Bedsores are a preventable condition

Do not be lulled into thinking that bedsores are not a serious threat to a person’s health.  Bedsores, pressure sores and decubitus ulcers are most often a sign that a patient is being neglected.  And where there is neglect, there’s a good chance that a hospital, nursing home or home care nurse is guilty of medical malpractice.

Because some facilities are understaffed, performing preventative care for bedsores, which can be as simple as just rotating a patient’s body, may not take place in a timely fashion. Sustained pressure on a person’s body cuts off circulation resulting in tissue being damaged.  That damage can be further compounded by a patient lying in soiled linens and clothes if they are not able to care for themselves.

This weakens the skin even more, and if left long enough, results in the affected tissue dying which produces ulcerated sores.  Unfortunately, if left untreated, bedsores can grow worse and may even lead to death in some cases.

The first step after you notice bedsores on a loved one is to seek immediate treatment.  This means confronting the facility where your family member is receiving care.  You may or may not get the response you’re seeking, but you should not be deterred.  In some instances, people are too intimidated to confront medical staff, and if that’s the case, you should bring a lawyer on board to represent your interests as soon as possible.

Experts agree that bedsores are completely preventable and under no circumstances should they be allowed to fester.  When neglect takes place that leads to bedsores, a patient, and their family has every right to seek legal recourse to compensate them for the negligence they’ve experienced.

Isaacson, Schiowitz&Korson LLP proudly serves New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Long Island, Nassau and surrounding communities.  Contact us for a free consultation at (212) 267-6557.