Delaware Bedsore Lawyers Holding Negligent Nursing Homes Responsible
Many residents in nursing homes have mobility problems and are often bedridden. Therefore, they can be particularly susceptible to decubitus ulcers, also known as bedsores or pressure sores. These types of injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating, but they can also be avoided when nursing home personnel take the appropriate measures. If your loved one has suffered needlessly because of the carelessness or negligence of nursing home employees, you want experienced legal representation to help you achieve justice and compensation.
At Hudson, Castle, & Inkell, LLC, our medical malpractice lawyers understand the causes of bedsores, as well as the pain and suffering they can cause. We will conduct a thorough investigation of the facts and circumstances of your loved one’s injury to determine whether the nursing home had reasonable measures in place to minimize the risk of pressure sores, such as regularly scheduled turning or rotating of your loved one’s position in the bed. We will look at other factors that can contribute to decubitus ulcers, such as sanitary conditions or nutrition and hydration. We will also examine the facility’s hiring, training, and staffing practices to determine whether they contributed to the injury. We know nursing home injury cases can be a painful subject for families because it involves harm to a vulnerable loved one. That is why we value building a strong attorney-client relationship. We believe in holding the negligent parties responsible and getting you and your family the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact the office of Hudson, Castle, & Inkell, LLC today at (302) 428-8800 to schedule a free consultation.
What Are Bedsores?
Bedsores, also known as decubitus ulcers or pressure sores, are damage caused to the skin by constant pressure, often from laying in one position or sitting in a wheelchair for too long. This pressure lessens or cuts off blood flow to the affected area of the skin, which leads to damage and tissue death. These areas of skin may change color and become warm and painful. They can also break open and turn into open ulcers with drainage, which leaves them vulnerable to the possibility of infection. They often heal slowly, and if they are not properly treated, they can cause damage to deep muscle and skin tissue. In the most severe cases, serious infections such as sepsis, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis may occur, potentially leading to severe illness, hospitalization, bone loss, and even death.
What Are Some Risk Factors for Bedsores?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics show that almost 2.5 million people in the United States will develop bedsores every year, including 1 out of every 8 hospital patients. Because many nursing home residents lack the strength and mobility to stand or even shift their position on their own, they are at much higher risk for developing pressure sores than the average person. Other risk factors for bedsores include:
- Advanced age: Elderly patients have thinner skin, which is more easily damaged.
- Certain medications: Some types of medications, such as diuretics, can cause dehydration and skin sensitivity, making individuals more susceptible to bedsores.
- Diabetes: Diabetes mellitus often causes circulation issues and this makes bedsores more likely, especially on the feet and legs.
- Incontinence: Individuals who are unable to control their bladder or bowels and are unable to get to the bathroom on their own are particularly vulnerable because when waste is left on the skin, it can cause damage, leaving the tissue very susceptible to sores and ulcers.
- Obesity: Individuals who are obese may have less mobility than others, which increases their risk.
- Poor nutrition: The skin can be further weakened by malnutrition and dehydration.
- Skin sensitivity: Those with very delicate skin may develop skin ulcers just from the rubbing of their sheets or clothing against their skin.
- Smoking: Smoking causes skin damage and weakens the immune system, which can raise the risk of bedsores.
Responsible nursing home staff members should stay aware of these risk factors and take all needed steps to ensure the nursing home residents under their care do not develop pressure sores. But in some cases, negligence or even nursing home abuse occurs, and the residents suffer the consequences. If you believe your loved one’s bedsores and any resulting complications were caused by neglect, negligence, or abuse, you should contact a law firm as soon as possible so they can begin an investigation.
What Compensation Is Available for Victims of Bedsores?
When you entrust the care of someone you love to a nursing home or assisted living facility, you believe that they will take the necessary measures to protect and care for your loved one. When they betray your trust and cause them harm, it is heartbreaking and infuriating. It can be difficult to place a dollar amount on the suffering of your loved one and your family. But a nursing home abuse lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve which holds the abusers accountable. Some of the types of compensation that may be awarded include:
- Medical expenses: Bedsores require medical treatment, which may be costly. Depending on the severity of the damage done by the bedsores and any complications that occurred, ongoing medical care can be required.
- Mental anguish: Abuse or neglect can be humiliating, anxiety-producing, and can cause lasting trauma, along with other mental distress. This may be factored into the compensation you receive.
- Pain and suffering: Bedsores can be very painful, and they may not heal for a long time, which can prolong the suffering experienced, and the compensation will likely take this into account.
- Punitive damages: If the bedsores were caused by willful or malicious behavior, or if the nursing home has a history of these incidents, punitive damages may be assessed as punishment to dissuade them from allowing this to happen again.
- Wrongful death damages: If bedsores or their complications led to the untimely death of your loved one, you might be awarded these damages.
What Benefits Are There to Hiring a Bedsore Lawyer?
At Hudson, Castle, & Inkell, LLC in Wilmington, DE, our attorneys have represented victims of personal injury for more than 50 years, including people who have suffered bedsores resulting from nursing home neglect and abuse. We combine our experience with a commitment to serve clients at a high level and provide individualized personal attention using sophisticated case management technology. Respected by their colleagues in the legal profession, our attorneys will work hard on your case to achieve justice for you and your family. If you or your loved one has suffered from pressure sores due to abuse or neglect at a nursing home, Hudson, Castle & Inkell, LLC will fight to help you recover compensation in your nursing home negligence case.