Bed Sores or Pressure Sores

Experienced Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers Dedicated to Holding Negligent Facilities Accountable for Residents’ Injuries

Nursing home abuse or neglect in Savannah can result in severe consequences for residents, including the development of pressure sores, also known as bedsores. When residents are subjected to inadequate care, such as being left in one position for extended periods without proper repositioning, pressure sores can develop due to sustained pressure on certain body areas. These sores often lead to painful wounds that, if left untreated, can become infected and cause further complications, including tissue damage and even life-threatening infections.

For residents who suffer from pressure sores due to nursing home abuse or neglect, the physical and emotional toll can be significant. In such cases, seeking legal representation from an experienced Savannah attorney at Suthers & Harper is essential. An attorney on our team can help pursue compensation from liable parties by investigating the circumstances surrounding the development of pressure sores. Contact our office at 800.320.2384 to speak with a Savannah nursing home injury lawyer on our team.

Types of Bedsores

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure sores, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. They typically develop over bony prominences with less padding between the bone and the skin. There are four stages of bedsores, ranging from mild to severe.

Stage 1 Bedsores: In this stage, the skin is intact but may appear red or discolored. It may also feel warm or firm to the touch. This stage indicates that the skin is beginning to break down, but there is no open wound yet.

Stage 2 Bedsores: The skin breaks open in this stage, forming a shallow ulcer or blister. The area may be painful and tender. There may also be some drainage or pus.

Stage 3 Bedsores: The ulcer extends deeper into the skin, affecting the underlying tissue. It may appear as a crater-like wound with visible damage to the skin, fat, and possibly muscle. Infection is a significant risk at this stage.

Stage 4 Bedsores: This is the most severe stage, where the ulcer extends through all layers of the skin and tissue, reaching down to the muscle, bone, and sometimes even tendons and joints. The wound may be deep and extensive, with a high risk of infection and other complications.

Nursing homes need protocols for preventing and managing bedsores, including regular repositioning of residents, maintaining proper nutrition and hydration, keeping the skin clean and dry, and providing appropriate medical care for existing wounds.

Why Do Nursing Home Residents Develop Pressure Sores?

Nursing home residents in Savannah are vulnerable to developing bedsores or pressure ulcers due to various factors, including:

Immobility: Limited movement restricts blood flow and causes pressure on specific body areas.
Poor nutrition: Malnutrition weakens skin integrity and impairs wound healing.

Dehydration: Lack of hydration reduces skin elasticity, making it more prone to damage.
Friction and shearing: Rubbing against bedding or repositioning can cause skin abrasions.

Incontinence: Prolonged exposure to moisture from urine or feces irritates and softens the skin.
Age-related skin changes: Older adults have thinner skin, making them more susceptible to injury.

Medical conditions: Diabetes, vascular disease, or neurological disorders compromise circulation and tissue viability.

These factors highlight the importance of proactive measures by nursing homes. However, unfortunately, nursing homes throughout Savannah have repeatedly failed to take necessary steps to prevent bedsores and pressure ulcers.

Duty of Savanah Nursing Home to Prevent Bed Sores and Pressure Sores

Savannah nursing homes have a duty to prevent bedsores and pressure ulcers among their residents. This obligation stems from their responsibility to provide a safe and comfortable living environment conducive to residents’ health and well-being. To fulfill this duty, nursing homes must implement comprehensive prevention strategies, including regular repositioning of immobile residents, ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration, maintaining proper skin hygiene, and using specialized cushions or mattresses to relieve pressure. Staff training on recognizing early signs of skin breakdown and prompt intervention is imperative. Savannah nursing homes must protect their residents from the debilitating effects of bedsores and pressure ulcers.

Evidence of Bedsores in Nursing Home Neglect Cases

Establishing that a bedsore or pressure sore resulted from nursing home negligence requires compelling evidence demonstrating a failure to provide adequate care and preventative measures. Key pieces of evidence to support such a claim include:

• Medical records,
• Facility protocols,
• Expert testimony,
• Photographic evidence, and
• Witness statements.

A Savannah bedsore attorney can use this evidence to establish a compelling case that the development of a bedsore or pressure sore resulted from nursing home negligence.

Has a Loved One in a Savannah Nursing Home Experienced Complications from Bedsores or Pressure Ulcers?

If you have a family member in a Savannah nursing home, and they developed bedsores under questionable circumstances, it may have been due to nursing home neglect. At the Savannah nursing home abuse and neglect law firm of Suthers & Harper, our team of lawyers have specific experience holding nursing homes and assisted living facilities financially responsible for residents’ injuries related to bed sores or pressure ulcers. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients, during which we will answer your questions, explain the recovery process, and discuss how we can help compensation for what your loved one has been through. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 800.320.2384. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.