Injuries from Nursing Home Neglect
Pressure Ulcers • Falls • Malnutrition • Untreated Illness
The law firm of Parham, Smith & Dodson, LLC has a demonstrated capacity to hold South Carolina elder care facilities accountable for deplorable treatment of residents. We have proved that bed sores, falls and other preventable injury or illness stemmed from neglected duties, poor medical supervision and inadequate staffing.
If you believe that neglect is the primary reason for your elderly loved one's injury or deteriorated health, contact our Greenville law office to speak with an experienced nursing home litigation attorney. Our lawyers have won verdicts and settlements for clients across South Carolina.
Bed Sores from Neglected Care? • Free Initial Consultation • 877-805-6431
Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are serious and painful wounds that get progressively worse without prompt diagnosis and aggressive medical intervention. Bed-prone patients are highly susceptible to bed sores, in which the skin deteriorates from restricted blood flow and the weight of the body on pressure points (pelvic bone, spine, heels, elbows). If the wound deepens to expose underlying tissues or even bone, healing can take months and the danger of chronic and life-threatening infections increases.
In a well-run facility, immobile patients are turned at frequent intervals to prevent pressure sores from developing or worsening, and dressings are changed regularly. In bringing a lawsuit, we examine when the bed sore was diagnosed, how it was treated and how often the patient was attended to. We have a certified physician's assistant on staff who can compare the progression of the injury to patient charts to determine if the nursing home was negligent. In a trial, we may hire medical experts who can corroborate the claim.
Falls are among the most common injuries in care facilities. A good nursing home assesses patients for risk of fall, and requires that frail patients be assisted when exiting or returning to bed to minimize the risk. If your loved one suffered a fracture, head trauma or died from falling, we vigorously investigate to prove a lack of risk assessment, supervision or response to patient calls for assistance.
An undiagnosed illness that results in permanent harm or wrongful death often corresponds to inadequate medical supervision by a qualified physician. How many doctors are on staff or make rounds at the facility? How often was your loved one examined? Where there existing health conditions that required closer monitoring? What was the treatment plan after diagnosis?
Likewise, malnutrition or dehydration may be direct evidence of nursing home neglect. Was a special diet adhered to? Was weight loss noted and investigated by a doctor or nutritionist? Was the person intubated or given an IV in a timely manner? Malnourishment increases susceptibility to injury and disease. Dehydration can lead to organ failure and other complications.
A nursing home does not guarantee that your loved one's condition will improve. But the staff and administration should not hasten decline through indifference or substandard response to serious medical concerns.
If you believe that neglect led to bed sores or other health problems for your elderly parent or family member, contact Parham, Smith & Dodson, LLC immediately. You can arrange a free case evaluation at 877-805-6431 or contact us by e-mail.
