Common Risk Factors for Bedsores
If a resident spends most of their time in bed or a chair and the caregiver does not ensure they move on a regular basis, bedsores can develop on their back, hips, feet, and joints. If they do not provide care immediately, the wounds can quickly cause infection, leading to severe illness. Risk factors include:
- Being over 75 years old
- Residents in restraints or with limited mobility who cannot reposition themselves
- Very dry skin
- Dehydration and malnutrition
- Friction caregivers cause by turning or lifting residents rapidly
- Incontinence or physical and mental disabilities
- Medical conditions including multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and cancer
- Residents with circulation disorders
A compassionate attorney with McDonald At Law could hold nursing homes accountable for bedsores and other injuries patients developed while in their care.
Four Stages of Bedsores
When the senior sees a medical professional about their wounds, they diagnose bedsores in stages. Initially, they are manageable with simple care, but the further along they get, the more complicated they are. The sores also become more painful with each stage.
A knowledgeable attorney at McDonald At Law well-versed in nursing homes bedsores and infections could explain ways to prove the Lancaster nursing home negligent. The four stages of bedsores are below.
Stage One
The area of infection is red and feels warm. With darker skin, wounds may have a purple tint. It will probably itch, burn, or cause slight discomfort.
Stage Two
The area of infection will begin to blister, and the senior will feel significant pain. There will also probably be discoloration in the skin in the surrounding regions.
Stage Three
This stage of the infection is a significant sign of neglect in the nursing home. Bedsores will appear infected and like a crater in the skin. The senior needs immediate medical care at stage three.
Stage Four
The entire area around the wound shows severe infection in stage four, and there is typically muscle, bone, and joint damage. Stage four bedsores are a severe infection and hazard to the senior’s health and life.
Time Limit to File a Claim for Bedsore Injuries
When filing a civil claim after injuries in a nursing home, the legislation sets strict timelines. As per Pennsylvania Statutes Title 42 § 5524, the claimant has two years from the date of injuries in a bedsores negligence case to file the claim. If they do not file the civil action within the two-year time frame, the court may dismiss the case and leave no other options for collecting compensation for damages. A motivated Lancaster lawyer at McDonald At Law who has seen many cases of nursing homes bedsores and infections could answer questions regarding state statutes and laws.
Schedule a Consultation with a Nursing Home Attorney in Lancaster Experienced in Bedsores
When elderly residents in nursing homes develop bedsores, it significantly reduces their quality of life. The painful sores develop quickly into significant infections and can damage the skin, soft tissue, muscle, and bones in surrounding areas and the wound.
If your loved one developed bedsores in Lancaster nursing homes, call McDonald At Law right away to begin.
