When a loved one is confined to a bed or wheelchair, the development of pressure ulcers, commonly known as bedsores, is a major concern. These injuries to the skin and underlying tissue result from prolonged pressure on the skin, which can lead to infections and other complications without treatment.
Bedsores are classified into stages, with Stage 3 being one of the more severe forms. In this stage, the ulcer becomes a deep wound, exposing underlying muscle and fat. This makes the injury not only painful but also a gateway to potential infections and more serious health complications.
If your loved one has developed bedsores due to neglect or improper care in a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility, it may be time to seek legal guidance. A Milwaukee personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue compensation for your loved one’s pain, suffering, and medical expenses.
Common Causes of Bedsores
Bedsores are often caused by sustained pressure that cuts off blood flow to areas of the skin. This interruption in blood flow can result in tissue damage within a matter of hours. People who are bedridden or confined to a wheelchair are often at the highest risk of bedsores and, as a result, they often occur in nursing homes.
The risk intensifies under certain conditions, such as persistent moisture from sweat or incontinence, as well as a lack of proper nutrition and hydration.Â
In long-term care facilities, three common factors can lead to bedsores:
- Friction: This occurs when skin rubs against another surface. For instance, repositioning a resident can cause his or her skin to drag across bed sheets, leading to friction-related injuries.
- Pressure: Continuous pressure on the skin, especially over bony areas, can exceed the pressure within blood vessels, impeding circulation and causing tissue damage.
- Shear: Shear forces arise when the skin moves in one direction while underlying bones and muscles do not. This can happen when a patient’s position shifts in bed or a wheelchair.
Symptoms of Stage 3 Bedsores
When bedsores are left untreated, they can become worse and progress deeper into the skin and underlying tissues. Stage 3 is the penultimate stage of pressure ulcers, causing more extensive damage and more painful symptoms compared to Stages 1 or 2.
Generally, Stage 3 bedsores are characterized by the following symptoms:
- Deep, crater-like wounds
- An unpleasant odor, indicating possible infection
- Signs of infection, including redness, pus, warmth, and drainage
- Black tissue around the sore, indicating necrosis or dead skin cellsÂ
Treatment Options for Stage 3 Pressure Ulcers
Managing Stage 3 bedsores requires comprehensive medical intervention. Treatment typically involves the surgical removal of dead tissue, antibiotic therapy to combat infection, and potentially specialized bedding or mattresses to alleviate pressure.Â
Healing can be a prolonged process, taking anywhere from a month to four months, depending on the sore’s severity and the patient’s overall health. In some cases, skin grafts may be necessary to help close the wound and promote healing.
How Nursing Home Neglect Can Lead to Severe Bedsores
Nursing home neglect plays a significant role in the development and progression of bedsores. Inadequate care, such as insufficient repositioning of immobile patients and poor hygiene management, can lead to the formation of bedsores.
Additionally, neglect in addressing the initial stages of bedsores can cause these wounds to progress into more severe stages, compounding the resident’s pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one developed Stage 3 bedsores due to nursing home negligence, you may qualify for legal action. In these situations, an attorney can help you hold the facility accountable and secure compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact a Milwaukee nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your legal options and fight for your right to recovery.