Glendora Stage 4 Pressure Ulcers Lawyer

Stage 4 Pressure Ulcers Attorney in Glendora, CA

Discovering that a loved one has developed an advanced infection is a heartbreaking experience, especially when you placed that person in the care of medical professionals. If your family member is staying in a California nursing home or facility and suffering from deep tissue damage caused there, a Glendora stage 4 pressure ulcers lawyer can help you seek the compensation and accountability your family deserves.

Identifying Neglect in Nursing Facilities

In 2023, 8,653,818 adults aged 60 and older lived in California, while 14% of this population experienced independent living difficulty, highlighting the need for nursing homes and care facilities.

While many facilities in the United States provide adequate care, the pressure to maintain profits can lead to shortcuts. When a facility cuts corners on staffing, the most vulnerable residents, those who can’t move themselves, suffer first.

If your loved one has developed a stage 4 pressure ulcer, it is likely that multiple staff members failed to notice the signs of skin breakdown over several days or even weeks.

To hire a stage 4 pressure ulcers lawyer is to shine a light on these failures. At Belgum, Fry & Van Allen, the attorney handling your case can work with medical experts who can determine the age of your loved one’s wound based on photos and medical charts to demonstrate that the facility lied about when the ulcer first appeared.

The Severity of Stage 4 Pressure Ulcers

A Stage 4 pressure ulcer is the most dangerous classification of a bedsore. At this level:

• The wound has progressed through the skin and fat layers and exposes muscle, tendons, or even bone.
• The wound may be accompanied by yellowish, dead tissue or dark, leathery scabs.
• The risk of life-threatening complications like sepsis, bone infection, and permanent disability is incredibly high.

It can cost more than hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat an advanced pressure ulcer, as treatment often requires multiple surgeries and long-term specialized wound care. Furthermore, patients with Stage 4 ulcers face a higher mortality rate than those whose wounds are caught in the earlier stages. This makes it vital to act the moment you suspect your loved one’s care has fallen below the legal standard.

Understanding Stage 4 Pressure Ulcer Laws in California

California has some of the strictest stage 4 pressure ulcer laws in the United States. Under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, skilled nursing facilities must provide care that prevents the development and worsening of sores and deformities. If a wound reaches Stage 4, it’s typically viewed as a “never event,” a medical disaster considered preventable with proper care.

Furthermore, the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act allows victims to pursue remedies if they can prove the neglect was reckless. This can include the recovery of attorney’s fees and even punitive damages aimed at punishing the facility for its failure to protect its residents.

Hire a Stage 4 Pressure Ulcers Lawyer

Proving neglect in a medical setting is a complex task. However, a legal team with experience going up against facilities and holding them accountable for elder abuse, medical malpractice, and other forms of mistreatment can help you accurately demonstrate the facility’s liability.

Hire a stage 4 pressure ulcers lawyer from Belgum, Fry & Van Allen, and allow them to put their resources to work and conduct a deep-dive investigation into the facility’s records. They can build a compelling, accurate case on your behalf by investigating:

• Repositioning logs: This evidence verifies whether turn schedules were actually followed or whether the records were falsified.
• Nutritional support: What the facility fed your loved one is relevant because if they had been receiving enough protein and hydration, it would’ve supported their skin health.
• Medical oversight: Evidence can help verify if a wound care specialist was called in as soon as the initial redness appeared.

FAQs

Are Hospitals Responsible for Bed Sores in Glendora, California?

Hospitals are responsible for bed sores in Glendora, California, and throughout the United States. Like nursing homes, hospitals are liable if they allow a patient to develop a pressure ulcer during their stay. Hospitals have a duty to perform a skin assessment upon admission and must provide specialized equipment, like air-pressure mattresses, for high-risk patients.

Can You File a Claim for Pressure Sores in Glendora?

You can file a claim for pressure sores in Glendora if they were caused by neglect, such as failing to turn the patient, or if the sores worsened because the facility didn’t notice them in a timely manner or treat them. In California, you would file this claim as a personal injury, medical malpractice, or elder abuse claim. Cases in Glendora would be reported to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on South Grand Avenue in Los Angeles.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Bedsore Case in Glendora?

How long it takes to settle a bedsore case in Glendora can vary. Many cases settle within several months. While some facilities may offer a settlement early to avoid a public trial, others may wait until the discovery phase, when evidence is exchanged, before making a fair offer. If a trial is necessary, the process can take longer, but it’s usually in the victim’s interest to resolve their case as efficiently as possible and get fair compensation.

How Much Is a Stage 4 Bedsore Legal Case Settlement in Glendora?

How much a stage 4 bedsore legal case settlement is in Glendora varies based on the specifics of the case. Every situation is unique, but stage 4 cases typically result in higher settlements than lower-stage wounds because the damage is more severe. In a case of severe neglect, the settlement is generally higher than in less severe cases, while a stage 4 pressure ulcer case could result in significant awards if gross negligence or wrongful death is involved.

Protect the Dignity, Rights, and Health of Glendora Residents Today

Belgum, Fry & Van Allen is dedicated to serving Glendora and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley. We understand that a stage 4 pressure ulcer is more than a medical diagnosis, but a sign that your loved one’s well-being and dignity were ignored.

Contact our office for a free consultation and for guidance on the right path forward for you and your family.