Pressure sores, also known as bed sores, decubitus ulcers, or pressure ulcers, have become an epidemic in nursing homes and personal care facilities across the country. A sign of neglect, pressure sores develop in areas of the body that experience unrelieved pressure and subsequent loss of blood flow. When blood supply is cut off to those areas of the body over a long period of time, or existing pressure sores are not treated quickly and properly, serious complications can occur.
The best way to prevent complications from pressure sores is to prevent them from developing at all, and if sores are already present, to prevent them from worsening. As pressure sores progress in severity, treatments become more invasive and the risk of complications and death increase.
Complications from Pressure Sores
There are several different complications that can occur due to untreated pressure sores. Each complication is serious and without proper treatment, can be fatal. These complications include:
- Amputation-When pressure sores are left untreated, infection will set in. Often, amputation is used to control infection that is no longer responding to treatments. Amputations are a major surgery and increase the risk for bacterial infections, sepsis, and death.
- Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF)-Commonly known as Flesh-Eating Bacteria, is a severe disease where bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a pressure sore. NF strikes quickly and spreads rapidly, destroying muscle tissue in a matter of hours. If NF is not treated immediately, a patient will die within 24 hours.
- Gangrene-Gangrene is a life-threatening condition that destroys tissues in the area of the pressure sore. As gangrene progresses, the skin deteriorates and becomes black or green in appearance with a foul odor. Gangrene typically affects the body’s extremities but can also spread to internal organs. Amputation with gangrene is common as it is a condition that does not respond well to treatments.
- Bone infection-Osteomyelitis, or bone infections, occur when the infection from the pressure sore spreads deeply to the bones and cartilage. Bone infections are extremely painful and can affect mobility and joint function as they eat away at the bone, often requiring amputation. If left untreated, bone infections can spread body-wide and become fatal.
- Sepsis-Sepsis occurs when bacteria spreads quickly through the bloodstream, causing organ failure. Even with swift treatment, sepsis is often fatal, especially when combined with other pre-existing conditions.
Negligence and delayed treatment of pressure sores can cause complications that are often fatal. If you suspect that a nursing home or personal care facility is at-fault for your loved one’s pressure sore injury or subsequent complications, it is important that you take action quickly and consider talking with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
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.
