Nursing Home Residents’ Wounds May Be Caused By Neglect

Wounds are a serious health risk for older people. A wound that is undetected or untreated may lead to infection, disability, amputation, or even death. This risk is even more significant for senior citizens than it is for the general population.

What Is a Wound?

Common types of nursing home wounds include:
  • Pressure ulcers or bedsores
  • Cuts or lesions
  • Diabetic ulcers
  • Surgery incisions
Some of these wounds, such as bedsores, may occur because of nursing home negligence. Other wounds are not caused by nursing home negligence. However, the failure to diagnose and treat the wound may indicate nursing home negligence.

Nursing Home Staff Should Identify and Treat Wounds

Nursing home staff should make sure that all residents are regularly checked for wounds. Residents who are immobile, diabetic, or otherwise susceptible to wounds should be checked more frequently. When a wound is detected, it should be staged and a treatment plan should be developed. The wound should be rechecked often to make sure that it is healing appropriately. If there is any evidence of infection, worsening of the wound, or failure to heal, a doctor should be promptly notified so that any necessary changes to the treatment plan can be made.

How to Protect Your Loved One’s Recovery After a Nursing Home Wound

Wounds can be very painful, can negatively impact a person’s quality of life, and can be expensive. If your loved one suffered a wound due to nursing home negligence or if the wound was allowed to progress or become infected because of the nursing home’s negligence, your loved one may be able to recover damages in a nursing home neglect lawsuit. Your loved one’s damages may include compensation for past and future medical expenses, physical pain, emotional suffering, and other losses.

Has Your Loved One Been Injured in a Nursing Home?

If you believe your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse you need to speak with an experienced Louisville nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.