Bedsores happen when a person can’t move and pressure is applied to the same tissue for an extended amount of time. These are an issue in hospitals and in nursing homes, where patients with limited mobility may have to sit or lie in a certain position all day long.
In some cases, the development of bedsores can be traced back to negligent care. For example, if a resident in a nursing home can’t get out of bed or even roll over alone, the staff may be aware of this condition and obligated to come in multiple times per day to help the person change positions.
This is part of the expected level of care. If the staff is negligent in their duties and does not move the person often enough, he or she may then need compensation for medical treatment, pain and suffering, and more.
Modern technology can also help in these cases. Programmable beds can help a person move at specific times, alleviating bedsores and reducing risks. If the facility has these beds and does not use them with patients who need that care, this in itself could be looked at as negligence. A modern hospital that is outfitted with advanced technology then has an obligation to use it to provide care, even when it’s hard for nurses and doctors to do this on their own.
One of the most common counters to claims over bedsores, though, is that the patient did not cooperate. Some patients do not realize the risk and prefer to stay comfortable, rather than moving, and they could turn down treatment options or beds that provide that treatment automatically. This is why it’s critical for patients to cooperate with doctors, nurses and physical therapists.
Do you think you have a medical malpractice case after avoidable bedsores developed, perhaps because the staff was negligent? If so, please note that our website can provide you with a lot of useful information regarding your rights and the next steps to take.
