Dedicated Chicago Nursing Home Bedsores Lawyer

About Bedsores

As personal injury attorneys, we see thousands of injuries of all kinds every year.

However, almost nothing upsets us more than bedsores resulting from nursing home abuse or negligence. In most cases, these painful – and in some cases life-threatening – injuries are easily avoidable, yet countless residents suffer from bedsores solely because of their caregivers’ apathy or mistreatment.

At Malman Law, we are passionate about helping victims of nursing home negligence and abuse fight for just compensation. We regularly represent nursing home residents and their families throughout the Chicagoland area in cases involving bedsores resulting from improper care. We have helped over 20,000 clients recover in excess of $200 million for their losses, and we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Bedsores, also known as pressure sores or pressure ulcers, are injuries that involve damage to the skin and underlying tissue due to prolonged pressure. They are most common on the hips, tailbone, ankles, heels, and backs of the arms and legs; however, many nursing home residents who are confined to beds and wheelchairs also suffer pressure sores on their shoulder blades, the back or sides of their head, their ears, and the backs of their knees.

Bedsores can develop quickly and treatment is often difficult – especially among elderly patients. Unfortunately, nursing home residents with limited mobility are uniquely at risk for suffering these injuries.

Signs and Symptoms of Bedsores

Nursing home residents and their family members should be aware of the risk of bedsores, and know the signs of a possible injury. While you may not be able to prevent bedsores, knowing when to seek help can be critical to protecting your health and quickly obtaining financial help for your medical expenses and other losses. Some of the early signs and symptoms of pressure sores include:

• Skin does not lighten in color (blanch) when touched
• Skin discoloration
• Tenderness and pain in the affected area
• Unusual firmness or softness in the affected area (the skin may also feel warmer or cooler than the surrounding area)
• Red or pink wounds, which may look similar to blisters

Nursing Home Negligence and Abuse Resulting in Bedsores

When nursing home residents suffer bedsores, it is often as a result of negligent or abusive treatment on the part of staff members or nursing home administrators. From overlooking symptoms to abandoning patients entirely, all levels of negligence and abuse can lead to bedsores.

In some cases, incompetent or untrained nursing home employees may even restrain patients in order to avoid their responsibilities. These and other all-too-common errors can be devastating for elderly patients’ health, happiness, and wellbeing.

Medical conditions resulting from other forms of….

Sadly, medical conditions resulting from other forms of inadequate nursing home care also place residents at greater risk for developing bedsores. For example, elderly individuals with the following conditions may be particularly susceptible to suffering sores without proper care:

• Weight loss due to malnutrition
• Immobility or lost sensory perception due to falls, fractures, and spine injuries
• Excess moisture or dryness and limited blood flow resulting from wrongful or inappropriate care

However, just because you or your loved one is at heightened risk does not mean that it is acceptable to experience bedsores. Even among high-risk patients, pressure sores can – and should – be avoided with proper care. In addition, as noted previously, it may be that your heightened risk factors are the result of other negligent or abusive treatment.

Seek legal Action As Soon As Possible

Any time you or a loved one experiences bedsores in a nursing home, you should seek prompt medical treatment and report the incident to Malman Law as soon as possible.

Not only can we help you pursue compensation, but we can also help you transition to a professional, caring, and trusted nursing home.