Chicago Nursing Home Bedsore Lawyers
Holding negligent nursing homes accountable for pressure sores
Has a loved one developed a serious bedsore as the result of nursing home negligence? Individuals most at risk of bedsores are those who have medical conditions that limit their ability to change positions or cause them to spend most of their time lying or sitting down. Therefore, it may come as no surprise that the elderly are more susceptible to developing bedsores than most. However, if cared for properly, bedsores should never develop past the most minor stage in nursing home residents—if at all.
The law firm of Ferrell Young, LLC is dedicated to protecting the rights of people in nursing home care throughout the state of Illinois. Our Chicago-based bedsore lawyers are compassionate and tenacious advocates ready to fight for your right to justice. We will do whatever it takes to pursue the fair and just compensation you and/or your injured loved one deserves.
We offer free consultations, so please do not hesitate to contact our Chicago bedsore attorneys to learn more about your legal rights and options. Se habla Español.
What is a bedsore?
Pressure sores – also known as bedsores and pressure ulcers – are a type of injury caused by prolonged pressure on the skin that causes damage to the skin and underlying tissue. At the points where an individual’s body connects with a surface – often a bed or chair – for extended periods of time, blood is cut off from those parts of the body. This can cause bruising over time and can eventually lead to open sores that cause serious infection and, potentially, death.
Types of bedsores
Bedsores are classified into four stages of severity, with the first being the least severe:
- Stage One – These mild bedsores only affect the topmost layer of the skin and may cause redness, itching, burning, and/or some pain. If you or a loved one has these symptoms, it is imperative to treat the bedsore before it reaches a higher stage.
- Stage Two – The affected area will start to appear more obviously damaged and may feature discoloration, pain, open sores, and/or blisters.
- Stage Three – At this stage, the damage has penetrated the top layers of skin and bedsores have a crater like appearance.
- State Four – The damage has reached underlying tissue resulting in a large, painful wound. The risk of serious infection and damage to muscles, tendons, joints, and bones is more severe at this state.
What causes bedsores?
At nursing homes, bedsores are almost always caused by neglect. If, for example, a bedridden patient who needs help adjusting every so often is ignored by their caregiver, the caregiver can then be held legally responsible for any damages caused by bedsores that developed.
Bedsores are most likely to develop on skin that covers bony areas of the body, such as the ankles, heels, hips, and tailbone, as well as the buttocks and shoulder area. However, a bedsore can form on any part of the body that comes into prolonged contact with a surface.
Symptoms & effects of bedsores
Symptoms a bedsore is developing may include redness, itchiness, swelling, tenderness, changes in skin color or texture, and skin that feels cool or warm to the touch. If caught early enough, a bedsore can heal completely. In some cases, long term or permanent damage may occur.
If left untreated, bedsores can lead to minor to severe consequences, such as:
- Cancer, such as a form of skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma
- Cellulitis, a skin and soft tissue infection
- Marjolin’s ulcers, which are long term wounds that don’t heal
- Sepsis, a potentially fatal complication if the bedsore goes untreated for too long
- Wrongful death
What to do if you have a bedsore
If a loved one living in a nursing home has a bedsore, you need to act fast to protect their health and their rights.
- Tell the nursing home that your loved one has bedsores.
- If possible, document the bedsores with photos.
- Make sure your loved one gets immediate medical attention. If the nursing home refuses to provide medical care, call a doctor yourself or contact us.
- Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health. They investigate allegations of nursing home abuse or neglect in Illinois.
- Ask for copies of medical records.
- Talk to a nursing home neglect lawyer at our law firm right away. We can answer your legal questions and explain your options.
Can I file a lawsuit against a nursing home for bedsores?
Often, yes. You can file a lawsuit to hold the nursing home accountable for bedsores that happened under their watch. However, you need to act quickly. That’s because the evidence you need to build a strong legal case can disappear or be destroyed if you wait too long to file a bedsore lawsuit. So don’t miss out on your opportunity for justice. Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Discuss your case with our Chicago bedsore attorneys
Nursing home neglect claims are typically very complex since they involve both legal and medical expertise. Pursuing bedsore claims requires extensive knowledge of the legal process and the medical field.
At Ferrell Young, LLC, we utilize our previous experience and medical experts to help us thoroughly investigate bedsore claims caused by nursing home negligence. We are committed to helping you navigate the legal process and work to recover the full, fair compensation you are owed for your injuries.
For a free case evaluation following an injury or illness caused by bedsores, please contact our offices online or call us today. Se habla Español.