Bedsores are often the result of neglect or improper care. Common signs that a bedsore was caused by a medical mistake include a patient not being moved frequently, evidence of poor hygiene, or incomplete or conflicting medical records.
These signs often mean proper prevention or treatment procedures weren’t followed. If you notice them, a Fort Lauderdale nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer can help your family pursue justice.
What are the Signs That a Bedsore Was Caused By Medical Negligence?
When a bedsore develops or worsens because of poor medical practices, several warning signs can point to negligence. These issues often reveal a lack of basic preventive care, improper wound management, or failures in communication and documentation. The following indicators may suggest that a facility or caregiver did not meet accepted standards of care:
Lack of Regular Repositioning
Failing to turn or reposition patients regularly is one of the clearest signs of neglect. When someone remains in the same position for long periods of time, pressure builds on sensitive areas and bedsores form. Consistent repositioning is a fundamental part of patient care.
If staff rarely move or turn your loved one, it could mean they aren’t following basic care protocols. Lack of movement is not just an oversight—it’s neglect that directly endangers patient health and could be grounds for legal action.
Absence of Skin Assessments
Routine skin assessments help identify pressure points before they become sores. When staff skip these checks or fail to document them, small irritations can quickly escalate into severe wounds.
Your loved one has the right to proactive care that includes frequent, documented skin assessments. The absence of these checks often signals poor supervision, which causes an increased risk of infection or other complications.
Evidence of Poor Hygiene or Inadequate Care
Bedsores that appear alongside soiled linens, unwashed skin, or unchanged bandages are serious warning signs of negligence. Poor hygiene allows bacteria to spread, worsening wounds and creating new infections.
Neglecting cleanliness also undermines a patient’s comfort and dignity. If your loved one is living in these conditions, it may reflect a deeper pattern of inadequate care or understaffing that violates basic medical standards.
Inconsistent or Incomplete Medical Records
Accurate documentation is critical to bedsore prevention and treatment. Missing wound records, unexplained gaps in charts, or conflicting reports of care all suggest that something may be wrong.
When parts of the medical record are missing or incomplete, it becomes difficult to determine what treatment was provided or whether care was given at all. These gaps can indicate errors or attempts to cover up poor care.
Delays in Diagnosing or Treating Bedsores
Bedsores can worsen quickly, so any delay in diagnosis or treatment can cause serious problems. A sore that goes unnoticed or untreated for days can deepen into a dangerous wound that requires surgery.
Signs of neglect may include skipped dressing changes, failure to clean the wound properly, or delays in treating early symptoms. If a sore continues to worsen despite treatment—or if it wasn’t noticed until it became advanced—it may be a sign of negligent care.
Patient or Family Reports of Neglect
Patient and family reports often reveal problems that medical charts don’t show. Ignored call lights, long delays for assistance, or dismissive attitudes from staff are major red flags.
When families express frustration about vague explanations or being left out of care discussions, it may indicate negligence. Patterns of ignored requests or inconsistent updates are often early indicators that a facility is failing to meet care standards.
Recognizing the Stages and Severity of Bedsores
Bedsores progress through four stages, each of which requires more urgent care:
- Stage 1: The skin appears red or discolored but remains unbroken.
- Stage 2: The skin blisters or forms shallow wounds.
- Stage 3: The sore deepens, exposing fat or tissue.
- Stage 4: The wound may reach muscle or bone, creating a serious risk of infection.
Recognizing these stages early will allow you to push for proper care for your loved one and hold facilities accountable for neglect.
Understanding How Bedsores Develop in Medical Settings
Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, form when constant pressure reduces blood flow to the skin, usually because patients are left in one position for too long. Hospitals and care facilities must take proactive steps like regular movement, repositioning, and skin checks to prevent them.
When staff fail to follow these basic procedures, bedsores can develop quickly and become severe. Staying informed, asking about repositioning schedules, and observing how staff care for your loved one can make a significant difference in preventing these painful injuries.
Legal Options When Bedsores Result from Negligence
If your loved one developed bedsores due to neglect, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim. These cases can hold healthcare providers or facilities accountable and help your family recover compensation for pain, medical expenses, and emotional distress. Start by gathering evidence, including:
- Medical records: Request complete copies, especially wound care notes.
- Photographs: Document each stage of the bedsore’s development.
- Witness accounts: Record what family members or other patients observed.
Our attorneys can use this evidence to build your case and take action against the facility for failing to meet its duty of care.
Get Help from Our Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers
The team at Anidjar & Levine has extensive experience with nursing home abuse cases. If you suspect that your loved one has developed bedsores due to neglect, our nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys can gather evidence and fight for the justice your family deserves.
When you work with Anidjar & Levine, you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Book a free case evaluation to find out how you can get justice for your loved one.
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