Nursing homes are meant to provide care and support for elderly and disabled residents who need ongoing medical attention. Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are a common problem for nursing home residents who are immobile or bedridden and can lead to severe infections, hospitalization, and even death. Unfortunately, many nursing homes fail to provide adequate care and leave residents suffering from painful and preventable bedsores due to negligence.
1. Federal and State Regulations
Nursing homes must follow federal and state regulations that mandate quality of care standards and prevent bedsores from developing or worsening. These regulations require nursing homes to provide pressure-reducing devices, frequent repositioning, and proper nutrition and hydration to prevent bedsores. If a nursing home fails to follow these regulations, it can be liable for negligence.
2. Medical Malpractice
Bedsores can also result from medical malpractice, such as improper wound care, misdiagnosis, or surgical errors. In such cases, the nursing home staff or medical professionals can be held accountable for any resulting harm or injury a resident suffers.
3. Negligence
Negligence occurs when a nursing home fails to provide reasonable care to its residents, resulting in harm or injury. Negligent acts can include:
- Failing to reposition a resident.
- Not providing proper hygiene.
- Insufficient nutrition.
- Other forms of neglect.
Victims of negligence may be able to sue for damages to compensate for their injuries, medical expenses, and other losses.
4. Gross Negligence
Gross negligence is more severe when nursing home staff display so much recklessness or carelessness that it is considered egregious. Gross negligence may involve ignoring a resident's treatment needs, overmedicating, understaffing, or other reckless actions. Nursing homes may face punitive damages in such cases, which are intended to punish the nursing home for their actions.
5. Personal Injury Laws
Victims of nursing home abuse and neglect may be able to pursue a personal injury claim to recover damages for their injuries, medical expenses, and other losses. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney can help victims navigate the legal system and pursue justice.
Corpus Christi Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Attorneys
Bedsores caused by nursing home negligence can have severe physical and emotional consequences for your loved ones. Seeking legal assistance is crucial if you believe your loved one has suffered from bedsores due to nursing home negligence. Williams Attorneys specializes in holding nursing homes accountable for bedsores caused by negligence. Contact us today at (361) 866-5535 to schedule a consultation and explore your legal options.