Yucaipa Nursing Home Bed Sore Lawyer

Nursing Home Bed Sore Attorney in Yucaipa, CA

Bed sores can be one of the clearest signs of nursing home neglect. If you notice these ulcers developing on your loved one, you deserve answers and justice. The Yucaipa nursing home bed sore lawyers of Belgum, Fry & Van Allen hold decades of experience advocating for elders experiencing neglect in a care facility.

Hire a Nursing Home Bed Sore Lawyer

Belgum, Fry & Van Allen hold a strong understanding of elder care laws in California. With decades of experience, we know how to identify signs of facility shortcomings and use medical experts to prove the breach in duty of care.

Bed sore cases require extensive evidence, including timelines, medical charts, and expert testimony. We know how to expose falsified records and violations in care protocol.

We treat our clients like family. Our goal is to ensure you understand each step in the legal process. We advocate for you, inform you of your rights and options, and make sure your voice is heard.

Nursing Home Bed Sores

Bed sores form when residents remain in the same position for too long. In the U.S., around 2.5 million people develop these pressure ulcers every year. But it’s often a sign of neglect, showing that the patient was not moved or properly treated. However, only about 1 in 24 neglect and abuse cases are actually reported, according to the National Council on Aging.

Common causes of pressure ulcers include:

• Failure to regularly reposition residents
• Lack of mobility assistance
• Poor nutrition or hydration
• Understaffing or poorly trained staff
• Ignoring higher-risk residents
• Delayed medical treatment

Nursing homes are required to follow strict care routines, despite most having staffing shortages of around 40%. When they don’t, the consequences can lead to serious health issues among residents.

There are different stages of bed sores, ranging from irritated skin all the way up to deep wounds that expose muscle or bone. In their final stage, they generally require surgery for repair, which may lead to death.

Nursing Home Bed Sore Laws

Nursing home residents in Yucaipa are protected under California’s elder abuse and neglect laws. Facilities must meet specific standards designed to maintain resident safety and health.

For example, California Health & Safety Code 1599 states that nursing homes must provide:

• Adequate staffing
• Proper hygiene care
• Regular repositioning
• Reasonable prevention of pressure ulcers
• Timely medical treatment

There are also mandatory reporting laws. Staff must report suspected neglect or abuse immediately. Not doing so is a legal violation.

Liability and Compensation

Bed sore cases typically involve multiple responsible parties. This can include nursing home corporations, administrators, and staff, such as CNAs and caregivers. Medical providers and third-party management companies could also hold or share in responsibility.

You need strong evidence to prove fault and hold parties responsible for their actions. The Yucaipa nursing home bed sore lawyers of Belgum, Fry & Van Allen thoroughly investigate the case to determine liability.

What To Do if You Suspect Bed Sores or Neglect

If you believe your loved one has suffered neglect in a care facility, there are certain steps you can take to protect them and get the justice they deserve.

• Document everything: Take photos of the bed sores, injuries, or other unclean conditions within the facility. Gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. The stronger the evidence, the stronger your chances of a successful outcome.
• Request medical evaluation: Ask for a wound care specialist to assess the resident.
• Speak with the nursing home administration: Demand a written explanation for the injury.
• File a complaint with licensing agencies: You can notify Adult Protective Services, the California Department of Public Health, or the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
• Contact a Yucaipa nursing home bed sore attorney: The facility may try to deny claims or hide evidence. We work quickly to preserve evidence and fight for your loved one’s rights.

FAQs

What Legal Options Do Families Have if a Loved One Develops Bed Sores in a Yucaipa, CA Nursing Home?

Families whose loved one has developed bed sores in a nursing home may have grounds for a legal claim under California nursing home bed sore laws. Bed sores are often an indication of substandard care and poor hygiene. You may begin by filing a complaint with the California Department of Public Health, pursuing a legal claim for damages, or doing both.

How Can a California Nursing Home Bed Sore Lawyer Help Prove Neglect or Abuse?

California nursing home bed sore lawyers investigate nursing home records to determine if the staff provided adequate care to the resident. This can include maintaining their hygiene, repositioning patients, and providing proper medical attention when needed. A skilled attorney has a strong understanding of both state and federal nursing home regulations and can show how the facility breached its legal duties.

What Evidence Is Needed to File a Bed Sore Lawsuit Against a Nursing Home in Yucaipa, CA?

Strong evidence is crucial in bed sore legal claims in Yucaipa, CA. This includes medical records that show the development and progression of the wounds, photographs, and caregiver logs. Expert medical advice can also link the sores specifically to neglect. Demonstrating that staff ignored basic care duties can establish liability. A nursing home abuse attorney gathers and presents this evidence to the courts during your case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Nursing Home Neglect Claim for Bed Sores in Yucaipa, CA?

In Yucaipa, CA, for filing a nursing home neglect or elder abuse case is generally two years from the date of the injury or its discovery. Evidence can fade, and records could be changed if you wait too long to file, so prompt action is important. Acting quickly lets your lawyer investigate, gather fresh evidence, and create the strongest possible case in favor of your loved one.

Yucaipa Nursing Home Bed Sore Lawyer

Your loved one deserves to live in a safe, clean environment where they’re treated with dignity and respect. Belgum, Fry, & Van Allen are here to stand up for their rights and hold negligent facilities and staff accountable for their actions.

Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation.