Chicago Nursing Home Bedsore Attorneys

Chicago Lawyers for Victims Who Have Suffered Bedsores Due to Negligence

Elderly people or those who suffer from disabilities may need to reside in nursing homes or assisted living facilities to ensure that they can receive the proper medical care and assistance with their daily needs. Unfortunately, some nursing home residents may develop painful and potentially life-threatening bedsores, which are also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers. These injuries can occur because of negligence by the staff members responsible for the care of vulnerable patients. In cases where residents suffer injuries due to nursing home abuse or neglect, Schwartz Jambois can help families understand how to proceed. We will provide legal representation and work to hold a negligent nursing home responsible for bedsores or other injuries.

Causes and Effects of Bedsores

Bedsores typically develop when a person remains in one position for an extended period without proper movement or relief from pressure points. The constant pressure on certain areas of the body restricts blood flow to those areas, leading to tissue damage and eventually resulting in open wounds.

The most common sites where bedsores develop include bony prominences such as the heels, hips, buttocks, elbows, shoulder blades, or the back of the head. Factors that contribute to bedsore development include:

• Prolonged immobility: Residents who are unable to move independently or who have limited mobility due to medical conditions may be at higher risk.
• Inadequate nutrition: Malnutrition or dehydration weakens skin integrity and reduces its ability to withstand prolonged pressure.
• Poor hygiene: Infrequent bathing or changing soiled clothing increases moisture levels on the skin's surface, making it more susceptible to breakdown.
• Faulty equipment: Improperly fitted wheelchairs or poorly designed mattresses can create additional pressure points that contribute to bedsores.

The effects of bedsores can be severe and debilitating for nursing home residents. In addition to causing physical pain and discomfort, untreated bedsores can lead to serious complications, including:

• Infections: Open wounds provide an entry point for bacteria and other pathogens, increasing the risk of infection. In severe cases, infections can spread to the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, or bone infections such as osteomyelitis may occur.
• Cellulitis: This is a bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. If left untreated, cellulitis can progress and cause systemic symptoms.
• Gangrene: Severe cases of bedsores may result in the death of tissue in the skin or the underlying muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which may require surgical intervention such as debridement or amputation.
• Skin cancer: Chronic wounds that fail to heal properly increase the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer affecting the skin.

Nursing Home Negligence Leading to Bedsores

Bedsores are often preventable with proper care and attention from nursing home staff members. Negligence on their part can contribute to bedsore development and exacerbate existing injuries. Examples of negligence that may lead to bedsores include:

• Failing to reposition residents regularly: Nursing home staff should be aware of each resident's mobility limitations and ensure they are repositioned at regular intervals to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas.
• Inadequate hygiene practices: Proper cleaning techniques must be followed when bathing residents and changing soiled clothing or bedding. Failure to maintain cleanliness increases the risk of infection.
• Poor nutrition management: Residents should receive a well-balanced diet tailored to their individual needs. Malnutrition weakens the body's ability to repair damaged tissues effectively.
• Lack of training or understaffing issues: Insufficiently trained staff members or a shortage of personnel can result in inadequate care and attention for residents, including neglecting their repositioning needs.
• Failure to address early signs of bedsores: Prompt identification and treatment of early-stage bedsores is crucial. Neglecting to take appropriate action when initial symptoms appear can allow the condition to worsen rapidly.

If you suspect that your loved one has developed bedsores due to negligence on the part of nursing home staff members, it is essential to seek legal assistance. An experienced attorney can help investigate the situation, gather evidence, and pursue justice on behalf of your loved one.

Contact Our Illinois Nursing Home Bedsore Injury Lawyers

If your loved one has suffered from bedsores or other injuries or health conditions due to negligence in a nursing home facility, Schwartz Jambois is here to help. Our dedicated team understands the devastating impact these injuries can have on residents and their families. We will work tirelessly to hold a negligent nursing home accountable for and seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. To discuss your case with our compassionate attorneys, please contact us at 312-782-2525 and schedule a free consultation.