Stage 4 Bedsores in New Jersey

Stage 4 bedsores are by far the most serious and dangerous forms of these injuries. Stage 4 bedsores develop when bedsores at the earlier stages are not treated effectively. If you have a loved one who is currently residing in a nursing home facility, you should be aware of the risks associated with Stage 4 bedsores and the need to take legal action if your loved one is diagnosed with or appears to be suffering from bedsores in these environments. In some cases, seeking the help of a qualified New Jersey bedsore attorney is the best and only way to hold staff members and administrators responsible for their lack of action on behalf of your family member.

How Stage 4 Bedsores Develop

Bedsores develop in specific stages and can be treated at any point along their development. Stage 4 bedsores are the most advanced and dangerous form of these injuries and result when effective treatment is not provided during any of the previous three stages. At the onset of bedsore issues, the problem can usually be addressed by relieving pressure on the affected area and keeping it clean and dry. Once a bedsore has progressed to Stage 4, however, the options for treatment are relatively limited and the prognosis for the patient may be less than favorable.

Stage 4 Bedsores and Nursing Home Neglect

In most cases, Stage 4 bedsores are a clear sign of neglect in nursing home facilities. Allowing bedsores to progress to Stage 4 generally means that the nursing staff members responsible for caring for residents either did not recognize the signs of bedsores or did not take any steps to prevent them from developing further during treatment and care of their patients.

Stage 4 bedsores are difficult to miss. They resemble craters that penetrate deep under the skin and that may reveal tendons, bones or muscles. A Stage 4 bedsore can also become infected and leak or ooze pus, which can create a foul odor. Necrosis of surrounding tissues can also occur. This means that the tissues around the Stage 4 bedsore have begun to die, which can result in even greater risks to patients.

Risk Factors for Stage 4 Bedsores

Underweight, malnourished and poorly hydrated residents of nursing homes are most likely to develop bedsores in these environments. Patients who live in understaffed facilities or who have certain mental disorders may also be at much higher risk of Stage 4 bedsores than other residents of nursing homes. Limited mobility is a common factor in many patients with bedsores and can prevent these individuals from moving to relieve pressure during the initial onset of bedsore issues.

Issues Related to Stage 4 Bedsores

Stage 4 bedsores are very difficult to heal and may cause complications that include infections, failure of the kidneys, sepsis and septic shock. Amyloidosis, an incurable disease that causes protein to build up in the body, can also result from the serious infections associated with Stage 4 bedsores. If not treated effectively, these conditions can be debilitating and even fatal for patients in nursing home facilities. Fatalities caused by complications of Stage 4 bedsores may be considered wrongful deaths in the New Jersey legal system and may offer cause for legal action against the facilities responsible.

Taking Action on Behalf of Your Family Member

If your loved one is residing in a nursing home in New Jersey and you suspect they may be suffering from bedsores, contacting a qualified attorney is a good first step toward holding the nursing facility accountable for its negligence. Your New Jersey nursing home lawyer will work with you to determine the cause of the bedsores and to gather the evidence necessary to take legal action against the nursing home. This can encourage these facilities to improve their care for their residents and can help you and your family to obtain compensation for the pain, suffering and injuries sustained by your loved one in New Jersey nursing homes.

Professional Legal Help from the Di Lauri & Hewitt Law Group

If you need a knowledgeable New Jersey bedsore lawyer, you need look no further than the Di Lauri & Hewitt Law Group. We offer legal representation for families in taking on nursing home negligence and abuse. Give us a call today at 973-354-5783 to schedule an appointment with us. We are ready to help you hold nursing homes accountable and to obtain fair compensation for your loved one’s injuries in and out of court.