Greenville Bedsore Injury Lawyers
The injuries that patients in nursing homes can sustain are varying and often highly consequential. The victims of neglect and abuse in these cases are particularly vulnerable and susceptible to injury because of their inability to properly clean themselves, manage their nutrition and medication and, in general, perform typical daily activities. Medical professionals should uphold the highest standards of care and respect to patients like these, but unfortunately they sometimes fall short.
At Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC our Greenville bedsore injury attorneys have successfully recovered compensation for individuals and families of individuals who have suffered from neglect or abuse in nursing homes or adult care facilities. Our lawyers address a wide range of injuries, including bedsores, injuries from falls caused by inattentive staff, illnesses that go undiagnosed or untreated, and malnutrition and dehydration caused by understaffing or neglect.
What Kinds Of Injuries Arise From Nursing Home Neglect?
Bedsores , 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 bedsores, 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 bedsore 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.