855-722-2552Bedsores, also known as pressure sores, pressure ulcers, or decubitus ulcers, are a clear indicator of neglect in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. If your elderly family member has developed bedsores while under the care of a Florida nursing home, it is crucial to seek legal assistance. A bedsores lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens can investigate the situation and advocate for your loved one’s rights.
Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your case. Below, you’ll find key information about nursing home neglect and bedsores. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Understanding How Bedsores Develop
Bedsores form when prolonged pressure is applied to the skin, often due to immobility or improper care. They can also result from excessive moisture, friction, or skin traction. The most vulnerable areas for developing pressure ulcers include:
- Hips
- Heels
- Ankles
- Behind the knees
- Back or sides of the head
- Tailbone
- Lower back
- Elbows
- Buttocks
These sores commonly appear where bones are close to the skin’s surface. Without prompt attention, bedsores can rapidly deteriorate, leading to serious health complications.
The Four Stages of Bedsores
When blood flow is restricted to an area of the skin, a pressure ulcer can begin forming in as little as two to three hours. Without proper treatment, the wound worsens. Bedsores progress through four stages:
Stage One: The affected area appears red or purple and feels warm. If the patient can communicate, they might report itching, burning, or pain.
Stage Two: The sore may present as a blister, an open wound, or a scrape. The surrounding skin might also be discolored. Patients with limited pain sensitivity may not be aware of the sore’s development.
Stage Three: The bedsore deepens beneath the surface of the skin, forming a crater-like wound.
Stage Four: Extensive tissue damage occurs, potentially affecting muscles, tendons, joints, and bones. At this stage, the risk of severe infection is high.
Because bedsores are a prevalent issue in Florida nursing homes, specific preventative measures should be taken. Caregivers should reposition residents regularly, keep their skin clean and dry, and check for early signs of sores. When these protocols are ignored, pressure ulcers can form, signaling potential neglect. Left untreated, they can lead to infections, chronic pain, and even life-threatening conditions like sepsis.
If your loved one has suffered due to bedsores, a bedsore attorney in Palm Beach Gardens can help hold the responsible parties accountable. Call us today to discuss your legal options.
Nursing Home Negligence and Standard of Care
Florida law requires nursing homes to provide a specific standard of care for residents. This standard, outlined in Sections 429.28 and 429.85, guarantees residents a safe and comfortable environment free from abuse and neglect. It also mandates access to proper healthcare services.
To prevent bedsores, nursing homes must implement the following measures:
- Repositioning patients every two hours
- Assisting wheelchair-bound residents with posture adjustments every 15 minutes
- Using soft padding in wheelchairs and beds
- Ensuring residents’ skin remains clean and dry
- Providing proper hydration and nutrition
Nursing home staff receive training on these preventative steps. Failing to follow them may constitute negligence, making the facility liable for damages. If a loved one has developed bedsores due to substandard care, legal action may be necessary. Contact a Palm Beach Gardens pressure ulcers lawyer to schedule a consultation.
When to Consult a Pressure Sore Lawyer in PBG
Time is critical in nursing home neglect cases. In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a negligence claim against a nursing home is two years from the date the neglect was discovered or reasonably should have been identified.
If you suspect neglect, do not delay in seeking legal counsel. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our legal team has over 200 years of combined experience advocating for victims of nursing home negligence in Florida. We can assess your case and determine the compensation your family may be entitled to receive.
What a Palm Beach Gardens Bedsores Lawyer Can Do for You
A Palm Beach Gardens pressure sore lawyer plays a crucial role in holding negligent nursing homes accountable. Our legal team investigates whether the facility’s neglect directly contributed to your loved one’s injuries. If so, we compile evidence and present it to the insurance company or, if necessary, in court.
Depending on your case’s specifics, we may assist with the following legal services:
- Gathering and reviewing medical records and facility staffing reports
- Interviewing witnesses and expert medical professionals
- Filing a legal claim against the nursing home
- Responding to legal inquiries and presenting evidence
- Contesting denied claims
- Pursuing additional compensation through litigation
Our law firm has successfully recovered over $1 Billion in compensation for Florida’s personal injury victims. If you believe your loved one has suffered due to nursing home neglect, call today for a no-obligation case review.
Speak with a Pressure Ulcers Lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens
Nursing home staff have a legal and ethical duty to ensure the health and safety of their residents. When they fail to meet these responsibilities, resulting in bedsores and related complications, victims deserve justice.
Our legal team may be able to recover damages on behalf of your loved one, including compensation for:
- Medical expenses related to bedsore treatment
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death (in cases where bedsores contributed to fatal complications)
Take action today. Contact us for a free consultation with an experienced Palm Beach Gardens bedsore attorney who can fight for your loved one’s rights.
- We represent the injured, not the powerful
- No legal fees, unless we win your case
- Over 200 years of combined experience
