Decubitus ulcers are also known as
pressure ulcers or bedsores, and occur far too frequently. A decubitus ulcer is defined as a localized
injury to the skin and underlying tissue that usually occurs on bony parts of
the body where pressure has been applied for a period of time. The most common areas where decubitus ulcers
occur are the tail bone, buttocks, back of heels, elbows and shoulder
blades. Depending on how the patient is
positioned they may also occur on the ear, pelvis, hip, knee and ankles.
The CDC released
an article which found that 159,000 nursing home residents, or approximately
11%, were suffering from decubitus ulcers.
Decubitus ulcers are defined by stages, and the CDC found that the most
common stage suffered by the residents were Stage II. In this stage the ulcer may expand into
deeper layers of the skin, and may appear as a shallow crater. The skin may begin to die or become damaged
beyond repair in this stage. (For a more
in depth look at the four stages of decubitus ulcers, please see the Nursing Home page on our website.)
Decubitus ulcers may not only be
painful, but they could be fatal.
Because the wound is open, the risk of infection is high. If bacteria spread throughout the body via
the bloodstream, which is known as sepsis, this could pave the way for
potentially fatal complications.
These claims are
complicated and challenging, and you need a knowledgeable and experienced
lawyer to evaluate your claim. We have
seen the pain caused by this form of nursing home neglect and are prepared to
answer your questions. So if you or a
family member is suffering pain from decubitus ulcers or has died from
infection related to decubitus ulcers contact either Attorney Douglas V.
Stoehr or Attorney Aaron Ling. Please
contact us at (814) 946-4100, or see us on our website at www.stoehrlaw.com.
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