Update: As discussed below, bed sores can be very serious, and they often occur due to nursing home neglect. However, these injuries can vary in severity, and their effects can range from mild discomfort to serious bodily harm that affects a person's overall health and well-being. By understanding the different types of bed sores, family members of nursing home patients who have suffered these types of injuries can make sure their loved ones will receive the proper care. They can also take steps to determine who was responsible and make sure that issues related to neglect will be addressed correctly.Bed sores are generally classified into four stages of severity:
- Stage 1: When bed sores first develop, they will usually involve some redness or discoloration, as well as sensations of pain or itchiness. To prevent sores from developing further, a patient should be moved regularly, which will relieve pressure on the affected area and ensure that blood can flow properly.
- Stage 2: If symptoms of bed sores are not addressed correctly, they may develop into wounds that affect multiple layers of skin tissue. These sores will usually involve open wounds, including scrapes or blisters. The area around a sore will be swollen, and a person may experience serious pain. Treatment for these sores will involve changing positions while also cleaning and bandaging wounds.
- Stage 3: Without treatment, bed sores may continue to develop and penetrate into deeper layers of the skin or fat tissue. These wounds will have a crater-like appearance, and they may also become infected, leading to red, swollen tissue, drainage of pus or fluid, and an unpleasant smell. Dead tissue around the sore may turn black. These sores will require more extensive treatment, including the removal of dead tissue and medications to address infections.
- Stage 4: The most serious bed sores will penetrate through the skin and affect internal tissues. They may result in damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, or bones. They are also likely to result in serious infections. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the damage and ensure that a person can heal properly.
Contact Our Chicago Nursing Home Bed Sore Injury Lawyers
If your loved one has experienced bed sores while residing in a nursing home, it is likely that neglect played a role in this situation. At Schwartz Injury Law, our Cook County nursing home neglect attorneys can help you determine your options for holding a negligent facility responsible for the harm done to your loved one and your family. Contact us at 312-535-4625 to set up a free consultation.Add the following to the list of Sources:https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/pressure-sores-4-stages
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