Potential Causes of Bedsores and Bruises in Nursing Homes

When your loved one lives in a nursing home, you expect that he or she will be well taken care of. Unfortunately, nursing home negligence is not an uncommon problem and can be related to staffing problems, poor training of the direct care staff, and failure to monitor residents adequately.

If your loved one is injured or becomes ill as a result of nursing home negligence, you will need to contact a personal injury law firm. Here are some potential causes of pressure ulcers and bruises — two common symptoms of nursing home negligence — and what to look for the next time you visit your elderly family member.

Bedsores

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are caused by excessive pressure on the skin. Elderly people with thin skin or those who are unable to reposition themselves may be at a higher risk for developing pressure ulcers. If your loved one is unable to change position independently, he or she will need to rely on the staff for help.

Position changes need to be performed every couple of hours and as needed. If the nursing staff fails to reposition your loved one, redness over a bony prominence such as the heel, lower back, hip, and elbow may develop. If the pressure is not relieved, the redness may progress to an open wound or ulcer.

In addition to excessive pressure and friction, the risk for pressure ulcers may increase in those with poor circulation or in people who are malnourished. If you notice areas of redness, open sores, blisters, or deep wounds on your loved one's body, call the doctor immediately, and then consult with a personal injury lawyer who may want to review your loved one's medical records.

If needed, the nursing staff members who took care of your loved one may be called into the lawyer's office for a deposition. After reviewing your case, your attorney will determine if you have enough evidence to pursue litigation against the nursing home.

Excessive Bruising

If your loved one has multiple or large bruises on his or her body, negligence may have occurred. While certain medications such as aspirin and anticoagulants can affect platelet function and cause abnormal bruising, rough handling or frequent falls can also result in bruises.

If the aging individual has been taking aspirin or prescription anticoagulants for years without any evidence of bruising, new bruises may be an ominous sign that the nursing home staff has been negligent.

The physician may order a complete blood count, or CBC, to determine if the medication has altered platelet function. If so, chances are that the excessive bruising was caused by the aspirin or anticoagulant. However, if platelet levels are within normal limits, further medical and legal investigation may be warranted.

If your loved one is cognizant, ask him or her if any members of the nursing staff were too rough when performing routine care or if a fall occurred. When aware elderly nursing home residents confirm that they were mishandled by staff, they may have grounds to pursue legal action against the facility.

A severe fall or hip fracture can cause permanent disability, and if the person hits his or her head on the floor when the fall occurs, a brain injury may develop. If a lawyer can prove nursing home negligence, you and your family may be entitled to a substantial monetary reward for pain and suffering and for future medical care.

Even if you may believe that your loved one was a victim of nursing home negligence, you may have to wait months as a lawyer collects meticulous evidence from medical records, staff members, video footage, and witness testimonies before filing your lawsuit.

If you need to speak with a personal injury lawyer about potential nursing home negligence, contact us now to request your consultation.