Los Angeles Bed Sore Attorneys
Bedsores are a serious problem for thousands of individuals throughout the United States. The complications caused by this painful and debilitating injury lead to longer hospital stays, slowed recovery from the initial illness and/or injury, medical complications, and in some cases, the development of further health problems which must then be treated as well. The most common complication is infection, which can in turn cause problems with various other aspects of the patient’s or nursing home resident’s health. This may result in lengthy recuperation times, increased medical expenses, higher insurance costs, and the need for physical therapy. In some circumstances, permanent disability or even death may result if bedsores are allowed to become too severe before treatment and intervention are begun.
Any individual with decreased mobility is at risk for bedsores, no matter the age of the person or the initial health concern. Those with a greater risk, such as bedridden individuals in hospitals and nursing homes, must be especially careful to address any preliminary indications of bedsores as soon as they appear. Poor nutrition, neglect, and other factors can increase the risk of developing bedsores, and these factors can also contribute to the severity of any bedsore that does develop. Depending upon the situation, at-risk individuals may need the intervention of a loved one or other responsible party in order to ensure that complications do not arise as a result of bedsores.
The complications that can arise as a result of bedsores are numerous, with infection, multiple sores, tissue and bone loss being among them. Of particular concern is sepsis, which can prove fatal if left untreated, and which often develops as a secondary condition when a nursing home resident has bedsores. While these types of infections can be minimized or even prevented by simple actions on the part of nursing home staff, all too often the facilities do not have the level of staff necessary to perform these preventive measures.
This website is designed to serve as an informational resource to those who have questions about bedsores, their causes, treatments, and aftereffects. There are many facets to cover with regards to bedsores and it is our hope that users will find answers to their questions, as well as information on what to do if they or a loved one suffers from bedsores, whether they develop as a result of a hospital stay, nursing home stay, or other circumstances. Education and awareness are key elements to minimizing the damage that bedsores can cause, and combined with a proactive stance of prevention, the risk factors for bedsores can be greatly minimized.