Bed Sores

A Painful Sign of Neglect

Bed sores, also called pressure sores or decubitus ulcers, form when a person stays in one position for too long. That cuts off circulation to certain areas like hips, shoulder blades, or the backs of the heels. If your loved one has chronic bed sores, it could be a sign of neglect. At Lundeen Law, PLLC, I am devoted to fighting elder abuse. If you question whether your loved one is getting the care that he or she should, call Lundeen Law, PLLC to consult an experienced elder law attorney.

People at Risk

Nursing home residents are especially vulnerable to bed sores. Their caregivers need to be vigilant in bed sore prevention and treatment. Other people at risk for bed sores are

Incontinent Individuals. Urine and feces breaks down the skin. It can also cause shearing and infection, making a bad pressure sore even worse.
Handicapped people. People in wheelchairs, or anyone who stays sitting too long, can develop pressure sores in the hips and heels.
People with dementia or Alzheimer's. They are often less able to prevent and treat pressure sores.
Malnourished People. People with poor diets develop bed sores more easily. They also do not heal as quickly as those with balanced diets.
People with poor personal hygiene. Excessive sweat and dirt can infect a bed sore, worsening it.

Places to look for pressure sores

Decubitus ulcers can appear in the following locations:

Hips
Elbows
Ankles
Back
Shoulder
Behind the head

Untreated Bed Sores

Mild bed sores look like red marks on the skin. More severe sores will actually have broken skin. If the sore is allowed to progress, the sore can become infected. It will eat away at the body. If left long enough, it can cause extensive tissue damage. Untreated bed sores can lead to

Infections
Blood infection, or sepsis
Gangrene
Cancer
Death

Bed Sore Prevention

The way to prevent pressure sores is to frequently change positions of the people who cannot do it themselves. This will allow them to shift their weight and prevent blood loss to any one area.

I have handled more than one wrongful death claim caused by a bed sore. A pressure sore takes weeks to reach that stage. If you suspect that your loved one died because of a bed sore, call Lundeen Law, PLLC. I can help you get the death settlement that your loved one's memory deserves.

If your loved one has bed sores, call the Lundeen Law, PLLC Firm for a free initial consultation.

Lundeen Law, PLLC, in Scottsdale, Arizona, represents victims of nursing home abuse nationwide and throughout the entire state of Arizona, including the cities of Green Valley, Ora Valley, Kingman, Uma, Prescott, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Tempe, Chandler Hills, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson, Scottsdale, Sun City, and Mesa