Columbus Bedsore Attorney

What Is a Bedsore?

A bedsore is a skin injury that develops when prolonged pressure restricts blood flow to a specific area of the body. Without proper circulation, tissue begins to break down and die. Bedsores often form on bony areas such as:

• The heels
• Tailbone and lower back
• Hips
• Ankles
• Elbows
• Shoulders

These wounds are categorized into four stages:

• Stage I: Redness or discoloration of the skin
• Stage II: Blisters or shallow open sores
• Stage III: Deep wounds affecting underlying fat tissue
• Stage IV: Severe wounds that expose muscle, bone, or tendons

Because they are almost always preventable, bedsores are considered strong indicators of neglect in care facilities.

Common Causes of Bedsores

Bedsores develop when nursing home staff fail to meet basic care standards. Common causes include:

• Failure to Reposition Residents: Residents who are bedridden or use wheelchairs must be repositioned regularly—typically every two hours—to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas. Staffing shortages or inattentive caregivers often result in residents being left in the same position for long periods.
• Poor Hygiene: Moisture from sweat, urine, or feces softens the skin, making it more vulnerable to damage. Neglecting to bathe, clean, and change residents can significantly increase the risk of sores.
• Malnutrition and Dehydration: Inadequate nutrition weakens the skin and slows healing. Dehydration reduces circulation. Both issues leave residents more susceptible to pressure ulcers.
• Lack of Medical Monitoring: Nursing homes must monitor residents for early signs of pressure sores. Failure to perform routine skin checks can allow minor irritation to progress into serious wounds.
• Inadequate Staffing: Overworked or untrained staff members frequently fail to provide the level of care required to prevent these injuries.

When these lapses occur, the facility may be liable for negligence.

Identifying Bedsores

Family members often discover bedsores before staff report them. Warning signs include:

• Red, irritated, or discolored skin
• Warm, swollen, or hardened areas
• Blisters or open wounds
• Pus, foul odor, or drainage
• Complaints of pain or tenderness
• Black or dark patches indicating dead tissue

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to document the injury with photos and report it immediately. Then contact a Columbus bedsore lawyer at McHugh Fuller Law Group to protect your loved one’s rights.

The Harm Caused by Bedsores

Bedsores can lead to catastrophic complications if left untreated. These injuries are not merely uncomfortable—they can be life-threatening.

Infections

Bedsores can become infected, leading to:

• Cellulitis
• Sepsis
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Gangrene
• Blood poisoning
• Severe infections often require hospitalization, surgery, or even amputation.

Chronic Pain and Suffering

Advanced bedsores cause significant physical pain and emotional distress for vulnerable residents.

Long-Term Disability

Deep tissue damage may lead to mobility problems or permanent scar tissue.

Increased Risk of Death

Studies show that untreated pressure ulcers substantially increase mortality rates in nursing home residents.

When a facility allows a resident to suffer this preventable harm, the law gives families the right to pursue justice and compensation.

Responsibilities of Nursing Home Staff

Ohio nursing homes are legally obligated to prevent bedsores by providing reasonable and consistent care. Staff must:

• Regularly reposition residents
• Provide adequate nutrition and hydration
• Maintain proper hygiene
• Perform daily skin evaluations
• Document and treat early signs of sores
• Create care plans tailored to each resident’s needs
• Seek medical intervention at the first sign of ulcers

Failing to uphold these responsibilities is negligence. When a facility cuts corners, understaffs, or ignores standard protocols, residents pay the price.

At McHugh Fuller Law Group, our Columbus bedsore lawyer investigates staffing levels, care logs, medical records, and facility compliance to identify all negligent parties.

Compensation Available in Bedsore Cases

Depending on the harm suffered, your family may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Hospitalization or surgery
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability or long-term care costs
• Wrongful death damages (if applicable)

Nursing homes must be held accountable for allowing preventable injuries to occur.