Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, occur when blood supply to the skin is cut off for more than two or three hours. Patients who are unconscious, unable to feel pain or are bedridden are at high risk of developing this painful condition.
Bed sores are all too common in Ohio’s nursing homes. When left untreated, they can cause infection, tissue loss and significant pain.
Nursing homes have a duty to ensure their patients do not develop bed sores. If they do, they should provide immediate medical care. Untreated bed sores are a strong sign of nursing home abuse—and the Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you hold the nursing home responsible.
Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of untreated bed sores.
Bed sore stages and treatment
Bed sores have four distinct phases:
- Phase one: The patient develops a red, warm sore. The sore may have a blue or purple tinge, and it may burn, tingle or itch.
- Phase two: The second stage often involves blisters, an open sore or scrape. This tends to be extremely painful, and may lead to discoloration around the sore.
- Phase three: In phase three, the sore has a crater-like appearance.
- Phase four: At this point, infection is a serious risk. The wound is large, and may involve muscles, tendons and joints.
Bed sores can persist past phase four. They’re no longer given a numbered phase. These sores are characterized by full-thickness tissue loss.
Treatment includes relieving pressure on the wound and keeping the wound clean. In advanced phases, removing damaged or dead tissue and transplanting healthy skin may be necessary.
As long as bed sores are treated right away, they don’t present significant danger to the patient. If you notice that your loved one’s bed sores have progressed past phase one, however, it’s time to act.
What to do when you notice bed sores
If you notice that your loved one is suffering from untreated bed sores, act quickly to advocate on their behalf. First, notify the nursing home staff of the bed sores and the need for treatment.
Next, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny. Our firm will not only review your nursing home abuse case, but we can also advise you as to whether and how to move the patient into new short- or long-term care. The faster you act, the less likely your loved one will suffer permanent damage.
Discuss your case with an Ohio nursing home abuse lawyer today
Untreated bed sores can cause lasting damage. If you’re dealing with an abusive nursing home I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
