Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, PLLC | Work With An Experienced, Compassionate Charleston Bedsore Lawyer
When an elderly or disabled person is left unattended in the same position in a bed for prolonged periods of time, there is a strong possibility that they will develop bedsores. These are painful and difficult to deal with, especially if the injured victim is immobile and unable to move around. When seeking justice for these inexcusable injuries, it’s essential to work with an experiecned bedsore lawyer.
Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, PLLC, is experienced at representing bedsore abuse and neglect victims in Charleston and throughout the surrounding areas of West Virginia. We recognize the physical and emotional pain that nursing home abuse victims face and will help them obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
Bedsores From Neglect
When patients are unable to move on their own, they are assigned staff members to move them so that bedsores, sometimes also called pressure sores, do not form. These bedsores form when blood pools in a certain spot on the body because someone is left in the same position for hours on end, without being moved. This is considered neglect and abuse, which is unlawful in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
Our attorneys stand up for victims of neglect and will not let nursing home facilities or organizations get away with allowing this type of behavior. We use our knowledge of nursing home procedures and rules to prove that you or your loved one was not being cared for. You can count on the team Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, PLLC, to stand up for you and be your strong advocate.
Bedsores Can Progress Quickly
Sometimes people who are in nursing homes or other care facilities are bedridden due to medical issues. This kind of confinement can lead to bedsores, which are also sometimes called pressure sores. These harmful wounds commonly occur on parts of the body that are in constant contact with the bed and are preventable with proper care.
The earlier you notice a bedsore on your loved one, the better. Always be aware of the signs and take swift action to protect their well-being. If left untreated, these wounds can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. Our Charleston bedsore lawyers know what a serious threat bedsores pose and that sometimes they occur due to a caregiver’s negligence.
The Early Stages
The beginning stages of a bedsore may not look especially threatening. A stage 1 sore is not an open wound but may feel warm to the touch and look red or discolored. Sores at this stage may, however, be painful. There may be reddening of the skin, but victims may also notice a change in sensation, temperature or firmness before there are any visual changes to the skin. The reddening may be difficult to notice, which is why early stage bedsores are often difficult to act on.
A bedsore has entered stage 2 if it breaks open or an ulcer forms. The damage has extended beyond the outer layer of skin and the sores are likely extremely tender and quite painful. Sores will begin to cause skin loss and may potentially create blisters on the injury. No muscles, tendons or bones are visible, but fat may be visible in the wound.
Advanced Bedsores
Once a bedsore has penetrated deeper than the outer skin into the tissue, it is considered stage 3. It may take on a crater-like appearance at this point. Serious skin injuries are developing at the site of the bedsore. Muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bone may be visible in the wound. These bedsores are very serious and are often the result of gross and prolonged negligence. By the time a bedsore reaches stage 4, extensive damage to bone, muscle and soft tissue is likely to have occurred.
Because of the tissue damage associated with stage 3 and stage 4 bedsores, they may actually be less painful than those that are still in the earlier stages. In addition, the risk of infection and blood poisoning is great.
Contact A West Virginia Bedsore Lawyer
If you suspect a loved one developed bedsores because of someone else’s negligence, please contact our attorneys to discuss the details of your situation. We offer free consultations. We are happy to schedule appointments at a time that is convenient for you. Call us at 304-205-1810 or use our online contact form.