Bedsores Lawyer in Stuart,
Florida

Bedsores develop when prolonged pressure is applied to the skin, which may be due to immobility, such as being left in the same position in bed for an extended period of time. They can also result from excessive friction, moisture, or traction on the skin due to inadequate repositioning, poor hygiene, ill-fitting medical devices, or neglectful caregiving practices in nursing homes and other care facilities.

Pressure sores are most likely to form in areas where bones are close to the skin, too, including:

• The heels
• The ankles
• Behind the knees
• Back or sides of the head
• Around the hips
• On the tailbone
• Lower back
• Elbows
• Or Buttocks

Bedsores may form in as little as two to three hours. Without prompt treatment, they rapidly worsen.

The progression of bedsores is categorized into four distinct stages:

Stage 1: Early Signs

• Skin appears red or purple-tinged and feels warm to the touch.
• The affected person may experience burning, itching, or pain.

Stage 2: Skin Damage

• The skin may blister, scrape, or develop an open sore.
• Discoloration appears around the wound.
• Significant pain or discomfort is common, but individuals with reduced pain sensitivity may not notice the sore.

Stage 3: Tissue Damage Worsens

• The sore deepens and thus takes on a crater-like appearance.
• Damage extends beneath the skin’s surface (increasing the risk of infection).

Stage 4: Severe Tissue Breakdown

• The wound reaches deeper tissues, potentially exposing muscles, tendons, joints, or bones.
• Infection risk is extremely high, and medical intervention is critical.

Bedsores are a prevalent issue in Florida nursing homes, but proper care can significantly reduce the risk. Essential preventative measures include:

• Regularly repositioning residents to relieve pressure.
• Keeping skin clean, dry, and well-moisturized.
• Conducting daily skin checks for early signs of redness or irritation.

When caregivers neglect these basic responsibilities—due to carelessness or systemic neglect—bedsores can develop, leading to severe complications such as sepsis, permanent tissue damage, chronic pain, or even death.

If your loved one has suffered harm due to bedsores in a nursing home, a pressure ulcer attorney in Florida can help hold negligent caretakers accountable. Contact us today to discuss your case and ensure justice is served.

Nursing homes in Stuart and across the U.S. are legally, ethically, and professionally obligated to meet a defined standard of care for their residents. This standard, outlined in Sections 429.28 and 429.85, includes promoting a safe, comfortable living environment free from abuse and neglect and providing appropriate medical care.

One key aspect of this care is bedsore prevention, as untreated pressure ulcers can cause severe pain and life-threatening complications.

To minimize the risk, nursing homes must take proactive measures, like:

• Repositioning residents at least every two hours to relieve pressure.
• Assisting wheelchair users by adjusting their position every 15 minutes.
• Using soft padding on beds and wheelchairs to reduce friction.
• Keeping the skin clean and dry to prevent irritation.
• Ensuring residents receive proper nutrition and hydration to support skin health.

Nursing home staff are trained in these essential care practices. Failure to follow them may constitute negligence, and if a resident develops bedsores due to improper care, they may be entitled to compensation.

If your loved one has suffered from preventable bedsores, a Stuart bedsore attorney can help. Call today or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation and explore your legal options.

Acting swiftly is crucial in cases of nursing home neglect. The statute of limitations for filing nursing home negligence claims is two years from the date the negligence was discovered or should have been discovered. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an attorney at the earliest signs of neglect in a nursing facility.

Pressure sore attorneys aid families in holding nursing homes and staff liable for negligent harm, such as injuries from bedsores. This involves gathering evidence of negligence and presenting it to the facility’s insurer or in court.

Based on your case, we may assist by:

• Compiling, organizing, and reviewing medical records and staff reports
• Gathering testimonies from witnesses and experts
• Filing a negligence claim against the nursing facility for bedsores and other related injuries
• Presenting evidence and handling information requests
• Appealing denied claims
• Pursuing additional compensation through a civil lawsuit

We have secured over $1 Billion in compensation for personal injury victims in Florida. Call us today for a complimentary case evaluation.