Bedsores—also known as pressure ulcers—are a common sign of neglect in a nursing home setting. These injuries can occur when someone’s body remains in the same position for too long. As a result, residents who cannot get out of bed on their own often develop bedsores in Toledo nursing homes.
Pressure ulcers can be painful and may result in additional health consequences, including infection. When your loved one develops bedsores due to the negligence of their caregivers, you should get in touch with a seasoned nursing home negligence attorney at Zoll & Kranz, LLC to file a legal claim.
How Bedsores Occur in Nursing Homes
Bedsores occur as the result of constant pressure on the skin for long periods of time. In nursing home settings, pressure ulcers typically develop when a bedridden resident remains in the same position for hours without getting up or being moved by nursing home staff. Pressure ulcers are especially common among residents with limited mobility who cannot leave bed or move around independently.
While constant pressure from lying in bed is the most common cause of bedsores, other factors can also lead to these ulcers. For example, when moist skin rubs against clothing or bed linens, the friction can create bedsores.
Toledo nursing homes should train their staff members to spot the warning signs of pressure ulcers and take steps to prevent them from occurring. When staff members fail to do so, they and the nursing home could be liable for the harm that results from these injuries. A dedicated attorney could work to hold a negligent nursing facility accountable when bedsores develop.
Possible Damages in Cases Involving Pressure Ulcers
The appearance of bedsores can bring serious consequences. In addition to the physical pain and increased risk of health complications, there are also emotional and financial repercussions. People who suffer from pressure ulcers may receive a monetary award based on the severity of the bedsores. Some of the damages bedsore sufferers may recover in these types of lawsuits include:
Medical Costs
Pressure ulcers require immediate medical treatment to ease the pain that the person may be feeling and to reduce the risk of the condition getting worse. The cost of this care could be included in a civil suit against the nursing home.
Pain and Suffering
The pain associated with bedsores can be severe and long-lasting. Furthermore, pressure ulcers can result in infection or additional lingering health issues. Compensation could be available for the physical pain and suffering that result from bedsores.
Relocation Costs
Understandably, the family of a Toledo nursing home resident may want to seek new living arrangements for their loved one after they have sustained bedsores. This is especially true when there is a clear link between the appearance of pressure ulcers and the negligent care provided by the nursing home staff. Given the high cost of relocating to a different facility, it may be in the best interests of a resident or their family to recover these costs by filing a civil claim.
Talk to a Toledo Attorney About Bedsores in Nursing Homes
When your loved one develops pressure ulcers in an assisted care facility, they could be entitled to a monetary award. The guidance of strong legal counsel could help them recover fair compensation for their losses.
When you have questions about how to take legal action following the development of bedsores in Toledo nursing homes, contact a qualified attorney right away.