Bed Sores

The South Carolina personal injury lawyers at Lofton & Lofton are industry leaders in representing victims of nursing home negligence. For over 25 years, we have helped injured patients and families find justice. We understand the traumatizing effect of suffering bedsores and watching a loved one suffer. That is why Lofton & Lofton is dedicated to putting decades of experience into your case and winning compensation for you.

Nursing Home Bed Sores

Bed sores occur when a bony protuberance in contact with the bed begins to rub at the skin. No motion is needed to cause chafing; constant contact is enough. Bed sores are often found near:

• Shoulders
• Back of head
• Elbows, heels
• Arms and legs
• Buttocks, flank
• Torso and thighs

The skin may already be sensitive or beginning to thin. Eventually, a rash or sore develops, wearing away at the skin. From there, the sore rapidly deteriorates into a bleeding wound that opens and is easily infected. Left untreated, bed sores can eat past skin and expose the bone.

Bed Sore Dangers

Bed sores pose a serious health risk for many reasons and demand immediate treatment. What begins as a dermatologic problem can become a festering wound. Related dangers include:

• Inflammation
• Pain, swelling
• Deep tissue loss
• Chronic infection
• Infectious disease
• Contact dermatitis
• Permanent scarring
• Bleeding and sepsis
• Exposed bone, nerves

Because bed sores are slow to heal and delay recovery, they expose the patient to higher risks of contagion and disease. Preventable bed sores can indicate negligence.

Bed Sores Caused by Nursing Home Negligence

Bed sores are often caused by negligent staff. Failure to prevent and treat the infection is a violation of basic standards. Signs of negligent conduct causing bed sores include:

• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Soiled linens
• Infected gauze
• Lack of motion
• Untreated suture
• Soiled bedclothes
• Unchanged catheter
• Unmonitored healing
• Restrained movements
• Failure to adjust position

Most disabled patients cannot move themselves and must be “rotated” frequently. This means adjusting the bed, posture, or position of the patient to avoid bed sores. Failure to properly turn the patient or change soiled sheets can result in pressure wounds and can cause infections to spread.

Nursing Home Negligence Liability

Skilled nursing facilities have a duty to provide 24-hour care. Nursing home residents and their families depend on the staff to render a quality of service that patients themselves cannot. This requires turning the patient and promptly treating the sores to prevent infection and bleeding. If bed sores injure a patient, the nursing home is liable for negligence. Liable parties may include:

• Patient caretakers
• Physicians, nurses
• Medical assistants
• Attendants on duty
• Outside contractors
• Home health facilities
• Hired, temporary staff

The nursing home itself is liable for the negligent acts of its staff. Injured victims and families are entitled to compensation from all liable parties and their respective insurers. The at-fault parties must provide compensation for medical expenses, lost work income, pain, suffering, and other damages resulting from personal injury or wrongful death caused by bed sores.

South Carolina Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help

The South Carolina nursing home abuse attorneys of Lofton & Lofton have successfully handled all types of cases involving nursing home negligence. We understand the severe pain and suffering caused by bed sores and how preventable these injuries are. Our office thoroughly investigates your photos and medical charts to hold all negligent parties accountable. We explain the link between your harm and their negligence, and work to maximize your verdict or settlement. Since 1984, we have helped injured victims recover the compensation they deserve. Call 843.722.6319 for a confidential consultation or contact us online.