Bedsores

Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, can indicate severe neglect, especially for patients who rely on healthcare staff for regular movement and care. When hospitals fail to provide proper care, patients may suffer painful and sometimes life-threatening sores due to prolonged pressure on certain parts of the body. Bedsores affect an estimated 2.5 million U.S. acute care facilities annually, reflecting the critical need for consistent patient monitoring and care. A Prince George’s County bedsores lawyer at Foran & Foran, P.A. can help identify if hospital negligence played a role in developing these injuries and pursue justice for affected patients.

If you or a loved one has suffered from bedsores due to inadequate hospital care, it’s essential to act. The attorneys at Foran & Foran are committed to advocating for the rights of patients harmed by negligent healthcare facilities. We can assist you in exploring legal actions and evaluating related concerns, such as nursing home abuse or wrongful death, to seek compensation and accountability. Contact Foran & Foran to discuss your rights and options today.

Bedsores form due to prolonged pressure on specific areas of the body, often where skin covers bony parts like the hips, tailbone, and heels. Understanding the progression of bedsores is essential for early intervention and prevention. There are four primary stages:

• Stage 1. Red or discolored skin that doesn’t turn white when pressed. This early sign of a pressure ulcer should prompt immediate repositioning and monitoring.
• Stage 2. Open sores or blisters with red or purple coloring. These can quickly worsen if not addressed with proper wound care and relief from pressure.
• Stage 3. Deeper tissue damage with visible fat indicates severe neglect. Bedsores at this stage require medical treatment and pose a significant infection risk.
• Stage 4. Severe tissue loss, exposing muscle or bone. These advanced bedsores require surgical intervention and often result from extreme negligence, as they are challenging to treat and may lead to long-term complications.

Hospitals and care facilities are responsible for preventing bedsores and other infections by ensuring regular repositioning, appropriate bedding, and immediate wound care. When hospitals fail to uphold these standards, patients suffer unnecessarily.

Bedsores occur more frequently among certain patient groups. Recognizing these risk factors can help determine if hospitals took appropriate precautions. High-risk groups include:

• Immobile patients. Patients with limited mobility due to age, injury, or disability rely on hospital staff for movement. Regular repositioning is essential; failure to do so significantly increases bedsore risk.
• Patients with chronic illnesses. Conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease impair blood circulation, making it harder for the skin to heal. These patients require extra attention to prevent pressure sores.
• Elderly patients Older adults face increased risks due to fragile skin and less effective healing. They often experience pressure ulcers when not moved frequently, especially during extended hospital stays.

Preventive care for these patients is crucial. If hospitals fail to account for these risk factors, a Prince George’s County bedsores attorney can help determine if negligent practices led to harm.

When it comes to bedsore-related claims, hospitals are more likely than nursing homes to be named as defendants in failure to diagnose or treat claims. However, victims have a harder time winning against hospitals, often due to challenges in proving negligence. Despite this, the high number of hospital-based bedsore claims highlights a need for quality improvement. Medical facilities should adopt preventive measures to reduce patient harm and mitigate liability.

A Prince George’s County bedsores lawyer can address the unique challenges of these claims by gathering evidence that demonstrates the hospital’s failure to meet care standards. Evidence may include patient records, staff schedules, and expert testimony showing that staff neglected essential care practices, such as repositioning patients or monitoring high-risk individuals.

Bedsores are often a preventable injury that can develop due to inadequate care and attention in a hospital setting. At Foran & Foran, we believe that no patient should suffer from these painful wounds due to hospital negligence. Our attorneys are dedicated to holding healthcare providers accountable for lapses in care, working tirelessly to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you won’t pay any fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, call Foran & Foran at 301-441-2022. We proudly serve clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and surrounding areas.