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Cherry Hill Pressure Ulcer Injury Attorneys
Legal help for patients and residents suffering bedsores in South Jersey
Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are painful and often preventable wounds that can develop when there is prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissues. They most commonly affect individuals with limited mobility, such as those in nursing homes, hospitals, or receiving long-term care. These injuries can have severe consequences for the affected individuals, leading to pain, suffering, and complications that can sometimes be life-threatening.
At Ferrara & Gable, our experienced Cherry Hill bedsore injury attorneys have seen the devastating impact of these injuries and are dedicated to advocating for patients' rights and helping those who have suffered due to negligence or mistreatment. If you or a loved one has suffered a pressure ulcer injury, get in touch with us today to find out your rights to compensation.
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What are bedsores?
Bedsores – also called pressure ulcers, pressure injuries, or decubitus ulcers – are “ulcers that happen on areas of the skin that are under pressure from lying in bed, sitting in a wheelchair, or wearing a cast for a prolonged time.” Johns Hopkins Medicine also reports that bedsores can be related “to the quality of care the person receives.”
When individuals with limited mobility or those who are bedridden do not receive proper repositioning, correct positioning, and adequate nutrition and skin care, the risk of developing pressure ulcers increases significantly. This risk is even greater for those with conditions like diabetes, circulation issues, and nutritional deficiencies.
What are the symptoms of pressure ulcers?
Pressure ulcers can manifest with various symptoms that progress in severity as the condition worsens. The common symptoms of pressure ulcers include:
- Skin discoloration. In the early stages, the affected area may appear red or purple. This is often the first sign of a pressure ulcer.
- Skin texture changes. The skin may feel warmer or cooler to the touch than the surrounding skin. It can also become dry, flaky, or moist.
- Edema or swelling may occur in the affected area.
- Pain or discomfort. Pain, tenderness, or discomfort may be experienced at or around the site of the pressure ulcer.
- The skin may develop blisters filled with clear or bloody fluid.
- Open sores. As the condition progresses, the skin may break, leading to open sores or wounds. These can vary in depth and severity.
- Underlying tissue damage. In advanced cases, the ulcer can extend deeper, affecting not only the skin but also the underlying tissues, such as muscle and bone. These wounds are more challenging to treat and can lead to serious complications.
Pressure ulcers often develop in areas where bones are close to the skin's surface, such as the hips, heels, tailbone, elbows, and shoulders. Regular skin checks and early intervention are crucial to prevent the progression of pressure ulcers and minimize their impact on an individual's health. If you or a loved one shows any of these symptoms, it is vital to seek medical attention promptly to address the condition and prevent further complications. Then, talk to a Cherry Hill nursing home abuse attorney at Ferrara & Gable for legal guidance on your next steps.
What causes bedsores?
Bedsores are most common in people who are unable to move around on their own, such as those who are bedridden, paralyzed, or in a coma. However, bedsores can also develop in people who can move around but who do not move often enough, such as those who are elderly or have chronic illnesses.
Three main factors contribute to the development of bedsores:
- Pressure. When pressure is applied to the skin for an extended period, it can reduce blood flow to the area. This can damage the skin and tissue, and eventually lead to a bedsore.
- Shearing. Shearing is a type of friction that occurs when the skin moves over an underlying bone or surface. This can also damage the skin and tissue, and contribute to the development of bedsores.
- Moisture. Moisture can soften the skin and make it more susceptible to damage. This is why bedsores are more common in areas of the body that are prone to sweating, such as the heels and buttocks.
Other factors that can increase the risk of bedsores include malnutrition, diabetes, smoking, and incontinence.
If you or a loved one is at risk of developing bedsores, the nursing home or hospital must take steps to prevent them. These steps include:
- Moving around regularly. If you can move around, try to change your position every two hours. If you are unable to move around on your own, a caregiver should help you change your position every two hours.
- Keeping the skin clean and dry. Wash the skin with mild soap and water at least once a day. Pay special attention to areas that are prone to sweating. Dry the skin thoroughly after washing.
- Using pressure-relieving devices. There are a variety of pressure-relieving devices available, such as special mattresses, cushions, and pillows. These devices can help to reduce pressure on the skin and prevent bedsores.
- Eating a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help to strengthen the skin and reduce the risk of bedsores. Patients with malnutrition are at a higher risk of bedsores.
If you do develop a bedsore, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Bedsores can become infected and lead to serious complications, such as sepsis.
How can pressure ulcers be prevented?
MedLine Plus offers a host of ways to prevent bedsores and pressure ulcers. Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities should be aware of the risk of bedsores to their residents and patients, and react accordingly. Some of the ways to prevent pressure ulcers include:
- Treat skin gently to prevent pressure ulcers – including refraining from scrubbing skin, using moisturizers and creams, and avoiding talc powder and scented soaps.
- Take in enough calories to stay healthy.
- “Avoid clothes that have thick seams, buttons, or zippers that press on your skin.”
- Clean and dry the area thoroughly after urinating or a bowel movement.
- If you use a wheelchair, ensure it’s a correct fit and is not rubbing on any part of your body.
- In bed, “Use a soft pillow or a piece of soft foam between parts of your body that press against each other or against your mattress.”
- Change your position every one to two hours to reduce pressure on certain spots.
- Check the skin often for signs of pressure ulcers, including a reddening of skin or sore spots.
If you believe you or a loved one have developed pressure ulcers due to neglect, get in touch with the nursing home abuse attorneys at Ferrara & Gable as soon as possible to learn your legal rights.
Who is liable for my Cherry Hill bedsore injuries?
The person or entity liable for your bedsore injuries will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. However, some common parties that may be held liable include:
- Nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities have a duty to provide their residents with reasonable care. This includes taking steps to prevent bedsores, such as repositioning residents regularly and keeping their skin clean and dry. If a nursing home or assisted living facility fails to provide this care, they may be held liable for any bedsores that develop.
- Hospitals. Hospitals also have a duty to provide their patients with reasonable care. This includes taking steps to prevent bedsores, such as repositioning patients regularly and keeping their skin clean and dry. If a hospital fails to provide this care, they may be held liable for any bedsores that develop.
- Doctors. Doctors have a duty to provide their patients with reasonable care. This includes assessing their patients' risk for bedsores and developing a plan to prevent them. If a doctor fails to do this, they may be held liable for any bedsores that develop.
- Medical device manufacturers. Medical device manufacturers have a duty to design and manufacture safe products. If a medical device, such as a wheelchair or mattress, is defective and causes bedsores, the manufacturer may be held liable.
If you believe that you or a loved one has developed bedsores due to the negligence of another person or entity, you should contact our experienced Cherry Hill bedsore injury attorneys to discuss your legal rights and options. We can help you to investigate the cause of your injuries, identify the responsible parties, and file a claim for compensation.
Do you have a Cherry Hill bedsore injury attorney near me?
Ferrara & Gable maintains an office at 601 Longwood Avenue in Cherry Hill, NJ. Parking is available, and a bus stop is right up the block on Rt. 38. We can schedule a phone or video consultation if you are too injured or ill to travel.
Cherry Hill bedsores injury attorneys helping seniors throughout South Jersey
If you or a loved one has suffered the pain and complications of pressure ulcers, you don't have to navigate this challenging journey on your own. Our experienced pressure ulcer injury attorneys are here to be your advocates, to fight for your rights, and to help you seek justice and compensation for the harm you've endured. Let us assess your situation, gather the necessary evidence, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation available for your injuries and losses. Call our offices or contact us today to schedule a consultation. Proudly serving Camden County, Burlington County & all of South Jersey.
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