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Bedsore Injuries in Illinois
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Bedsores are a sign of patient neglect. If you know or suspect someone is suffering from bedsores do not hesitate to take action – they are serious and should be addressed immediately. Not only are they extremely painful, but they can lead to other health problems and can even be life threatening. These problems usually should not happen and can be a sign of nursing home abuse and/or medical malpractice.
Bedsores, also called pressure sores or ulcers, usually occur when a patient is bedridden. Nursing homes or hospitals should help these patients move and change position often in order to prevent such injuries. When someone is left in the same position too long, the pressure on bony areas – hips, buttocks, shoulders, lower back, ankles, heels, etc. – decreases blood flow and can start to damage the tissue. This can happen in as little as 12 hours.
Bedsores can be prevented not only by movement, but by keeping the patient and their bed clean, keeping the patient well nourished, and using the right support (mattresses, pillows, etc.) to relieve pressure on susceptible areas. The risk of bed sores is increased by dampness, or friction (such as when the head of the bed is raised and the person slides down). The first sign of a bedsore is redness. Left unattended, the skin can then wear away and develop into a deep sore.
Bedsores can take a long time to heal and can even require surgery. If left untreated, they can cause bone, blood or skin infections. Again, these problems can be prevented simply by providing someone appropriate medical care.
If you have a family member who you know or suspect has bedsore or related injuries, take action to get them treatment. Talk to the nurses, doctors and staff. File a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health. And if you want to talk to a lawyer, contact us. We can help you find an experienced Illinois attorney to advocate for you and your family member.