Detroit Nursing Home Bedsore Lawyer

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are painful injuries that occur when a person experiences prolonged pressure on their skin. Although preventable, bedsore injuries are common in Michigan nursing homes, particularly when nursing home staff fails to provide adequate care. 

If your family member has developed bed sores while residing in a Detroit nursing home, seeking legal representation from a skilled Detroit nursing home bedsore lawyer is critical for ensuring justice for your loved one. We offer a free consultation so you can speak with an experienced law firm about how to hold the nursing home accountable. 

Understanding Pressure Sores 

Pressure sores, also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue that occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin. These sores often develop on bony areas of the body, such as the back, hips, elbows, and heels, particularly in individuals who are immobile or have limited ability to move. 

Nursing home residents are especially vulnerable to bedsores when they are not regularly repositioned or receiving proper care from medical providers. Bedsores are preventable, but when they occur, it’s often a sign of abuse or neglect within the nursing care facility.

Stages of Bedsores as Lawsuit Factors 

Bedsores are classified into four stages, ranging from mild skin irritation to severe tissue damage and infection. The stage of the bedsore is a critical factor for Detroit nursing home abuse lawyers to determine the severity of nursing home negligence and the potential compensation in a lawsuit.

Stage 1

This is the mildest form of bedsore, where the skin is discolored but not broken. There may be redness, warmth, or tenderness in the affected area. Stage 1 sores can often be reversed with proper care and repositioning. In lawsuits, this stage may still demonstrate nursing home neglect, particularly if the sore worsens due to lack of intervention.

Stage 2

At this stage, the skin begins to break down, leading to an open wound. The sore penetrates the outer layer of the skin, causing pain and exposing the deeper layers. Stage 2 sores indicate that nursing home staff have failed to provide appropriate care, which can increase the nursing home’s liability.

Stage 3

A Stage 3 bedsore extends through the skin into the underlying tissue, causing significant damage. The wound may appear deep and crater-like. At this point, nursing home neglect is typically more evident, as it takes weeks or months for a bedsore to reach this severity. 

Stage 3 sores are often a sign of systemic issues in the facility, such as inadequate staffing or poor nutrition.

Stage 4

The most severe stage, Stage 4 sores, penetrate deep into the muscle and bone, leading to life-threatening complications like infections or sepsis. Stage 4 sores almost always point to severe nursing home abuse or neglect, as it requires a prolonged lack of care for a sore to reach this point. 

The potential for compensation in a nursing home bedsore lawsuit increases significantly with Stage 4 injuries, as they often result in debilitating consequences or even death. Medical bills also increase during this stage.

The more advanced the pressure ulcer, the more likely it is that the assisted living facility was negligent, leading to a stronger nursing home abuse case for the victim and their family members.

Common Causes of Pressure Ulcers in Nursing Homes

There are several common causes of bedsores in nursing facilities, many of which are directly tied to nursing home neglect or poor treatment:

• Immobility: Residents who are confined to a bed or wheelchair are at high risk of developing bedsores. Without regular repositioning by nursing staff, pressure builds up in specific areas, cutting off blood flow and causing tissue damage.
• Poor Nutrition and Hydration: Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Residents who are malnourished or dehydrated have thinner, more fragile skin, making them more susceptible to pressure ulcers. Failure to provide adequate nutrition is a form of nursing home neglect.
• Inadequate Staffing: Many nursing facilities are understaffed, leading to nursing home patients being left in one position for extended periods. When there aren’t enough caregivers to monitor and assist residents, bedsores are more likely to develop.
• Failure to Reposition: Repositioning residents regularly is one of the most basic forms of nursing care. When staff neglects this responsibility, it puts residents at high risk of developing pressure sores.

Each of these causes highlights the direct connection between nursing home neglect and the occurrence of pressure ulcers. Nursing homes are legally required to provide care that prevents these injuries, but when they fail, it can lead to serious health issues for the nursing home resident.

The Dangers of Untreated Bedsores

Untreated bedsores can lead to a range of severe medical complications, including:

• Infections: Open pressure ulcers are prone to bacterial infections, which can spread to the blood (sepsis) or bones (osteomyelitis), causing severe health problems or even death.
• Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation. Residents with untreated bedsores are at high risk of developing sepsis, which can quickly lead to organ failure.
• Tissue and Bone Damage: Advanced bedsores can cause irreparable damage to the underlying tissue and bone, leading to chronic pain, limited mobility, and, in some cases, the need for surgery or amputation.

Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Nursing Homes

Preventing pressure ulcers is a basic responsibility of nursing homes. To protect residents from bedsores, facilities should follow these standard practices:

• Regular Repositioning: Nursing home patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility should be repositioned every two hours to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas.
• Proper Nutrition and Hydration: Ensuring that residents receive sufficient calories, protein, and hydration is essential for skin health.
• Hygiene and Skin Care: Regular cleaning and inspection of the skin help prevent skin breakdown and the development of pressure sores.
• Staff Training: Adequately trained staff members are critical in recognizing early signs of bed sores and preventing their progression. Nursing staff must be able to assess patient’s risk factors and intervene appropriately.

Legal Responsibility of Nursing Homes 

Nursing homes are legally obligated to provide a standard of care that protects residents from preventable injuries, including bedsores. Both federal, such as the Nursing Home Reform Act, and state laws outline strict guidelines that facilities must follow to ensure the health and well-being of their residents. 

These laws require that nursing homes offer a safe environment, appropriate medical care, and the necessary support to prevent conditions like pressure ulcers from developing. When these standards are not met, it can be considered nursing home negligence.

Under Michigan law, nursing homes are expected to implement proper care protocols to prevent bedsores, including regular repositioning of immobile residents, ensuring proper nutrition and hydration, and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.

When a nursing facility fails to take these actions, and residents develop bedsores, it is a clear indication of neglect. This neglect can manifest due to various factors, from inadequate staffing levels to lack of proper training for nursing home staff. Such failures are not only a violation of a resident’s rights but also a breach of the nursing home’s legal responsibility.

Why Choose Nursing Home Law Center 

At Nursing Home Law Center, we specialize in handling cases of nursing home neglect and abuse, with extensive experience in nursing home bed sore claims. 

Our team of dedicated pressure ulcer attorneys has a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved in pressure ulcer cases and has successfully secured compensation for countless victims and their families.

We combine legal expertise with compassionate client service, ensuring you and your family member receive personalized attention and support throughout the legal process. We understand the emotional and financial toll nursing home abuse takes on families, and we are here to fight for the justice you deserve.

Contact an Experienced Pressure Ulcer Lawyer Today! 

If your loved one has suffered from pressure ulcers due to nursing home neglect, it’s crucial to take action. At Nursing Home Law Center, we have the experience and dedication needed to fight for justice in bed sore cases. 

Our nursing home pressure injury law firm is committed to holding nursing homes accountable and securing the compensation your family deserves for medical expenses and the pain and suffering caused by nursing home abuse.

Don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation to explore your legal options. Let our Michigan nursing home abuse attorneys provide the legal support you need to protect your loved one’s rights and pursue justice. We are here to stand by your side every step of the way.

Call us at (800) 926-7565 or fill out our contact form