Elder Abuse serious pressure sore injury and wrongful death cases.

Call 407.612.6464 • 863.324.3500 today to speak with an experienced Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer who proudly serves Lakeland, Orlando, and throughout the State of Florida.