Understanding Bedsore Settlements: Causes, Prevention, and Compensation
As we age or face certain medical conditions, we may find ourselves immobilized or unable to move around independently. When this happens, we often rely on caretakers to help us with day-to-day tasks.
While many caregivers are responsible and skilled, some neglect their duties, causing complications like painful and potentially life-threatening bedsores. Many victims believe developing bedsores is a natural risk of staying in bed for long periods. The reality is that it may be an avoidable injury, and victims and their loved ones might be entitled to compensation if a bedsore develops.
In this article, we will discuss the causes and dangers of bedsores as well as the process of filing a bedsore lawsuit and recovering damages.
What Causes Bedsores?
Bedsores, also known as pressure injuries or decubitus ulcers, are injuries caused by prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissues.
When someone is unable to move or change positions, the constant pressure on one part of the body can cut off blood flow to that area, resulting in tissue damage. This can occur anywhere but often develops on the skin covering bony areas, such as the shoulder blades, back, elbows, hips, buttocks, and ankles.
Elderly individuals who are bedridden or immobile are at risk of developing pressure injuries. This risk increases if they are not turned frequently, positioned correctly, or given proper nutrition.
The Four Stages of Bedsores
Bedsores occur in stages, ranging from mild to severe. The first two stages typically do not require surgery, but Stages 3 and 4 decubitus ulcers may require surgical intervention because of their severity.
A Stage 1 bedsore occurs when the skin appears red and feels warm and tender to the touch.
With a Stage 2 bedsore, the area looks more damaged and may have an open sore, scrape, or blister.
A Stage 3 bedsore is a deeper sore that may look like a crater. Finally, when a bedsore reaches Stage 4, it has grown deeper and may have already affected nearby joints, organs, muscles, or bones. Infections are also highly likely in this stage, making it life-threatening.
With this, pressure sores are more than simple surface wounds. They can take weeks, months, or even years to heal, depending on the severity of the injury and the elderly individual’s physical condition.
What Types of Complications Can Result from Bedsores?
Bedsores can result in various complications, including pain, discomfort, infection, and even death. Infection is a particularly serious complication, as it can spread quickly and lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis.
Anyone who is immobile or bedridden for a prolonged period of time is at risk for developing bedsores, so it’s important to take preventative measures.
Are Bedsores Preventable?
If your elderly loved one is in the care of a nursing home, it is their caregiver’s responsibility to ensure their living arrangements are safe and healthy. Part of their daily duties is ensuring older patients receive sufficient daily movement, keeping their skin clean and dry, and providing adequate nutrition.
In many cases, bedsores are preventable if proper precautions are taken. However, when the caregiver fails to move or reposition the patient frequently, change their clothes or bed sheets, or administer sufficient nutrition and hydration, their neglect can increase the risks of pressure injuries.
It’s essential to speak up and advocate for your loved one if you suspect neglect, improper care, or other forms of elder abuse.
Factors Involved in Bedsore Settlements
Bedsores not only affect your loved one’s quality of life but also cause various consequences, such as medical bills to treat pressure ulcers. You should never have to shoulder additional expenses because of the negligent actions of others. If your loved one has suffered from bedsores due to a caregiver’s negligence, you may be able to recover damages through a bedsore settlement.
The amount of your settlement will depend on various factors, including the severity of the bedsores, the length of time your loved one suffered from them, the cost of medical treatment, and any pain, suffering, and emotional or psychological distress caused by the injury.
When Should You File a Bedsore Lawsuit?
Your top priority is to get proper medical care for your loved one’s bedsores. After you’ve ensured their care, it is best to act quickly to pursue legal action against the responsible caregiver or facility.
To do this, you will need to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible. The statute of limitations in California for bedsore claims varies, but can be as short as six months, so it is essential to act quickly to protect your rights. An attorney specializing in nursing home injuries can help you navigate the legal system and fight for the bedsore lawsuit settlement you deserve.
How Much Is a Bedsore Lawsuit Worth?
The value of a bedsore lawsuit settlement depends on many factors. Compensation can range widely and will depend on several factors, including:
- The severity of the injury
- The cost of medical treatment
- The pain and suffering caused by the injury
A qualified lawyer can assess all factors relevant to your case to determine an accurate value of your bedsore lawsuit.
Get Assistance from Elder Abuse Lawyers in San Diego
Bedsores are painful and potentially life-threatening injuries commonly affecting elderly individuals who can no longer move around independently. What is heartbreaking is that they are often caused by the neglect of those who are entrusted with an elderly person’s health and safety.
It is important to understand your legal options if your loved one has suffered from bedsores due to a caregiver’s or a facility’s neglect. Seeking professional legal advice puts you in the best position to demand compensation for the losses their injury has caused.
An elder abuse specialist in bedsore settlements can guide you through the legal process and work to recover damages on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation with Holm Law Group today to start building your case.