Stage 4 Pressure Ulcers/Bed Sores

When people suffer from prolonged pressure or friction on their skin, they can develop bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers. These injuries are especially common in people with limited mobility, often seen in those staying in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.

Medical professionals classify bed sores into four different stages, with stage 4 being the most severe. This stage means that the sore has penetrated deep into the tissue, reaching muscles and even bones. If you or a loved one has developed a stage 4 bed sore, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention to prevent dangerous complications.

Symptoms of Stage 4 Pressure Ulcers

A stage 4 bed sore typically looks like a very deep, big, and painful open wound. This injury is often described as a crater due to damage below the surface of the skin; at this stage, the pressure ulcer has burrowed through the skin’s surface and fatty tissue, causing deep damage inside the body. 

Symptoms of stage 4 bed sores may include:

• Discolored skin, which is typically darker than the surrounding areas
• Exposed tendons, ligaments, muscles, and/or bones
• A foul-smelling odor from the sore
• Heat emanating from the sore
• Blistering around the sore
• Pus or drainage from the sore

The Dangers of Stage 4 Bed Sores

Healing a stage 4 bedsore is a long and complex process, sometimes taking years, and in some extreme cases, they may never fully heal. These sores bring serious risks, including life-threatening conditions like sepsis. Stage 4 bed sores can also cause cellulitis, a dangerous infection that can quickly spread to the bloodstream or lymph nodes. 

Additionally, these sores can lead to severe infections such as bacteremia, endocarditis, and meningitis, all of which are hard to treat and can be fatal. Another issue that can arise is tissue calcification, where calcium builds up and hardens in the tissue, further delaying healing.

Nursing Home Negligence Leads to Stage 4 Bed Sores

As mentioned before, medical professionals classify bed sores into stages based on the severity and progression of the injury. Stage 4 pressure ulcers develop when earlier, less serious sores are ignored or don’t get the necessary treatment. 

People who are immobile due to age or medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing bed sores. When severe cases occur, it often points to negligence or abuse on the part of the patient’s caretaker, especially in nursing homes.

When staff fail to properly address issues like dehydration and malnutrition, or fail to regularly move residents with mobility issues, it significantly raises the risk of developing severe bed sores.

For example, leaving someone in one position for too long can cut off blood flow and lead to these sores developing. Failing to assess a resident’s skin for signs of bed sores or ignoring their requests for help can cause the pressure ulcer to worsen over time.

People who develop these serious injuries due to nursing home neglect may have grounds for legal action. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with stage 4 bed sores and believe the nursing home is at fault, contact an attorney right away.

A Milwaukee nursing home abuse lawyer can help you hold the facility accountable through a nursing home abuse lawsuit, fighting for your right to justice and fair compensation. Contact us today at Cannon & Dunphy S.C. for a free consultation.