Bedsores can be a sign of nursing home negligence. An elderly person may need assistance moving periodically to prevent putting pressure on the same part of the body, and if they do not receive it, a bedsore could develop. These are painful and run the risk of infection, which can have serious complications.
But not all bedsores are the same. They progress through four main stages, as outlined below.
Stage one
A stage one bedsore is just red or pink, similar to a sunburn or the discoloration from wearing shoes that are too tight. It is not an open wound, but it is evidence that the skin is inflamed.
Stage two
In the second stage, a shallow wound begins to develop. This could lead to blistering, skin loss and discoloration. It’s a clear injury that family members may notice.
Stage three
In stage three, the wound gets deeper. It can extend all the way into the hypodermis, which is the fatty layer beneath the skin. There is notable tissue loss, and it can become more painful.
Stage four
The most serious bedsore is a stage four wound, which goes through all three layers of a person’s skin. This means that there will essentially be a hole that exposes underlying tissues like tendons, ligaments, muscles or even bones. Significant medical intervention may become necessary.
Holding nursing homes accountable
Do you believe that a loved one has developed serious bedsores due to nursing home negligence? If so, it is very important to understand exactly what legal options you have to hold the facility responsible and seek appropriate compensation.