Chicago Bed Sores in Nursing Home Lawyer
Pressure Ulcers Injury Attorneys Serving Cook County and Throughout the State
Bed sores, also known as pressure sores, pressure injuries, pressure ulcers, or pressure wounds, occur when there is unrelieved pressure or friction in a particular area of the body. This is a common problem among the elderly, who are often unable to change positions without assistance. Bed sores are becoming more prevalent among patients in Chicago area nursing homes and assisted living facilities. When they are present, it is often a sign of nursing home abuse and neglect.
At Schwartz Injury Law, we have extensive experience fighting for the rights of those who have been abused or neglected in nursing homes. When we see the most vulnerable in our society developing bed sores at these facilities, it greatly upsets us, because we know that these painful and often life-threatening injuries can easily be avoided. Oftentimes, when a nursing home resident develops a pressure sore, it is because the facility does not have the proper staffing levels to maintain even the most basic standard of care. In such cases, we put our experience to work to hold those responsible fully accountable.
$950,000 Nursing Home
Settlement for Failure to Treat Pressure Wounds
Schwartz Injury Law reached a settlement on behalf of a client who developed pressure wounds in a Chicago nursing home. After a thorough investigation, our team found that the nursing home failed to treat the pressure wounds in a timely and appropriate manner. To avoid costly and protracted litigation, the nursing home agreed to pay the victim $950,000 to settle the case.
Causes and Symptoms of Bed Sores in Illinois Nursing Homes
Bed sores are most common in areas of the body that are frequently subjected to prolonged periods of unrelieved pressure. These include:
- Hips
- Tailbone
- Heels
- Ankles
- Shoulder Blades
- Backs of Arms and Legs
- Head
- Ears
Over time, pressure restricts blood flow to these areas of the body, causing skin and tissue to die and wounds to develop. In addition to extreme pain and discomfort, bed sores can lead to more serious complications, including infections, sepsis, gangrene, amputations, and wrongful death.
Nursing home patients and their families should be aware of the early signs and symptoms of bed sores. Some of the most common include:
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area(s)
- Discoloration of the skin
- Unusual softness or firmness in the affected area(s)
- Pink or red blister-like wounds
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention, then get in touch with an experienced nursing home neglect and abuse attorney so you understand your rights and options.