Pressure sores, more commonly known as bed sores, are an injury to the skin and underlying tissue caused by loss of blood flow due to remaining in one position for too long. Pressure sores can form in as little as two hours and are frequently seen in patients of understaffed, neglectful nursing homes and personal care homes.
Pressure sores are almost always a sign of abuse. Nursing homes have a responsibility to ensure patients under their charge do not develop pressure sores. If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer for a free consultation.
There are four stages of pressure sores that range from mild redness to severe tissue damage that extends into the muscle and bone. Pressure sores that are not treated quickly have the capacity to become infected and can even be fatal, so it is important to understand what to look for.
The four stages of pressure sores are:
- Stage 1– Stage 1 pressure sores will have no open wound, but the skin may still be painful and red. If you press your finger onto the skin, it will not blanch (turn white briefly and return to normal color when your finger is removed). Dark-skin may look a different color but may not be red. Skin in that area will often feel warmer or cooler than the surrounding skin. Stage 1 pressure sores can also feel harder or softer (squishy) than the skin in the surrounding area as well.
- Stage 2-Stage 2 pressure sores are an open wound that is tender and painful. A Stage 2 pressure sore may present as a scrape, fluid-filled blister, or shallow crater in the skin as it expands into the deeper layers of skin. Some skin and tissue may be damaged beyond repair in Stage 2 pressure sores. This stage is the most common stage seen in nursing homes.
- Stage 3-Stage 3 pressure sores will extend deeper into the tissues beneath the skin forming a deeper crater where fat may be visible. There may be little to no pain in this stage as tissue damage is extensive and the risk of infection and other complications is high.
- Stage 4-Stage 4 pressure sores are the most dangerous. These wounds extend into muscles and bones and can cause irreparable damage to deeper tissues, tendons, and joints. Pus and foul smells coming from the area are possible as infection sets in. Serious complications such as sepsis, gangrene, and osteomyelitis are common and unfortunately, Stage 4 pressure sores can be fatal.
In some cases, a pressure sore may be suspected but cannot be confirmed visually. Any wound suspected of being a pressure sore should be treated as if it is one because these wounds can progress so rapidly.
If you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected at a long-term care facility, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer, for a free consultation. We are a Chicago injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident. America’s Consumer Lawyer, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.
