Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are one of the clearest and most painful indicators of nursing home neglect. These injuries are almost always preventable with proper care, and their presence is often a sign that a resident is not being moved, repositioned, or monitored correctly. Our New York nursing home bedsores lawyers at Berkowitz & Weitz Law, P.C. are here to help you hold negligent facilities accountable and seek justice for your loved one’s suffering.
What are Bedsores?
Bedsores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue that result from prolonged pressure on the skin. They are most common on bony areas of the body, such as the tailbone, hips, ankles, and heels. In a caring environment, bedsores are almost entirely avoidable. Nursing home staff have a duty to regularly reposition residents, check their skin for signs of irritation, and ensure they have proper nutrition and hydration.
The Stages of Bedsores
Bedsores are categorized by stages of severity, and even a stage one bedsore is a warning sign of neglect.
- Stage 1: Red, unbroken skin that does not blanch (turn white) when pressed.
- Stage 2: The skin breaks open, revealing a shallow wound.
- Stage 3: The bedsore deepens into the fat tissue, often resembling a crater.
- Stage 4: The injury extends to muscle and bone, causing extensive tissue damage.
- Unstageable: A bedsore covered by dead tissue, making the depth of the wound impossible to determine.
Left untreated, bedsores can lead to serious, life-threatening infections, including sepsis.
How Bedsores are a Form of Neglect
Bedsores are a direct result of a failure to act. They are often caused by:
- Understaffing: Not enough staff to perform regular repositioning.
- Lack of Training: Staff who do not know how to properly care for high-risk residents.
- Poor Hygiene: Leaving residents in soiled linens, which increases skin breakdown.
- Malnutrition & Dehydration: A lack of proper nutrition weakens the skin and makes it more susceptible to injury.
These are all forms of nursing home neglect, and the facility can be held liable for the harm caused to your loved one.
Contact Our Bedsores Neglect Lawyers
If you have discovered that your loved one has developed bedsores, it is critical to act immediately. Contact our experienced legal team today for a free, confidential consultation. We will help you understand your legal options and work to secure the compensation your family needs to care for your loved one.