When you leave your loved ones in the care of medical professionals, you are trusting them with people you value deeply. As healthcare providers, you expect that those you are leaving in their care will be treated with respect and kindness. However, when you visit them in the nursing home, hospice center, or hospital, discovering they have developed bedsores can be shocking. Though you may be understandably upset, it’s vital to remain calm to ensure you can get your loved one the justice they deserve. Keep reading to learn more about bedsores and discover how a Houston, Texas bedsores & pressure ulcers lawyer can help.
What Are Bedsores?
Bedsores are skin injuries caused when the skin sufferers prolonged pressure. This can damage the skin and tissue, occurring in areas where the skin tends to be thinner, like hips, tailbones, and heels.
These injuries range in severity on a scale from 1 to 4. A stage 1 bedsore is the least severe, as it does not break the skin and only causes discomfort and mild pain to the patient. Stage 4, however, is extreme. This wound can cause pressure injuries that penetrate the bone, often leading to infections like osteomyelitis, E. Coli, or sepsis, which can be fatal.
These injuries develop when a patient has been left in the same position for too long. This is a form of malpractice and gross negligence, as it shows that the medical staff has not been paying attention to the patient, leaving them long enough for these sores to develop. Generally, those who are immobile need to be turned and switched positions to avoid continuous pressure. Similarly, a lack of awareness of incontinence can cause damage to the skin if the staff does not take the necessary steps to freshen up a patient promptly and thoroughly.
What Steps Should I Take After the Discovery?
If you visit a loved one in their care facility only to find them riddled with bedsores, you may immediately feel overwhelming emotions like anger and guilt. Though you may want to reprimand the staff for letting this happen, doing your best to keep a cool head is essential.
The most important thing you’ll want to do is to find a medical professional who can treat the bed sores thoroughly. Because these injuries can turn septic, it’s vital to get your loved one immediate care.
Once they are taken care of, you should contact the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, as they will be able to conduct an investigation into the facility. This means they can access medical records and charts that can be beneficial in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
When your loved one is suffering from preventable wounds due to the incompetence and negligence of healthcare providers, ensuring you find an attorney is crucial. Not only can you receive justice for your loved one, but you can help save other patients from suffering by holding the facility responsible.
At Davis & Davis, we have the experience your family needs during this difficult time. We will do everything in our power to ensure the negligent party is held responsible for the mistreatment of your loved one. Reach out today to connect with one of our competent medical malpractice lawyers to learn how we can help you.