Bedsores, also referred to as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, occur as a result of prolonged pressure on the skin. They most often develop on the bony areas of the body, such as the tailbone, hips, ankles, elbows, shoulder blades, or heels. Elderly patients in nursing homes and assisted living centers may be at risk of developing bedsores if they spend much of their time in wheelchairs or are bedridden and are not helped to change positions. Prevention is crucial when it comes to bedsores. They are easily prevented by helping an elderly patient change positions on a regular basis, stopping pressure from building up on particular points of the body.

If you or someone you love has developed pressure ulcers while in the care of a nursing home or any type of elder care center, it is time to consider whether proper care is being administered. A New York City nursing home negligence attorney at Silbowitz, Garafola, Silbowitz, Schatz & Frederick, L.L.P. can investigate the matter to determine whether caregivers were negligent, or if the facility itself is responsible for a failure to implement proper practices to prevent bedsores from developing. Our goal will be to identify at-fault parties so we can pursue and recover fair compensation for medical treatment, emotional trauma, and more.

Pressure Ulcer Warning Signs

There are specific warning signs to look for when it comes to pressure ulcers. These include:

• Changes in skin color/texture
• Pus-like draining
• Temperature changes in the skin
• Swelling
• Tender areas of the skin

Once warning signs are noticed, it is important to change positions immediately to prevent putting additional pressure on the affected area. If bedsores go unrecognized and untreated, they can become extremely painful and infected and may even cause injury deep in the skin, muscle, and bone.

Talk to an Experienced Lawyer

It can be difficult to know whether you have a valid claim for bedsore injuries or other types of harm at a nursing home. That is why our firm offers a free consultation. We can talk to you about what has occurred, answer your questions, and give you the information you need to make the right choice about your case. Our NYC nursing home neglect lawyers have been fighting for victims of elder abuse and negligence for over two decades. We have the experience and resources it takes to win in these complex matters.