Untreated Bed Sores Are a Sign of Nursing Home Abuse

It’s not always possible to care for our elderly relatives on our own. Nursing homes can provide a higher level of care—but nursing home abuse is rampant. Recognizing the signs of neglect and abuse, like untreated bed sores, will help you keep your loved one safe.

What causes bed sores?

Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, develop when a person has been lying or sitting in the same position for too long. This cuts off circulation to the skin. A painful, swollen sore can develop. They form in areas most likely to be in contact with a bed: hips, buttocks, shoulder blades and backs of the legs.

When caught early, bed sores are highly treatable. A single bed sore doesn’t necessarily mean that your loved one is being neglected or abused. If the sore is allowed to get worse, however, you may have a case against the negligent nursing home.

Bed sore stages

Bed sores have four distinct stages. In stage one, a reddish or purple sore develops. It may itch or burn. In stage two, blisters may develop. The sore may look like an open scrape and become discolored. In stage three, the sore becomes “crater-like.” Finally, in stage four, the sore may damage the muscles and joints underneath. The sore is a large, severe wound. Infection is common at this stage.

If you notice that a patient’s bed sores have progressed past stage one, you may be able to hold the nursing home responsible. Nursing homes have a duty to avoid harming their patients. Whether lax practices or an individual employee is to blame, a seasoned personal injury and nursing home abuse lawyer can help.

Call the experienced nursing home abuse attorneys at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP today. We’ll work to hold negligent nursing homes responsible and recover compensation for your loved one’s injuries.