We recently discussed the important story from Colorado where a jury awarded $3.2 million dollars to the family of a man that died after a fist-sized bed sore on his back.
Another story reporting on this case brings up an additional point on “bed sores” that truly underscores just how preventable they are.
For patients assessed at high risk for skin breakdown, nursing homes generally have policies and procedures in place that mandates moving such patients around in their bed at specified intervals — usually once every two hours.
Accordingly, pressure sores (or “bed sores” as they are sometimes referred) are easily avoidable, and yet, nursing home attorneys see these sorts of events pop up time and again. Just how preventable are they? The article on the recent Colorado jury award explained that:
“National safety panels consider Stage 4 bedsores…to be ‘never events,’ so unthinkable in a health facility that they include electrocuting a patient or amputating the wrong limb.”
An analogy such as this provides a good amount of context. Pressure sores may start out small and seem to be unimportant, but not only can they mushroom into a serious — even fatal — health risk, keep this article in mind should you ever discover pressure sores on your loved one in a nursing home. No matter the size, observers consider these to be as avoidable as amputating the wrong limb.
You can contact us here 24/7/365 (and we really mean that as we will answer our phone) if you have anyquestions and to learn how we may be able to help you or your loved one who has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect – in particular, you will find that we listen, take your phone calls and e-mails (and even text messages!). We would be honored to help you with your matters – large or small.
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