Stages of Bed Sores – When You Should File For a Lawsuit
Bed sores are a common often-preventable injury that occurs in nursing homes due to neglect. Thousands of nursing home residents develop these painful injuries each year, many of which could have been avoided with proper care.
At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO, we’ve committed ourselves to fighting for the rights of vulnerable residents across Nebraska.
We’ve seen firsthand the damage that bed sores can cause and the devastation they leave in their wake for both the individual and their family.
More About Bed Sores
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure injuries, develop when sustained pressure on certain areas of the body cuts off blood flow, leading to tissue damage. They often form over bony areas such as the tailbone, heels, hips, and elbows. This often occurs when residents, who cannot reposition themselves, are left to languish for countless hours in the same position.
These sores are not just painful; they can lead to serious infections, sepsis, or even death if left untreated. Individuals who are bedridden, immobile, or have other conditions like incontinence or malnutrition are especially vulnerable to developing pressure ulcers.
The Stages of Bed Sores
Bed sores are categorized into stages, depending on the severity of the tissue damage:
Stage 1 Bed Sore
The first stage is marked by non-blanchable redness on the skin. While the skin is still intact, the area may feel warmer or cooler than the surrounding tissue. It could be painful, firm, or soft. Early intervention is crucial at this stage because the sore can heal with timely care.
Stage 2 Bed Sore
At this point, there is partial-thickness skin loss, often appearing as a shallow open ulcer or blister. The wound bed will usually be pink or red, with no dead tissue (slough) present. The damage is still relatively minor, but this stage requires prompt and proper treatment to prevent further deterioration.
Stage 3 Bed Sore
A stage 3 bed sore involves full-thickness skin loss, which means that the ulcer has now penetrated deeper into the tissue. Subcutaneous fat may be visible, and the wound may have slough, tunneling, or undermining, making the situation more complicated. Healing becomes harder, and the risk of infection increases significantly.
Stage 4 Bed Sore
The most severe, stage 4 bed sores involve full-thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle. These wounds are often accompanied by slough or eschar (dead tissue), and tunneling and undermining are common. At this stage, serious infections, including bone infections, are a real danger.
Unstageable
Sometimes, the base of the ulcer is covered by dead tissue, making it impossible to determine the depth of the wound. This condition is considered “unstageable” until the dead tissue is removed.
Bed Sores as a Red Flag of Neglect
Pressure injuries are often a glaring red flag for neglect in a nursing home setting. The development of these wounds can usually be prevented with proper attention, repositioning, and care.
When bed sores progress to more advanced stages, it is often a sign that the staff has failed in their duty to protect and care for their residents.
The appearance of bed sores, particularly at an advanced level, should not be taken lightly. It may indicate that your loved one is not receiving the care and attention they deserve.
When to Consider Filing a Lawsuit
If your loved one has developed bed sores while in the care of a nursing home, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Here are some situations where legal action should be considered:
- The bed sores developed or worsened despite your loved one being at high risk and the facility being aware of this.
- The long-term care facility failed to properly assess, monitor, or prevent the development of bed sores.
- There is little to no documentation about the preventive measures taken to address bed sores.
- You have voiced concerns about bed sores, but the facility has ignored or dismissed your concerns.
- The bed sores have caused considerable physical and emotional harm to your loved one, leading to pain, suffering, or worse.
Don’t Let Neglect Go Unanswered
Bed sores are not just a sign of neglect; they are a preventable tragedy that should never happen under proper care. If you suspect that your loved one has suffered due to neglect in a nursing home, it’s time to take action.
At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, powered by Reed Law Office, PC, LLO, we are dedicated to helping victims and their families seek justice.Contact us today at (402) 933-0588 for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and learn how we can help you fight for your loved one’s rights. Together, we can hold negligent facilities accountable and make sure no one else suffers from preventable bed sores.
Contact The Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO
If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, don’t wait. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How to reach us
Omaha Office: 3032 South 87th Street, Omaha,
NE 68124
Lincoln Office: P.O. Box 57154, Lincoln, NE 68505
Email: legal2@reedlawomaha.com
Tel: (402) 933-0588
Fax: (402) 263-5077