Bedsores Caused by Negligence in Illinois Nursing Homes

 Posted on May 08, 2023 in Nursing Home Abuse/Neglect

If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you expect them to receive the highest standard of care. Unfortunately, bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are a common problem in nursing homes across Illinois. These painful wounds can cause serious complications, including infection and even death. If your loved one has developed bedsores while under the care of a nursing home, you may be able to hold the facility accountable and seek compensation for their injuries.

How Do Bedsores Develop?

When a person remains in one position for an extended period, pressure builds up and restricts blood flow to the skin and underlying tissue. This leads to tissue damage known as bedsores, most commonly found in areas where the skin is in constant contact with a surface, like the hips, back, elbows, and heels.

Bedsores in nursing homes are commonly caused by neglect. Residents who cannot move or shift positions independently are most vulnerable to bedsores. The nursing home staff must guarantee that residents are rotated and repositioned regularly to ease pressure and prevent bedsores. Failure to take such steps could result in nursing home staff being held responsible for any injuries caused.

The Consequences of Bedsores

Bedsores can cause significant pain and discomfort, as well as serious complications. Infections are common in bedsores, as bacteria can enter the wound and cause further tissue damage. In severe cases, bedsores can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition when an infection enters the bloodstream. Other complications of bedsores can include cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and even cancer.

Preventing Bedsores in Illinois Nursing Homes

Preventing bedsores is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of nursing home residents. To prevent bedsores, nursing home staff should:

• Conduct regular assessments of each resident’s skin condition

• Turn and reposition residents at least every two hours

• Provide pressure-relieving devices, such as specialized mattresses and cushions

• Keep residents clean and dry

• Monitor residents for signs of infection or other complications

If you are concerned about your loved one’s risk of developing bedsores in a nursing home, make sure that you speak up. Talk to the nursing home staff about your concerns and ask what measures they are taking to prevent bedsores. If you are not satisfied with the answers you receive, consider moving your loved one to a different facility.

How a Lawyer Can Help

If your loved one suffered injuries or passed away because of untreated bedsores, taking action to hold the staff accountable is essential. To do so, you must prove that the nursing home breached its duty of care to your loved one by failing to take appropriate measures to prevent the development of bedsores and treat existing bedsores. You must also prove that the nursing home’s negligence caused your loved one’s injuries. You may be able to file a lawsuit against the nursing home for negligence.

Contact an Illinois Nursing Home Injury Lawyer

Contact one of our Chicago medical neglect attorneys if your loved one has been injured due to bedsores in an Illinois nursing home. We can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for your loved one’s rights. We will examine all of the evidence in your case and work hard to hold the negligent parties responsible for their actions. Call Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC at 312-236-6324 for a free no-obligation consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1225&ChapterID=21