Have you or a loved one developed bedsores in a nursing home in Tampa, FL? Bedsores are usually a result of substandard – and negligent – care, so you may be entitled to compensation for resulting medical bills and suffering. The Tampa nursing home abuse attorneys at Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, can help you seek the financial justice you deserve.
Since 1992, we’ve put families like yours first – helping them recover more than $500 Million in settlements and verdicts along the way. Contact our Tampa law office to find out how we can help you, too. Your first case evaluation is free, so call us at (813) 222-8656 or connect with us online today.
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How Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers Can Help When Negligence Causes Bedsores in Tampa
Bedsores can be painful and significantly impair a person’s ability to function and enjoy their life. When bedsores are a result of nursing home abuse or negligence, caretakers and facilities must be held accountable. Unfortunately, providers won’t just admit they failed to care for a resident. You’ll have to prove it, and that can be challenging. At Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers, we have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you not only prove your case, but win.
Our Tampa personal injury lawyers have more than 120 years of combined experience helping injury victims and families throughout the Tampa Bay area.
We’re ready to help you pursue compensation for bed sores by:
- Conducting an investigation and gathering evidence to prove negligence
- Working closely with experts to calculate the amount of compensation you deserve
- Negotiating with an insurance company for a fair settlement
- Litigating your case at trial, if necessary.
Experience and a proven track record of success are key qualities to seek when choosing a Tampa bedsores lawyer. At our law firm, you’ll find both. Call us to schedule your free consultation to learn more today.
What Are Bedsores?
“Bedsores” is the informal name for pressure ulcers. They are injuries affecting the skin and internal tissues that typically form in areas where skin covers such bony body parts of the body. Blood flow is reduced, which cuts off oxygen to that part of the body.
As a result, bedsores often develop around the:
- Ankles
- Hips
- Heels, and
- Tailbone.
Bedsores can also develop on and around the head. This is more likely when someone is bedridden or spends much of their time in bed. Unfortunately, some bedsores never completely heal.
Bedsores are classified based on the severity of the wound:
- Stage 1: the skin may feel warm or cool and have a red appearance. It is painful when touched, and the affected area will not turn white when pressure is applied.
- Stage 2: bedsores can be classified as a stage 2 ulcer when the skin the broken and open sores are visible. The outer layer of the skin will be completely gone, and the underlying layer might also begin to disappear.
- Stage 3: the wound will be deep, and dead tissue and a layer of fat will make it look like a crater.
- Stage 4: significant muscle and bone damage can occur at this point in time.
Risk factors for pressure sores include age, overall health, sudden or rapid weight loss, and duration of stay at a nursing home. The worse a bed sore becomes, the greater the chance of infection.
If you identify a deep tissue injury like bedsores, be sure to seek medical treatment immediately.
How Common Are Bedsores?
According to one study, roughly 11% of nursing home residents suffer from bedsores. According to researchers, most residents presented with stage two bedsores. However, about 35% presented with bedsores that were classified as stage two or higher – which means they were typically more severe and required more intensive care.
Typically, older nursing home residents (ages 65+) are more likely to develop bed sores than younger residents. Weight loss appeared to be associated with an increased risk of experiencing pressure ulcers in a nursing facility setting.
Why Do Some Nursing Home Residents Develop Bedsores?
Bedsores are the result of prolonged pressure on an area of the skin. So, they tend to develop when someone spends a long period of time in the same position. Bedsores may be particularly common among nursing home residents because many are bedridden or confined to wheelchairs.
Nursing home staff and others who tend to people who may be at risk of developing bedsores must move them and change their position regularly (even as often as every 15 minutes) to reduce pressure and guard against bed sores forming. Unfortunately, sometimes they fail to do so. You or your loved one may be entitled to compensation when this happens. Allowing nursing home residents and others to develop bedsores qualifies as a form of neglect.
What Are the Signs of Bedsores?
It’s not always immediately obvious when bedsores are beginning to develop.
When checking a loved one or yourself for bedsores, look for the following warning signs:
- Unexplained changes in skin color, even if they seem minor
- Changes in skin texture
- Swelling
- Pus-like leakages
- Pus-filled blisters
- Tenderness
- An area of someone’s skin that feels either cooler or warmer to the touch than the surrounding areas
Strongly consider investigating the matter further or even moving a loved one to a new facility if you notice these warning signs. Be aware, your loved one may not fully realize they’re the victim of neglect. You shouldn’t ignore these warning signs simply because your loved one assures you they’re not being mistreated.
What Are the Risks Associated With Bedsores?
Don’t underestimate the severity of bedsores. They can cause serious medical issues if not properly addressed.
For example, bedsores may become infected.
If an infection spreads throughout the body, it can result in:
- Fever
- Chills
- Weakness
- Mental and cognitive issues
- A fast heartbeat
Sometimes, bedsores even lead to death. If a loved one died as a result of bedsores that you have reason to suspect developed because of neglect, you may be able to recover compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Keep in mind that bedsores might indicate serious instances of neglect. A nursing home resident with bedsores likely isn’t being moved as often as they need to be. So, there’s a good chance they may not be fed or provided with medication regularly. This can lead to additional health problems.
Who Is Liable When Nursing Home Residents Have Bedsores?
Nursing homes and caretakers have a legal obligation to provide a certain level of care for their residents. When bedsores occur, it’s typically a result of negligence. These homes and caretakers can be held legally and financially responsible for the results.
The same holds true for caretakers you hire to take care of a family member in your own home. They can also be liable if their negligence caused your loved one to develop and suffer from bed sores.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Tampa Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Knowing a loved one hasn’t received the care they need in Tampa, Florida is very distressing. If they’re dealing with a painful and debilitating pressure injury like bedsores, call Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers for help.
We’ll file a lawsuit and fight to recover compensation for your medical expenses and pain and suffering damages. To get started, call us today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
