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When a loved one is placed in a nursing home, their well-being becomes our top priority. Unfortunately, cases of neglect or abuse can arise, manifesting in severe health issues like bedsores. Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure sores, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. These painful ulcers can escalate to serious conditions, potentially reaching the bone and requiring immediate legal and medical intervention. At Davis & Brusca, LLC, we understand the gravity of these situations and stand ready to support families facing nursing home neglect.
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Bedsores progress through several stages, each indicating an increase in severity:
Understanding these stages is crucial for early detection and intervention.
Neglect or inadequate care in nursing homes is often at the heart of bedsore cases. Recognizing the signs and seeking prompt legal advice can make a significant difference in the outcome for your loved one. At Davis & Brusca, LLC, we specialize in navigating the complexities of bedsore claims in Pennsylvania, ensuring that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Expert witnesses play a pivotal role in bedsore cases, providing essential medical insight into the care standards and the impact of neglect. Their testimonies can strongly support claims, highlighting negligence and the need for accountability.
Facing a bedsore case involves more than just addressing the immediate medical needsâit’s about advocating for the dignity and rights of your loved one. Here are steps to consider:
Pursuing a bedsore claim not only seeks justice for the victim but also serves as a crucial step towards improving care standards in nursing homes. By holding negligent parties accountable, we can contribute to the prevention of future cases and ensure a safer environment for all residents.
Understanding bedsores is the first step in preventing them. Here, we address common questions, from identifying early signs to preventative measures, empowering families to advocate for the care their loved ones deserve.
Pressure ulcers, also known as âbedsoresâ are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue, primarily caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. They often occur on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as heels, ankles, hips, and buttocks.
These injuries can develop quickly, especially in individuals who are immobile, have medical conditions that limit blood flow, or are unable to change positions independently. Prolonged pressure on the skin diminishes blood flow to the area, leading to tissue damage or death.
There are several signs that an experienced PA bedsore lawyer may suggest you look for on your loved one to ensure that they do not have bedsores. Continue reading to learn about some of the most common signs.
There are several things that must be done to prevent bedsores. An experienced Pennsylvania bedsore lawyer will know signs of bedsores, but to prevent them, caregivers should do the following:
If you suspect that your loved one is developing a pressure ulcer, it’s crucial to act swiftly. Notify their healthcare provider for an immediate assessment. Proper wound care is essential to prevent infection and further tissue damage.
Our PA bedsore lawyer understands the complexities of bedsore claims and is committed to helping individuals seek the compensation they deserve. Our firm has proudly been helping victims for over 25 years and we are here for you as well. If you or a loved one has suffered from bedsores due to negligence or inadequate care, it’s crucial to understand the types of compensation available to you.
At Davis & Brusca, LLC, we are dedicated to advocating for individuals who have suffered from bedsores due to negligence or inadequate care. Our compassionate team of attorneys understands the physical, emotional, and financial toll that bedsores can take on you and your family. If you believe you have a bedsores claim, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free, no-risk consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Together, we can seek justice and hold negligent parties accountable for their actions, so speak with our bedsore lawyer in PA today.
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 30 percent of all nursing home residents suffer from bedsores (also referred to as pressure ulcers). While there are a number of physical factors that can put a resident at risk for bed sores, the main culprit is nursing home neglect, when the staff fails to move the patient on a regular basis and keep up with hygiene.
If your loved one is a victim of nursing home neglect, call one of our bedsore lawyers for help.
If you sustained bedsores in a facility, you may want to speak with a PA bedsore lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about bedsore lawyers.
A bedsore lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing individuals who have developed bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers or pressure sores, due to negligence or abuse in a healthcare setting. These lawyers have expertise in handling cases involving medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, and other forms of mistreatment that result in the development of bedsores.
Bedsores typically develop when a person remains in the same position for an extended period, leading to pressure and reduced blood flow to specific areas of the body. Individuals who are bedridden, wheelchair-bound, or have limited mobility are particularly susceptible to bedsores. If you or a loved one has developed bedsores while under the care of a healthcare provider, nursing home, or assisted living facility, you may be able to seek legal help to hold responsible parties accountable for negligence or inadequate care.
A bedsore lawyer serves as your advocate, working to investigate the circumstances surrounding the development of bedsores and determine if negligence or abuse played a role. They will gather evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions, to build a strong case on your behalf. Additionally, they will handle all communications with insurance companies and legal opponents, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
The compensation you may be entitled to in a bedsore case will depend on the specific circumstances of your situation, including the severity of the bedsores, the extent of your injuries, and the level of negligence or abuse involved. Compensation may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of income, and punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence or misconduct.
When selecting a bedsore lawyer, it’s essential to choose a legal professional with experience handling cases similar to yours. Look for a lawyer or law firm with a track record of success in medical malpractice and nursing home neglect cases. Additionally, consider factors such as reputation, communication style, and personal rapport when making your decision.
Yes, there is a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a bedsore lawsuit. The statute of limitations varies from state to state, but it typically ranges from one to three years from the date the injury occurred or was discovered. It’s essential to consult with a bedsore lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss the deadline for filing your claim.
If you want to file a claim for your bedsores, schedule a consultation with a PA bedsore lawyer. The lawyers at Davis & Brusca, have been helping victims of personal injury and their families for over 25 years.
When families seek the safety of a nursing home for their loved ones, they expect proper care and attention. Unfortunately, inadequate care can lead to serious medical conditions such as pressure ulcers, more commonly referred to as bedsores. A PA bedsore lawyer can help evaluate whether legal action is appropriate when a facility fails to prevent or treat these injuries. Below is a glossary of important legal and medical terms often involved in bedsore cases.
The medical community classifies pressure ulcers into stages, which describe the severity of the wound. These stages range from mild skin irritation to deep tissue damage involving muscle or bone.
We rely on these stages to assess medical records and understand the level of harm involved. This classification is critical when reviewing timelines of care and documenting how long a sore may have been allowed to worsen. The staging also assists in estimating recovery time and medical treatment needed.
A care plan is a formal document that outlines the medical and daily living needs of a nursing home resident. It typically includes skin assessments, mobility schedules, nutrition plans, and wound monitoring. In many bedsore cases, noncompliance with these plans is central to the legal argument.
If the facility fails to follow the care planâsuch as not repositioning a resident every two hours as recommendedâthis can contribute directly to the development or worsening of pressure ulcers. We evaluate whether care logs match the expectations set out in the plan, and if deviations are linked to the injury.
Nursing facilities often use clinical tools like the Braden Scale to evaluate a patientâs risk of developing pressure ulcers. This scale examines factors such as moisture exposure, mobility, sensory perception, activity levels, nutrition, and friction.
If a resident is rated as high-risk, the staff should implement preventive measures immediately. If they donât, it may support claims that proper preventive steps were ignored. When reviewing a case, we examine how the facility interpreted and acted on these tools, and whether updates were made as the patientâs condition changed.
Support surfaces include specialized mattresses, overlays, and cushions designed to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas. These tools are critical in reducing the chance of bedsores, especially for residents who are immobile or confined to a wheelchair.
In legal cases, we look at whether support surfaces were recommended, provided, and maintained. Lack of use or failure to monitor their condition can indicate poor-quality care. Documentation of these items helps support our evaluation of the facilityâs commitment to preventing wounds.
An interdisciplinary care team typically includes nurses, physicians, therapists, and nutritionists. Together, they are responsible for creating and maintaining a residentâs care plan. Notes and records from each professional offer key insights into how consistently a residentâs needs were addressed.
We carefully review entries from various team members to see if concerns about skin integrity were raised, and if follow-up actions were taken. Discrepancies or missing records may signal lapses in care that led to the development of bedsores.
If your loved one developed pressure ulcers in a care facility, weâre here to help. At Davis & Brusca, LLC, our team has deep experience with these types of claims and is prepared to review your situation carefully. Contact us to speak with a PA bedsore lawyer and learn your options.
Letâs talk about how we can help protect your loved oneâs health and rights. Reach out today for a no-obligation consultation.
If you’re concerned about bedsores or suspect neglect in a care facility, it’s essential to seek expert legal guidance. At Davis & Brusca, LLC, our dedicated team is committed to upholding the rights and dignity of those in nursing homes. Contact us today for a consultation and learn how we can assist you in securing the care and compensation your loved one rightfully deserves.
"Davis & Brusca did an extremely through job on our case. I found their compassion and understanding during difficult times to be in measurable. I highly recommend this firm."
Mimi S
