Bedsore Injuries in Illinois

Bedsores (also known as pressure sores, pressure ulcers, or decubitus ulcers) are caused by constant pressure on the skin. Bedsores can, if untreated, lead to an infection of the skin, muscle, and bone. If this happens you should immediately contact a lawyer who has handled many similar cases so all relevant evidence can be secured. That is why people come to us. If you have questions or would like an attorney referral please contact us at any time.

When a bedsore develops during an admission to a medical facility, such as a nursing home, it is usually an indication that the facility is not properly caring for the patient. It is the responsibility of the nursing home to prevent bedsores. The risk of developing a bedsore increases when a person is forced to lie on a hard bed, forced to use inexpensive and rough bedding, and is moved too infrequently by nursing home staff. Generally, patients should be moved at least every 2 hours, especially if they have a decreased sensitivity to pain.

The elderly are especially susceptible to bedsores because often they are unable to reposition themselves, lack the cushioning around bones that prevents bedsores, and have a decreased sensitivity to pain because of medications. There are various medical complications associated with bedsores, such as sepis, gangrene, osteomyelitis, and necrotizing fasciitis. All of these issues are very serious problems.

Sepsis is an illness caused by infection in the bloodstream by bacteria that frequently enter the body through open wounds or bedsores. If left undiagnosed and untreated, sepsis can be fatal.

Gangrene is a complication that may develop due to the death of tissue in and around the bedsore. Severe bedsores may result in the reduction of blood flow in and around the wound, which increases the ability of bacteria to grow. The bacteria produce toxins that the body is unable to remove. Once the toxins accumulate, deterioration of tissue ensues. Ultimately, as the tissue deteriorates the common gangrene symptoms may occur (black or green discoloration of skin and foul odors). This commonly leads to amputation.

Osteomyelitis is an inflammation of the bones that is caused by bacteria. In cases of severe bedsores, the bacteria enter the body through the open wound and attack the bone. Once the bone becomes infected, enzymes are released that restrict the body’s ability to heal. If left untreated, osteomyelitis can spread into the bone marrow and surrounding joints, leading to further medical complications or even death.

Necrotizing fasciitis is known as the flesh eating disease. Because people with severe bedsores have an open wound, they are at a higher risk for contracting the infection causing bacteria that can cause necrotizing fasciitis. Early stages of necrotizing fasciitus are characterized by severe pain and swelling in the area of the infection.

Medical treatments can help improve the pain associated with the bedsore wounds and may save the life of the patient. That said, our elderly loved ones are extremely vulnerable to these problems and sadly once they start going downhill it’s hard to bring them back to normal health.

There are five stages of classifying bedsores with stage five being the worst. Anything stage two or worse should be investigated by an attorney. Here is a summary of those stages:

STAGE 1

This stage is characterized by a surface reddening of the skin. The skin is unbroken and the wound is superficial. This would be a light sunburn or a first degree burn as well as a beginning Decubitus ulcer. The burn heals spontaneously or the Decubitus ulcer quickly fades when pressure is relieved on the area.

The key factors to consider in a Stage I wound is what was the cause of the wound and how to alleviate pressure on the area to prevent it from worsening. Improved nutritional status of the individual should also be considered early to prevent wound worsening. The presence of a Stage I wound is an indication or early warning of a problem and a signal to take preventive action. It is important at this time to take aggressive action or it can get much worse.

STAGE 2

This stage is characterized by a blister either broken or unbroken. A partial layer of the skin is now injured. Involvement is no longer superficial. The goal of care is to cover, protect, and clean the area. Coverings designed to insulate and absorb as well as protect are used. There is a wide variety of items for this purpose. At Stage 2, the sore can heal quickly with proper treatment or go down hill rapidly if ignored.

STAGE 3

The sore has gone through all of the layers of the skin and can lead to a serious infection.

STAGE 4

This stage involves an injury that has gone through the skin in to muscle or bone. This is very serious and can produce a life threatening infection, especially if not aggressively treated. It requires serious medical care and probably surgery to remove any infection or damaged tissue. This stage commonly results in amputations.

STAGE 5

This usually implies that the would is very deep and may be in the bone and organs. It also often results in surgery and amputation and is life threatening.

Nursing homes and hospitals can prevent bedsores by constantly turning and repositioning residents to ensure the residents are not putting unrelieved pressure on any certain area of the body. In addition, the nursing home should provide residents with appropriate nutrition and hydration. Regular bathing is also important. There are pressure relieving devices such as special mattresses, beds, heel protectors and boots which can help prevent pressure ulcers by alleviating pressure to areas where the resident is at risk.

If your loved one has suffered from bedsores and you suspect neglect, take action to get them treatment. Talk to the nurses, doctors and staff. File a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health. If you would like a referral to an Illinois attorney who focuses their practice on nursing home abuse or neglect, please contact us.