While age, lack of mobility, and other health complications can cause bedsores for the elderly even when caregivers are extremely attentive, these physical issues can also be a warning sign of potential abuse or negligence. Bedsores in New Haven nursing homes can occur when nursing home staff are providing substandard care, greatly putting the patient at risk for further complications.
If you or your loved one has suffered from bedsores in a nursing home and believe that nursing home abuse or neglect has occurred, an attorney can help. Our dedicated lawyers at Berkowitz Hanna can help you seek justice and fair compensation for bedsore injuries caused by negligence.
Bedsores or pressure ulcers in New Haven nursing homes are often, though not always, preventable. Determining whether a loved one is experiencing abuse or simply an unfortunate physical ailment can be challenging. It is wise to consult with an attorney who can investigate further to assess whether the nursing home may be held accountable.
Bedsores occur when the skin comes under pressure for a prolonged period of time to the extent that it impedes proper blood flow. A bedsore can develop due to constant pressure on one part of the body or regular friction between two surfaces (e.g. fragile skin and bedding). While bedsores can be mild, if left untreated, they can develop into serious or even life-threatening infections.
These sores frequently develop on bonier areas of the body, so patients who are suffering from forms of abuse such as dehydration or malnutrition may face a heightened risk of pressure ulcers. Patients who suffer from mobility issues, incontinence, or poor circulation and are not regularly attended to by staff may also be experiencing neglect and at higher risk for developing bedsores.
Bedsores are categorized into several different stages. While stage one bedsores are the mildest and may manifest as skin that is unusually soft or firm in the affected area, stage two bedsores involve broken skin that begins to tear or form a wound.
If the bedsore is not treated promptly by the nursing home staff, it can permeate into the tissue below the skin and lead to visible fatty deposits in the wound. Should the bedsore progress further still into a stage four pressure ulcer, the damage may extend into the muscle, tendons, joints, and bone, causing severe and wide-ranging injuries along with significant pain.
If a loved one or family member has suffered from bedsores in a New Haven nursing home, the facility could be liable. An employee of the nursing home or assisted living facility who caused or contributed to the resident’s injuries may also be legally liable.
Liability can be imposed on a nursing home or its staff for bedsore injuries in several instances. For example, if the resident had an underlying condition that was not properly managed by staff, the nursing home had inadequate pressure ulcer development prevention measures in place, or failed to respond or treat the patient’s bedsores, the facility could be held legally responsible.
Poor oversight, unqualified staff, and poor training are just a few common factors behind bedsore nursing home abuse lawsuits. A successful settlement or court award could recover compensation for lost quality of life, emotional anguish, pain, suffering, and medical expenses.
Nursing homes can be liable when the actions of their staff, faulty internal procedures, or other negligence-based activities lead to patient injuries. Bedsores in New Haven nursing homes often stem from the facility’s failure to properly evaluate each patient or ensure sufficient staffing levels to administer individualized care plans that reduce the risk of these painful complications.
A skilled nursing home abuse and neglect attorney can help you explore your legal options for moving forward with a negligence claim. An attorney can also work diligently to obtain maximum compensation for the injuries and losses endured by your loved one. Contact Berkowitz Hanna today to set up your free consultation.
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