It is estimated that two million Americans suffer from bed sores each year, the majority of whom reside in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Bed sores are often the direct result of neglect, when patients who are bedridden or wheelchair bound are left in one position for too long and the bony parts of the body begin to lose blood flow.
Bed sores will often form on the heels, knees, elbows, back of the head, ankles, and tailbone, and when these sores progress to later stages, can have complications that can be fatal. These complications include:
- Osteomyelitis-Osteomyelitis occurs when the infection from a bedsore spreads to the bones. Bone infections are quite painful and require IV antibiotics and pain relievers.
- Sepsis-Sepsis occurs when the bacteria from the bedsores enters the bloodstream, causing organ failure and septic shock. Death from sepsis will occur quickly if treatment is not started immediately, but sepsis has a mortality rate of approximately 50% even with treatment.
- Gangrene-Gangrene occurs when body tissues die because of a loss of blood supply to an affected area. Bed sores that are left untreated will become severely infected, often requiring amputation or surgical debridement depending on where they are located on the body. Gangrene can affect any area of the body, including internal organs, and all cases of gangrene require immediate attention, or they can be deadly.
Treatment of bed sores should begin as soon as they are suspected to prevent infection, pain, and complications that could lead to death. Unfortunately, short-staffed and understaffed nursing homes can often miss the signs of bed sores, putting your loved ones at risk.
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.
