Thousands of older people develop bedsores unnecessarily as a direct result of common nursing home failures such as neglect, understaffing problems, insufficient care staff training, and improper treatment of the injury site.
Bedsores (often referred to as pressure sores) give rise to a plethora of serious health conditions that can quickly turn fatal. Coupled with the fact that older people have preexisting health issues and frailty, many older people face life-threatening consequences if they develop bedsores. With appropriate care, bedsores are often preventable, so their presence can be indicative of nursing home neglect.
If you are worried about a loved one in a long-term care facility and suspect they may be receiving substandard care which led to them developing bedsores, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to consult with a Lyons bedsores lawyer.
Growing Concerns Over Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes
Recent reports on elder abuse from the World Health Organization (WHO) detail shocking accounts of how nursing homes are failing to provide a safe, clean, and protective environment for their residents throughout the United States. Despite preventative measures at federal and state levels, tragic stories about neglect, assault, and substandard care happen regularly, often with heartbreaking endings.
In the event of a loved one developing a bedsore unnecessarily while under the care of a nursing home that impacts severely on their health and quality of life, you may be entitled to pursue compensation if the nursing home or caregiver is found guilty of negligence. You can also report your concerns to relevant authorities such as those compiled by the Illinois Department on Aging.
Proving negligence in court can be complicated, so seeking help from a Lyons bedsores lawyer can be beneficial to your claim. A lawyer will be able to help you investigate the allegation of neglect and provide you with legal advice about the best way to proceed with your case.
The Causes and Consequences of Bedsores Are Devastating
Prolonged pressure from lying on a particular part of your body for long periods of time is the leading cause of bedsores. Bedsores — or pressure sores — are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, and most often develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body (heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone). They can also be caused by:
- Excessive moisture from skin irritants like urine and feces resulting from poor hygiene
- Friction, such as moving a bed-bound older person without appropriate care
Older people are more at risk of developing pressure sores, especially those with medical conditions that limit their ability to move independently or who are bedridden or chairbound. Other contributing factors include poor nutrition and hydration, resulting in the body being unable to maintain healthy skin. The degree of damage from bedsores ranges from superficial skin changes to severe injuries reaching through muscle and down to the bone.
The impact of a pressure sore on an older person can be life-threatening and include infection of the skin, bones, and joints, cancer, and sepsis.
Sadly, many nursing homes operate with insufficient staff levels, meaning the residents suffer from substandard care. Examples include:
- Nursing staff not having enough time to regularly reposition bedridden or chairbound people
- Caregivers not changing dressings often enough
- Existing bedsores not being treated properly
- Caregivers failing to notice changes or inspect the patient’s skin regularly
- Residents left in dirty diapers for extended periods
- Nursing homes failing to provide adequate nutrition and hydration for residents
- Nursing homes failing to provide appropriate staff training
Bedsores are preventable with appropriate levels of care. If you believe that a nursing home caused harm to your loved one due to neglect, a Lyons bedsore lawyer can help you proceed with your claim for compensation.
For a free legal consultation with a Bedsores Lawyer serving Lyons, call (800) 794-0444
Seek Justice and Protect the Vulnerable From Nursing Home Abuse
A Lyons bedsores lawyer will be able to help you to pursue compensation for:
- Medical treatment costs and associated expenses
- Future rehabilitation costs
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
However, it is important to note that the law places strict rules on the time you have available to file a claim under the statute of limitations. Seeking legal counsel can be beneficial to ensure you will meet these deadlines.
When looking for a Lyons bedsores attorney, you will want to find a law firm that handles nursing home abuse cases. It is important to find a firm that can:
- Undertake a thorough investigation into your claim
- Collect the necessary evidence to support your case
- Provide access to medical professionals who can offer expert testimony
- Present your case persuasively to a court
- Negotiate with involved parties always serving the client’s best interest
Although compensation cannot undo the harm caused to your loved one, it can help meet unexpected costs incurred from the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and medical bills.
Lyons Bedsores Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Get Answers From a Lyons Bedsores Lawyer Today
Knowing your loved one suffered unnecessarily at the hands of a care facility that you trusted to keep them safe and well can be devastating. The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm understands your concerns and is ready to help you to investigate what went wrong.
We help families of victims who suffered from nursing home abuse, neglect, and exploitation recover compensation for the injuries, pain, and suffering they endured due to receiving substandard care.
There are no upfront costs to pay as we only charge fees for the cases we win. Talk to us and voice your concerns so that we can work together to pursue compensation for your loved one and hold those responsible for their harm accountable. Contact us for a confidential free case review today.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
