Are Bed Sores a Sign of Hospital Negligence?

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Are Bed Sores a Sign of Hospital Negligence?

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Pressure ulcers and decubitus ulcers are commonly known as bed sores. Bedsores typically develop on skin covered by bony areas, such as the heels, ankles, hips, buttocks, shoulder blades, back of the head, backs, and sides of the knees, and the tailbone. Those most at risk for developing bedsores are those with medical conditions that limit their ability to change positions or those who spend most of their time in a bed or chair. 

If your loved one has acquired a bedsore while in a hospital or nursing home, you are encouraged to speak with a Chicago personal injury attorney. If you are unsure about what you should do, contact Malman Law to schedule your free consultation. The attorneys at Malman Law are experienced in dealing with these types of cases and providing families the compassion they deserve.

Signs of Hospital Negligence

Hospitals and nursing homes are required to identify patients at risk of developing bedsores through the Braden Scale. Once identified, a care plan centered around bedsore prevention is put into action. Common examples of bedsore prevention techniques include:

  • Moving patients frequently to relieve pressure
  • Frequent examinations of areas prone to the development of bedsores
  • Controlling incontinence to maintain the integrity of the skin
  • Proper hydration
  • Proper nutrition

What Can I Do About My Family Member’s Bed Sore?

A hospital or nursing home’s failure to detect bedsores in their early stages can be an indication of negligence. Once bedsore has developed, a facility needs to take immediate steps to heal the sore as the skin can quickly deteriorate. Pressure sores sustained in a hospital or nursing home are preventable, and they must be investigated to determine whether negligence played a role.

Whom Can I Hold Responsible?

There are federal and Illinois state laws in place to protect hospital and nursing home patients from neglect and abuse that could lead to bedsores. The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act entitles nursing home residents to be free from any type of neglect and abuse. When bedsores and other signs of neglect appear, victims and their families have the right to file a claim for negligence against the facility.

Hospital and nursing home negligence victims also have the right to file a lawsuit for monetary compensation. Victims may recover compensation for medical care to address bedsore(s) and complications, pain and suffering, and mental anguish. Depending on the severity of the negligence, victims could also be awarded punitive damages. 

Speak With a Chicago Hospital Negligence Attorney Today

If your loved one has developed bedsore or underlying complication while in a Chicago hospital or nursing home, you are encouraged to speak with the Chicago nursing home negligence attorneys of Malman Law. If hired, Malman Law attorneys will begin an immediate investigation to confirm whether negligence was committed and could assist you with pursuing the compensation you need. 

To schedule a free legal evaluation and case consultation with a Chicago personal injury lawyer, please call us at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online for more information.

Steve Malman

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, truck accidents, car accidents, premises liability, construction, and workers’ compensation cases in Chicago, IL.

Years of experience: +30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law—Last Registered Year: 2024

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