How Much Is a Bedsore Lawsuit Worth?

Sores form when nursing home facilities do not establish and follow a care plan for residents who are immobile. When patients are not moved often enough to relieve pressure on specific areas of the body, blood flow is hindered and the skin and tissue break down. This should never happen in a nursing home. Shearing and friction, which are also due to neglect, are other causes of pressure ulcers. 

What are the four stages of bedsores? 

Bedsores are graded in four stages to help nursing home or hospital staff members determine the severity of the wound. It’s crucial to treat bedsores as soon as possible because they can quickly progress from one stage to the next. 

Stage 1 – The first stage of bedsores is marked by skin that is red and irritated. The area may be warm to the touch, and there may be some swelling. Stage 1 wounds are generally not painful and may disappear right after the pressure is reduced. 

Stage 2 – At this stage, the skin breaks open, creating the ulcer itself. The ulcer may be red, yellow, or black. It will likely be painful, and there may be some discharge. 

Stage 3 – Stage three ulcers penetrate the second layer of skin and start to damage the underlying tissue. The ulcer will be deep and crater-like. There may be a great deal of swelling and pain. 

Stage 4 – Stage four is the most severe stage of bedsore classification. The ulcer begins to affect muscle, tendons, or bone. There may be significant tissue damage and infection. These wounds are excruciating and can take months to heal. 

In some instances, a pressure wound may be categorized as unstageable, meaning that the base of the sore cannot be seen and, therefore, can’t be measured accurately.  

How long do bedsores take to heal? 

The healing time for bedsores depends on the severity of the sore. Stage I and II bedsores can heal within a few weeks. Stage III and IV bedsores can take months or even years to recover from. 

How can I prevent bedsores? 

If you are in the care of a nursing home, it is the sole responsibility of the staff to make sure your medical and living arrangements keep you safe from injury. 

In order to prevent bedsores, it’s important that caretakers keep your skin clean and dry. They should also implement an adequate care plan with a repositioning schedule to prevent you from sitting or lying in the same position for too long. 

This care plan should be consistently reassessed and adjusted to ensure it meets your or your loved one’s medical needs.