Discovering bed sores on a loved one in a nursing home is alarming, as these injuries are often signs of nursing home negligence or abuse. Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are preventable injuries that occur when a resident is left in one position for too long, causing damage to their skin and underlying tissues. If you’ve noticed these sores on your elderly parent, it’s essential to act quickly to ensure their safety and explore legal options to hold the nursing home accountable.
In this blog, we’ll cover the common causes of bed sores, how to recognize signs of nursing home abuse, and how working with a nursing home abuse lawyer can help protect your loved one’s rights.
What Are Bed Sores?
Bed sores, also referred to as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, develop when continuous pressure is applied to a specific area of the skin, usually on bony parts of the body like the hips, back, elbows, or heels. Prolonged pressure limits blood flow to the area, leading to tissue damage and skin breakdown. Bed sores range in severity from mild redness and irritation to deep, open wounds that can expose muscle or bone.
While bed sores are preventable with proper care, they remain a common indicator of nursing home negligence. Nursing homes are responsible for regularly repositioning residents, providing clean bedding, and ensuring that any skin issues are promptly treated. When these standards of care are not met, bed sores can develop and worsen, potentially leading to infection and serious health complications.
Causes of Bed Sores in Nursing Homes
There are several factors that contribute to the development of bed sores in nursing homes, most of which stem from neglect. Some common causes include:
- Lack of Mobility: Elderly residents who have limited mobility due to illness or disability are at higher risk of developing bed sores. It is the responsibility of the nursing home staff to regularly reposition residents who are bedridden or confined to a wheelchair to prevent these sores from forming.
- Poor Hygiene and Inadequate Cleaning: When nursing home staff fail to keep residents clean and dry, moisture from sweat or incontinence can weaken the skin, making it more prone to developing pressure sores.
- Malnutrition and Dehydration: Proper nutrition and hydration are critical to maintaining healthy skin. When residents are malnourished or dehydrated, their skin becomes more fragile, increasing the risk of developing bed sores.
- Staffing Shortages: In many cases, bed sores are the result of understaffing in nursing homes. When there are too few caregivers available to provide regular attention and care, residents may be left in one position for too long, leading to sores.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect: Recognizing Bed Sores
As a family member, it’s crucial to regularly check your loved one for signs of nursing home abuse or neglect. While bed sores are often preventable, they can become a severe health risk if left untreated. Some key signs to watch for include:
- Red or Discolored Skin: In the early stages of a bed sore, the skin may appear red or discolored. This is an indication that pressure is damaging the area and action should be taken immediately.
- Open Wounds or Blisters: If the pressure on the skin continues, the sore may progress to an open wound or blister. These sores can be painful and are prone to infection if not treated properly.
- Swelling or Tenderness: Bed sores may cause the surrounding skin to become swollen or tender to the touch, indicating that the skin and underlying tissues are being damaged.
- Unusual Behavior or Complaints: If your loved one expresses discomfort, pain, or complains of being left in the same position for long periods, it may be a sign of neglect. Always take these complaints seriously and investigate further.
If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from bed sores due to nursing home negligence, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. Bed sores can quickly worsen, leading to infection, sepsis, or other life-threatening conditions.
Legal Steps to Take if You Notice Bed Sores
When bed sores are a result of nursing home negligence, you have the right to take legal action to protect your loved one. Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Document the Bed Sores
As soon as you notice bed sores on your loved one, document them thoroughly. Take pictures of the affected areas, note the dates of discovery, and keep detailed records of any complaints or signs of neglect.
2. Request Medical Records
Request copies of your loved one’s medical records, particularly those related to their care in the nursing home. These records can provide important evidence of negligence, such as failure to reposition, improper hygiene, or lack of treatment for existing sores.
3. Report the Neglect
Report the nursing home’s negligence to the appropriate authorities, such as the New Jersey Department of Health or Adult Protective Services. Filing a formal complaint helps protect other residents and strengthens your legal case.
4. Consult with a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
A nursing home abuse lawyer is essential for holding the nursing home accountable and seeking compensation for your loved one’s suffering. They can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and file a lawsuit against the negligent facility.
How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help Your Loved One
Navigating a nursing home abuse case can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a loved one’s declining health. A qualified nursing home abuse lawyer can provide the support and legal guidance you need to pursue justice. Here’s how they can help:
- Investigating the Negligence: Your lawyer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the bed sores and gather evidence to prove that nursing home negligence led to your loved one’s injury.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If the nursing home is found to be at fault, your attorney will help you file a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any future care your loved one may need as a result of the negligence.
- Negotiating Settlements: In many cases, nursing homes may try to settle the case out of court. A skilled lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for the harm caused.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari for Help with Nursing Home Negligence Claims in New Jersey
If your loved one has suffered from bed sores due to nursing home abuse or neglect, it’s important to take legal action to protect their rights. At Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping families in New Jersey seek justice for their elderly relatives.
Call us today at 973-845-4421 for a free consultation, or fill out our online contact form to speak directly with one of our compassionate nursing home abuse lawyers. We’re here to fight for your family and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve.