Riverside Nursing Home Bed Sore Lawyer

Nursing Home Bed Sore Attorney in Riverside, CA

If your loved one has suffered preventable bed sores in a Riverside nursing facility, you need to speak with a Riverside nursing home bed sore lawyer. Belgum, Fry & Van Allen have decades of experience in uncovering nursing home neglect and holding negligent parties responsible.

Why Are Bed Sores a Sign of Neglect?

Bed sores occur when there is prolonged pressure on the skin, reducing blood flow. Usually, it happens when a resident is left in the same position for too long. They’re usually preventable with proper care and attention.

Bed sores can be a sign of neglect, in that they can happen when:

• The resident is not repositioned regularly.
• The resident is not provided mobility assistance.
• The nursing home is understaffed.
• Soiled bedding is not changed.
• There is a lack of medical monitoring.
• There is a failure to provide adequate nutrition or hydration.

If left untreated, bed sores can become seriously infected and even deadly.

Understanding Bed Sores

Bed sores generally appear on the hips, tailbone, and back. They may also show up on the ankles, heels, or shoulder blades. Usually, bed sores form on the part of the body that holds weight against the bed.

Bed sores usually appear in four stages, which is important to know when filing your claim.

• Stage 1: Red or irritated skin
• Stage 2: Blistering or shallow open sore
• Stage 3: Deep wound exposing fat tissue
• Stage 4: Exposed muscle, tendon, or bone

Only about 35% of nursing home residents in the second stage receive special wound care. The last two stages are almost always a sign of severe neglect. Untreated bed sores can lead to sepsis, MRSA, and gangrene.

Some of the common forms of neglect that lead to bed sores include:

• Chronic understaffing
• Failure to follow care plans
• Improper training
• Ignored call buttons
• Inadequate wound monitoring
• Failure to follow physician orders
• Poor hygiene practices

California Nursing Home Bed Sore Laws

California has strong elder protection laws in place. They allow families to file claims, demand compensation, and even pursue punitive damages.

Under state law, nursing homes must provide adequate staffing, proper hydration and nutrition, and regular mobility assistance. Treatment must be administered in a timely manner. If a facility fails to meet these standards of care, it can be held liable.

U.S. federal law requires nursing homes to maintain each resident’s highest physical well-being, which includes the prevention of bed sores. Healthcare workers are all mandatory reporters. If anyone in the facility suspects neglect, they’re legally required to report it.

Why Choose Belgum, Fry & Van Allen?

Bed sore representation requires medical knowledge, strong legal strategies, and thorough investigation. Our attorneys at Belgum, Fry & Van Allen are familiar with the stages of pressure store, how nursing home facilities are required to care for residents, and the tricks facilities can use to hide any wrongdoing.

We have recovered compensation for countless families. Our team walks with you from beginning to end, ensuring you understand every step.

Only about 1 in 24 abuse cases are reported. If your loved one isn’t being treated with dignity and proper care, we can help you seek justice and get them on the road to recovery and safety.

Hire a Nursing Home Bed Sore Lawyer

A strong nursing home bed sore case requires strong evidence. We conduct a full investigation to obtain medical records, including charts, wound care documentation, and photographs.

Understaffing is a major issue in these cases. We analyze shift reports, staffing ratios, and compliance data. This can also include gathering federal and state inspection forms, citations, and complaints.

Our team interviews staff, family members, residents, and past employees, if necessary. Then, we work with wound-care specialists, physicians, and long-term care experts to get their professional take on your loved one’s injuries. We’re ready to represent your family in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, to find justice and financial support for the future.

FAQs

Are Bed Sores Always a Sign of Nursing Home Neglect Under California Law?

Bed sores are not always a sign of nursing home neglect. Some residents are medically fragile and may develop bedsores, no matter how good the care is they receive. However, they can still indicate a breach in the duty of care. If the staff failed to reposition the resident, maintain hygiene, or provide medical attention, the facility may be liable for negligence or abuse.

What Compensation Can Victims of Nursing Home Bed Sore Injuries Pursue in Riverside, CA?

Victims of nursing home bed sore injuries in Riverside, CA, can pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and emotional distress. If willful neglect was involved, the courts may allow for punitive damages as well. This is an additional way to punish the wrongdoing and prevent this kind of neglect from happening again.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Riverside, CA Nursing Home Bed Sore Attorney?

The cost to hire a Riverside, CA nursing home bed sore attorney will vary depending on the circumstances of your claim. The more complex the case, or if it needs to be litigated in court, the more it may cost. Additionally, the experience of your attorney could influence what you may pay. Speak with your attorney during an initial consultation to find out more about what costs you could expect.

What Should I Do if I Suspect My Family Member’s Bed Sores Are Being Ignored by Nursing Home Staff?

If you suspect the nursing home staff has ignored your family member, resulting in bed sores, don’t wait to act. Document the wounds with photos, request a medical evaluation, and report the issue to facility management. If the conditions don’t improve, you can contact the Department of Public Health to file a complaint. Seek the help of a Riverside nursing home bed sore lawyer to determine if legal action is necessary to protect your loved one.

Riverside Nursing Home Bed Sore Lawyer

If you’ve noticed signs of bed sores or other red flags for nursing home neglect, it’s important to act quickly to protect your loved one. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation.