Bedsores or pressure ulcers are a common medical issue for those with limited mobility. They have a strong association with advanced age and nursing home residents in particular. Bedsores can be painful, and they can also lead to serious medical complications.
Some people fail to understand the severity of bedsores, potentially because of how common they are. Contrary to what people might expect, bedsores can have lasting medical implications and can even cause premature death.
Bedsores cause tens of thousands of deaths annually
Bedsores on their own are unlikely to directly cause a person’s death. However, infections from bedsores and other medical complications can have devastating consequences for older adults.
Researchers estimate that approximately 24,000 people die every year due to complications caused by bedsores. Infections are a major concern, as are the physical and mental consequences of chronic pain and increasing mobility limitations.
As such, it is critical for nursing home facilities and professionals to identify bedsores in the earliest stages of development. They can act to treat the sores, keep the affected tissue clean and ensure that the sores don’t worsen. The failure to properly address bedsores can have major medical consequences for nursing home residents and may provide the basis for a nursing home negligence lawsuit.
Reviewing the circumstances surrounding bedsore development and associated complications with a legal professional can help families pursue justice. If nursing home workers were negligent regarding the care provided to a vulnerable older adult or the treatment of existing bedsores, filing a lawsuit against the facility can lead to financial compensation for losses.