What is it?
Bedsores, known medically as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are lesions that develop on the skin when pressure cuts off circulation to that part of the body, depriving the tissue of oxygen and causing it to die. Bedsores occur most often on bony areas of the body where the tissue and skin are thinner, like the tailbone, elbows, or shoulder blade skin. They are called bedsores because they are most often sustained by bedridden patients such as the infirm, the elderly, or the movement-impaired, who cannot easily shift position to relieve pressure to affected areas.
What causes it?
Bedsores are often the result of neglect. It is critical that patients at
risk for bedsores be turned often, and monitored to make sure no problems are
developing. It is especially important to closely observe patients with nerve
damage or who are highly medicated, as they may not be able to feel the pain
themselves. Poor nutrition and dehydration can contribute to bedsores, as can
inadequate hygiene. It’s especially important that the patient’s bed sheets and
undergarments be kept free of moisture – failure to change sheets or adult
diapers can cause serious problems.
Sores can develop quickly, and can be difficult to heal. There are four stages
of severity, and at their most developed, the lesions can be fatal. If problems
do develop, the patient’s family and doctor must be notified immediately so that
proper care can be rendered.
Nursing homes and care providers have an obligation to maintain good hygiene in
their facilities and provide consistent attention to their residents. With
proper care, bedsores are easily preventable. Failure to maintain and follow
basic steps to prevent and treat pressure ulcers violates the basic rights of
nursing home patients and can be considered negligence on the part of a nursing
home or care provider.
Why Jacobs and Goodman?
Medical malpractice is a specialty of our
firm. We have extensive experience litigating failure to diagnose and delayed
treatment cases. To investigate such a case, we consult medical experts, we
review medical records, interview eyewitnesses, and identify medical mistakes
that can lead to late diagnoses of cancer and other serious illnesses.
We know the other side. Many of our attorneys have worked for the defense side
early in their careers, defending hospitals and doctors, so we know how the
other side thinks, what tactics they’ll try, and what actions to take to counter
them.
We have the financial resources. Insurance companies have deep pockets, and they
spend that money to not only fight your claim, but to prolong the case with the
hope of breaking you financially. We have the financial resources to fight them,
and we’ll spend whatever is necessary to bring in the best experts and follow
the case to the end, without cutting corners.
We’re experienced trial lawyers. We approach each case as though we’re going to
trial. While many of our cases settle out of court with satisfactory
remuneration for the client, it’s only because the defense knows we can take it
to trial effectively.
At Jacobs & Goodman,
• You always get an attorney, never a case manager like at other firms.
• We take a personal interest in your case, and help you through every aspect,
including helping you deal with medical leins and debts.
• We work on a contingency basis, which means if we don’t win your case, you
don’t pay.
If you think you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice due
to delayed treatment or failure to diagnose, contact us to schedule a free
consultation.