Maryland Hospital Bedsores Lawyers
When a patient is neglected in a hospital or nursing facility, and they cannot move, they can develop deep bedsores. Lack of movement, along with improper hygiene, can cause bedsores on the buttocks, head, back and heels.
These sores are caused by a lack of blood flow, but that does not make them acceptable. Also known as pressure ulcers, bed sores are considered to be a “never event” in hospitals and nursing homes, which means they should never occur.
But unfortunately, they do occur, especially when patients are neglected. When a patient cannot move in bed on their own, the hospital nurses must reposition the patient every two hours to keep the pressure off certain parts of the body and prevent bedsores. If this does not occur, sores can begin to develop near the tailbone, shoulder blades, knees, heels, and other body parts.
Bedsores are examples of nursing neglect. These wounds cause unnecessary pain and suffering. There is no excuse for allowing bedsores to occur.
Hospitals and other medical facilities should be held responsible for these bedsores. The law allows you to recover compensation for these and other injuries your loved one may face. The Maryland hospital bedsores lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can help you file a claim so you can seek justice.
Why Bedsores Occur
To avoid bedsores, nurses need to reposition patients who are in a bed or in a wheelchair. However, this is not always done as needed, as hospitals and nursing homes cut staff to save money. This puts an additional burden on the remaining staff, and sometimes hospitals will hire untrained or unqualified staff to pinch pennies even further.
This negatively impacts patients. They are not given the medical care and attention they need. This constitutes neglect, which means hospitals are ultimately at fault for bedsores.
Complications of Bedsores
Unfortunately, bedsores can be deadly if not treated in time. They can cause a host of infections and complications, including the following:
- Severe cellulitis. This is a deep tissue infection that can quickly spread to joints and bones.
- Sepsis. This is a blood infection that can quickly cause organ failure and death.
- Osteomyelitis. This is an infection that can cause damage to bone, tissue, and cartilage.
- Gangrene. This is a serious condition that occurs when bacteria produce harmful gasses that release dangerous toxins into surrounding tissue.
- Necrotizing fasciitis. This is more commonly known as flesh-eating bacteria. Caused by Group A Streptococci bacteria, it is especially dangerous for older people.
Contact Us Today
Bedsores may not seem like serious issues to some people, but they should not occur in the first place. Without treatment, they can lead to infections and even death.
If your loved one has suffered a serious bedsore, the hospital bedsores lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can fight for your legal rights so you get the compensation you deserve. Call our office at 410-998-3600 to schedule a free consultation.
