Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a painful and often dangerous condition that can occur in people who are bedridden or immobile. Left untreated, these ulcers can lead to severe infections, significant discomfort, and other serious health complications. For nursing home residents and their families, the appearance of bedsores can be both distressing and a clear indicator that the facility is providing substandard care.
If you or a loved one have developed bedsores in a nursing home, trust Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC to protect your rights. Our firm knows the legal nuances and medical implications associated with these cases and will work to hold the facility accountable for your injuries Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how our Pennsylvania bedsore attorney can help you seek justice.
Pennsylvania Bedsore Resources
To immediately access the resources at any point on this page, click the corresponding links below.
Why Work With Our Attorney?
Why Do Bedsores Develop?
Stages of Bedsore Development
Why Do You Need an Experienced Bedsore Lawyer?
Liability for Bedsore Injuries
Steps to Follow if a Loved One Suffers from Bedsores
Speak to a Lawyer Today
Why Work With Our Pennsylvania Bedsore Attorney?
- Our firm represents people in every state, including Pennsylvania, in litigation against negligent nursing homes and caregivers. We hold over 20 years of legal experience and have represented thousands of clients.
- Your Pennsylvania nursing home abuse attorney is your ally and your advocate throughout the legal process and will be by your side each step of the way. We will respond promptly to any questions, concerns, or requests during your case.
- We work on a contingency fee basis so that you can receive the legal representation that you deserve without upfront costs. If you do not recover a settlement in your case, you will not owe any legal fees.
Why Do Bedsores Develop?
Bedsores, commonly known as pressure ulcers, are injuries that predominantly affect individuals who are bedridden, immobile, or have limited mobility. Elderly and disabled people are at an increased risk for these injuries and, as a result, these sores often occur in healthcare settings like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers.
Bedsores arise when continuous pressure is exerted on certain parts of the body, leading to decreased blood circulation and eventually causing skin and tissue damage. The areas most vulnerable are those with minimal padding between bone and skin, such as the heels, hips, and tailbone.
Regular repositioning can help prevent bedsores, as well as good hygiene and adequate hydration and nutrition. For those who are unable to move on their own, caregivers should move them regularly to reduce pressure on certain parts of the body.
Stages of Bedsore Development
Medical professionals diagnose and classify bedsores into four distinct stages. Stage 1 is the least severe and most treatable form of bedsores, while Stage 4 is the most severe and can lead to long-term complications and recovery timelines:
- Stage 1: In this initial stage, the skin appears red or darkened and may feel warm or itchy, but there are no open wounds.
- Stage 2: At this stage, the skin breaks open, forming an ulcer or blister, and the sore extends into the deeper layers of the skin.
- Stage 3: The bedsore deepens, creating a crater-like wound that exposes the fat layer beneath the skin, indicating significant tissue damage.
- Stage 4: This is the most severe stage, where the sore extends into the muscle, bone, or tendons, often causing extensive damage and a high risk of serious infection.
Why Do You Need an Experienced Pennsylvania Bedsore Lawyer?
Navigating a bedsore lawsuit in Pennsylvania can be a complex process, especially when facing well-resourced nursing homes and their legal teams. Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can provide the expertise and experience that you need to counter the facility’s defense and seek justice for your loved one and your family.
Our Pennsylvania bedsore lawyer can support your case in several ways, such as:
- Investigating the Facility: We conduct thorough investigations into the facility’s practices, scrutinizing staffing levels, training, and overall quality of care to pinpoint neglect or malpractice that led to the development of bedsores.
- Tapping into a Network of Experts: We will leverage our network of medical professionals and care experts to provide authoritative insights on the standard of care, helping build a strong, evidence-backed case.
- Representing You in Trial or Negotiations: Whether in court or through negotiation, we represent clients with determination and skill, protecting your rights and striving to secure the best possible outcome.
- Providing Support and Guidance: Recognizing the emotional toll of bedsore cases, our firm offers not just legal representation but also emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping you feel understood and supported at every step.
Liability for Bedsore Injuries in Pennsylvania
In bedsore lawsuits, liability is based on whether the care provided met the appropriate standards and whether any deviations from these standards led to the development of bedsores. Determining liability can be complex, often involving multiple parties.
Responsible individuals may include:
- Doctors and nurses who are directly involved in patient care
- Caregivers who are tasked with routine resident monitoring and care
- Other healthcare professionals who may interact with the resident
Nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities may also be held liable for bedsores, especially if their practices and policies led to substandard care. These institutions may also be held liable for the actions of their employees.
Steps to Follow if a Loved One Suffers from Bedsores
If a loved one develops bedsores in a care facility, it is important to act quickly. Ensure that they receive proper medical care to address the sores; this might involve transferring them to a facility capable of providing the necessary treatment. Report the incident to the nursing home and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.
Then, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help identify who is liable for the injury, whether it’s the caregivers, the facility, or both. They will then work to file a claim for injury and damages, aiming to secure compensation for the losses and suffering caused by the bedsore.
Call Our Pennsylvania Bedsore Lawyer Today
Suffering from bedsores due to negligence can be both painful and frustrating. At Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC, we help Pennsylvania residents hold nursing homes accountable for these painful injuries. If you or a loved one has developed bedsores in a nursing home, our lawyer can represent your lawsuit and fight for your right to justice.
Don’t navigate this legal journey alone. Contact us today at (800) 220-0984 for a free consultation with a Pennsylvania bedsore lawyer.