Bedsores are a common and entirely preventable injury which can affect anyone with limited mobility. Bedsores emerge on areas where a person’s body is in constant contact with a bed or chair. Points such as ankles, knees, hips, tailbones, and elbows are often affected. Sores develop in these and other areas. For residents in nursing homes in Hollywood and other locations, these injuries can occur if they are not given adequate support and mobility help.
Since this skin injury is entirely preventable, if you notice this injury you may wish to consult with a South Florida or Hollywood nursing home abuse and negligence attorney to get legal advice. You may have a claim against the nursing home and may be able to seek compensation to ensure your loved one gets the medical treatment and support they need. If you’d like to speak to an attorney, contact Flaxman Law Group online or at 866-352-9626 for a free accident consultation.
The Danger With BedsoresBedsores can become serious, especially for the elderly. In addition to being painful, bedsores can become infected and can lead to serious complications. They can even lead to life-threatening conditions such as sepsis or squamous cell carcinoma. In some cases, they can lead to loss of mobility or sensation in an affected area.
The Link With Nursing Home StaffingWhile the problems of understaffing and bedsores seem unrelated, they are in fact closely linked. When a nursing home in Hollywood or Florida has too few staff members, patients may not be moved often enough. Someone who is therefore incapacitated may not get moved enough to prevent bedsores. In addition, overworked staff may be less likely to notice signs of bedsores or infection, making the problem worse.
Too few staff at a nursing home are under pressure because they have too much work and too little time. This situation is more likely to lead to neglect or even to overmedication of patients to keep them compliant. Unfortunately, neglect and overmedication can cause residents to move less, which puts them at greater risk of injury such as bedsores.
What to do if You Notice BedsoresBedsores are a red-flag sign of negligence because they are avoidable. If you notice bedsores, make sure you get your elderly loved one immediate medical attention and evaluation to prevent infection. Also, ask for a full investigation into why the bedsores occurred.
You will also want to contact a nursing home abuse and negligence attorney in Hollywood to get legal advice about your situation. Seeking a civil suit can help ensure a nursing home makes changes to prevent injuries to others. A civil suit can also help you secure compensation so you can pay for a loved one’s care and for quality treatment for the injury.
You can reach a nursing home abuse and negligence attorney by contacting the Hollywood, Miami, or Homestead offices of Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626. Our legal team has more than sixty years of combined experience and we have helped thousands of injured persons and concerned families seek compensation and justice for their losses. Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation today.