Bedsores

Bedsores are horrible. In a nursing home situation, a bedsore is a sign of neglect. If you find bedsores on your loved one in a Pennsylvania nursing home, what should you do? Learn about your options from a Lancaster nursing home neglect attorney.

What Are Bedsores?

Bedsores happen in people that are bedridden, immobile, or confined to a wheelchair. These sores are a type of ulcer on areas where the skin is under pressure. Bedsores are also known as pressure injuries, pressure sores, pressure ulcers, or decubitus ulcers. Learn more about bedsores on the Johns Hopkins website.

4 Stages Of Bedsores

Doctors diagnose pressure ulcers by stages. Bedsores get worse over stages. In the beginning, pressure ulcers are easily manageable. As the sores progress without treatment, they can cause severe harm. These are the 4 stages:

Stage 1

The affected area is red and feels warm to the touch. People with darker skin tones may have a blue or purple tint. The skin might burn, itch, or hurt.

Stage 2

The damaged skin will look more like a blister or scrape. This stage will have significant pain. The skin around the wound might be discolored.

Stage 3

In this stage, the wound can look like a hole, or crater, in the skin. A stage 3 bedsore is a sign of neglect and needs professional medical treatment.

Stage 4

The affected area is severely damaged in stage 4. A large wound is visible. Muscles, tendons, bones, and joints may have damage too. Serious infection is a threat.

Watch a video explaining the different stages.

How Do People Get Bedsores?

People get bedsores from continuous pressure in the same area of the skin. This pressure is from lying or sitting in the same position for too long. Even wearing a cast for too long can lead to a bedsore.
The elderly, people with diabetes, and people in nursing home situations are at increased risk for bedsores. People and patients with limited mobility need help.

What Is Nursing Home Neglect?

Nursing homes owe a duty to patients and their families. The duty of the nursing home is to keep people in its care healthy and safe. Families trust nursing homes to provide a professional level of care. When nursing homes neglect patients pressure ulcers and other maladies occur.

When Should I Talk To A Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer?

If you or a loved one have bedsores as a result of poor nursing care, consider talking to a local nursing home lawyer. An experienced attorney can advise you of your rights and options.

Lancaster Nursing Home Neglect Attorney

Holding nursing homes accountable for negligence helps protect everyone in their care. Every resident deserves safety and proper care.
At Haggerty & Silverman, we believe in helping people. If you or a loved one are injured, talk to one of our attorneys for free advice. Our caring legal team will listen to your situation and explain how the law might help.
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