Seeking Compensation for Neglect of Bedridden Residents
Bed sores are one of the most common injuries that occur in nursing homes, and they can also be among the most serious. If your parent or other loved one has developed a bed sore, an experienced attorney may be able to help you hold the nursing home accountable.
I'm James H. Bell, a personal injury trial lawyer with more than 30 years of experience. Based in Kansas City, I help clients in Missouri and Kansas pursue compensation from nursing homes whose negligence caused their loved ones to develop bed sores.
Don't hesitate to contact me to schedule a free initial consultation. You will pay no fees unless I help you recover money damages.
Understanding the Causes and Effects of Bed Sores
Anyone who is bedridden or spends the majority of his or her time in bed is at risk for developing bed sores, also known as decubitus ulcers. The most high-risk areas of the body are the heels, tailbone, and buttocks. The first sign of a bed sore is reddening of the affected area.
If nursing home staff do not take appropriate steps to prevent bed sores and treat them when they first develop, they can become extremely serious.
A bed sore that is left untreated can develop into a hole in the flesh that can go all the way down to the bone, causing infection and other major damage to the body. In the most serious cases, the consequences of bed sores can be fatal.
Identifying What the Nursing Home Should Have Done
The main thing nursing homes can do to prevent bedridden residents from developing bed sores is to turn and reposition them on a regular basis, generally every two hours. Unfortunately, many nursing homes neglect this basic responsibility.
Nursing home employees are also supposed to inspect their at-risk residents after every bath or shower in order to detect the signs that bed sores are developing. When these inspections are not done, the opportunity for effective early treatment can be lost.
I am experienced at holding nursing homes responsible for the neglect of elders and other residents. If your loved one has developed a bed sore in a nursing home, contact me to discuss your options.
