Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, are painful skin lesions. They occur when a person’s body remains in a single position over time and a sore or ulcer develops when their skin is under pressure from a surface. It is often individuals who have limited mobility who develop bedsores due to their low activity and abilities to change positions.
Nursing home patients are vulnerable to bedsores, and Oklahoma residents who have family members is nursing and care facilities may have noticed them on their loved ones’ bodies. Not all bedsores are signs of neglect, but in some cases, bedsores may be evidence of nursing home negligence. Without providing legal or medical advice, this post will explore the topic of negligence in nursing home bedsore cases.
Bedsores in-depth
According to the Mayo Clinic, bedsores can happen as quickly as a few hours or over the course of several days. An individual may develop a bedsore overnight if they are susceptible to such injury, but most bedsores can be successfully treated when they are identified and addressed. A nursing home that regularly checks its residents for bedsores, proactively works to prevent them, and treats them with appropriate techniques may fulfill its duty of care to its residents.
When a bedsore is a sign of negligence
Untreated bedsores can become painful and dangerous. When they are left untreated, they can evolve into infections that spread to the surrounding bones. Sepsis can also result from highly complex bedsores that are left to fester without intervention.
A patient who is prone to bedsores due to their limited mobility should be regularly moved and checked for bedsores. A nursing home facility that does not take these steps may hold some responsibility for the individual’s medical condition and personal suffering. A personal injury attorney can advise a victim and their family on how best to address the legal issues related to negligence and nursing home neglect.
