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A bed sore attorney handles injury claims resulting from pressure or decubitus ulcers — alternative names for bed sores. These injuries are painful and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
If you or a loved one has suffered from bed sores while in the care of a healthcare provider, you may want to consider contacting a bed sore attorney. An attorney who is experienced handling bed sore cases can help you understand your legal options and seek compensation for any damages incurred as a result of the bed sores.
Common Types of Bed Sores
Bedsores may occur in different forms. Here are 5 common types of bedsores, as known as pressure wounds or decubitus ulcers:
Stage 1 Bed Sores
Stage 1 bed sores are the mildest form of pressure ulcers. They usually appear as red or pink discolorations on the skin that don’t turn white when pressed. These types of bed sores often feel warm or firm to the touch. The development of a stage I wound is a clear indication that the patient is at high risk for further skin breakdown.
Stage 2 Bedsores
Stage 2 bedsores are more severe than stage 1. They involve partial thickness skin loss and can appear as shallow open sores or blisters. These types of bed sores may also look like a scrape or abrasions. Once the wound is open it increases the risk of an infectious agent entering the body through the wound. Most stage II wounds require dressing and nursing care to avoid further deterioration.
Stage 3 Bedsores
Stage 3 bedsores are even more severe than stage 2. They involve full-thickness skin loss and may appear as a deep crater or hole in the skin. Stage 3 bedsores often damage the area around the affected tissue. Stage III wounds can be an indication of neglect and in many states, assisted living facilities are not allowed to take patients with bed sores or pressure injuries beyond stage II.
Stage 4 Bedsores
Stage 4 bedsores are the most severe type of pressure ulcer. They involve full-thickness skin loss and damage to the underlying muscle, bone, or supporting structures. These types of bedsores may appear as a deep crater with dark, dead tissue.
Unstageable Bed Sores
Unstageable bed sores are the most serious type of pressure ulcer and are characterized by a layer of dead tissue covering the wound. The tissue underlying the wound is often dead (necrotic) and there is an increased change of infection. Once the infection goes into the blood stream it can develop into full blown sepsis, causing further decline or death.
Filing Bedsore Injury Claims
The existence of a pressure wound or bed sore is often a sign of medical or nursing negligence. Where a patient develops such a wound that was clinically avoidable, he can file a claim to pursue a medical or nursing malpractice case against the facility and healthcare providers. Before pursuing such a claim you should speak to a qualified and experienced nursing home abuse attorney who can evaluate your case. The Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey can evaluate your potential case at no cost or obligation. All states have time limitations on bringing such a claim, so act quickly to protect your rights.
Potential Damages For Bedsores or Pressure Wound cases
Victims of bed sores resulting from medical malpractice can recover the following damages:
Medical Expenses
The injured party should recover the medical expenses related to the treatment of their bedsores.
Lost Wages
A plaintiff who took time off work because of bedsore may receive compensation for lost wages and future loss of earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Bedsores can cause significant pain and suffering. The plaintiff may be entitled to compensation for physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Disability
If the bedsores caused a permanent disability, the plaintiff may receive compensation for the impact on their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Punitive Damages
The court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
Wrongful Death
If the bed sore or pressure wound contributed to the death of the patient, his surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim for the loss of their loved one.
Contact the Firm for a free consultation and evaluation
The firm has extensive experience handling elder neglect and abuse cases. Mr. Downey has a long track record of establishing important case precedents that help Plaintiffs in nursing home and assisted living neglect cases. Link: (https://www.jeffdowney.com/legal-precedents/) He also teaches other attorneys how to prosecute such cases. Typical elder neglect cases involve not only pressure wounds, but medication errors, falls causing injury, diabetes mismanagement, elopements, physical or sexual abuse, inadequate staffing and wrongful death.
Contact Information:
The Law Office of Jeffrey J. Downey, P.C.
McLean Virginia Office
8300 Greensboro Drive, Suite 500
McLean, VA 22102
Phone: 703-564-7318
Website: https://www.jeffdowney.com/
Email: Jdowney@jeffdowney.com