Our nursing home neglect attorneys at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. represent victims in all types of nursing home cases such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, financial exploitation, abandonment, and even neglect. Pressure ulcers, a form of physical abuse, are a common cause of neglect that is caused when there is a prolonged pressure on an area of the body. They are common among the sick, elderly, disabled, and others who have difficultly moving themselves. The pressure from prolonged amount of time sitting or lying in the same position begins to cut off the supply of blood to an area of the body.
This form of nursing home neglect is completely preventable with the use of proper care for the patient, treatment, and monitoring. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2004 nearly 159,000 seniors in nursing homes had a pressure ulcer resulting from patient neglect. Research also showed that 35 percent of Michigan nursing home residents that had a pressure ulcer had obtained stage 2 or greater.
There are different stages of pressure ulcers in Michigan nursing homes. These include:
Stage One: Persistent redness of the skin
Stage Two: Loss of partial thickness of skin appearing as an abrasion, blister, or shallow crater
Stage Three: Loss of full thickness of skin presented in a deep crater
Stage Four: Loss of full thickness of skin exposing muscle or bone
Patients who suffer bedsores and pressure ulcers at a nursing home or in other medical care facilities do have legal rights. These injuries and conditions are completely preventable with proper nursing practices and medical supervision.
Stages of bed sores in Michigan nursing homes can advance quickly. Victims, or their family members, should contact our office immediately to discuss their case. Call our office now to speak with one of our experienced attorneys about your case. We will represent you under our No Fee Promise, meaning you do not pay any legal fees until we win or settle your case.
Please contact us today for answers to more complex questions or questions specific to your case. The initial consultation is FREE.