One of the common signs of nursing home neglect and abuse is pressure ulcers, or bedsores. Bedsores can occur from body pressure by lying in the same position for long periods of time, such as in a bed or chair. Some of the most common areas where bedsores can appear are on the:
- Shoulders
- Shoulder blades
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Tailbone
- Ankles
- Feet
Nursing homes and their workers are responsible for the care and well being of each resident, and part of providing good care is to move the patients regularly to prevent bedsores from forming. Nursing homes that have frequent cases of bedsores are serious concern. If a family member or loved one is showing any signs of bedsores, especially stage four, immediate medical care is needed. You also may want to review legal options with a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney.
Stage 4 Bedsore Overview
Bedsores that have gotten to stage 4 are severe and life threatening. Data shows the mortality rate for people with stage 4 bedsores is up to 70%. Many of these patients die within 180 days of diagnosis. Overall the lifespan of patients with these sores is less than 50 days.
Some patients may not have pain with these lesions because of extensive nerve and tissue loss, but others may suffer excruciating pain. Because of the major difference between health conditions and environment with different patients, some treatment programs for this condition can focus on simply reducing pain, in the cases of those with terminal illnesses. Those who are not terminally ill may benefit from healing the wounds.
Stage 4 bedsores serious lesions that have been allowed to go through stages 1, 2 and 3. If the patient is left immobile or stationary for days or longer, bedsores can get worse and become infected. In nursing home neglect cases, stage 4 bedsores are one of the most common signs. Some of the symptoms of stage 4 bedsores are:
- Severe amount of skin loss, including damaged dermal layers at site of sore, which may need reconstructive surgery.
- Life-threatening infections and health complications, including sepsis. This is a common result of serious neglect and bedsores. There also may be osteomyelitis present, a type of bone infection that is very serious.
- Potential permanent loss of sensitivity in affected skin, tendons, muscles and adipose tissue. Bones also may be affected at the site of the stage four pressure ulcer.
- Recovery time for a stage 4 bedsore is more than 60 days for most elderly patients.
These bedsores tend to happen in the patient’s bony parts of the body, with little fat protecting deeper tissues. Stage 4 bedsores threaten life, and those who suffer from them could have several serious infections.
Because of the serious nature of these bedsores, medical treatment is necessary for the person to have a full recovery. However, be aware that health complications and risk of death rise with each stage of bedsores, especially stage 4. If bedsores are not treated within two months of discovery, health problems usually get worse. Thousands of nursing home and hospital patients die each year from untreated bedsores. There are thousands of others who must have amputations and other major surgical procedures.
Medical Options to Treat Stage 4 Bedsores
Stage 4 bedsore treatment is actually management in many cases; this is because many older patients may not be healthy enough for the bedsores to fully heal. There are many medical interventions available that focus largely on reducing pain. These management techniques include:
- Regularly changing positions. The most important part of healing bedsores is to change the position the person is in regularly. Bedsores are caused by staying in the same position for days or weeks. By changing positions every few hours, pain will be decreased and the wound may heal.
- This procedure removes dead tissue in the affected area to reduce chances of additional infection. Doctors often debride serious bedsores with enzymes, dressings, ultrasounds and general removal of the dead tissue. Some medical professionals may clean the bedsore with a saline solution to reduce infection.
- There are several types of medications that can aid the healing of stage 4 bedsores. Some medications are still in the early phases of testing, but these can be useful. Antibiotics and pain relievers also can be helpful.
In addition to the typical bedsore treatment options highlighted above, medication combined with physical therapy is often advised for stage 4 bedsores.
Negative pressure therapy can be effective; this is a type of vacuum dressing that increases the efficacy and and immediacy of skin and tissue healing in many types of bedsore cases. This therapy is fairly new, but it has been shown through research to help the healing process for stage 4 bedsores. Older patients are especially more able to use negative pressure therapy; it is much less invasive than surgical procedures. If antibiotics are given to the patient in combination with negative pressure therapy, there is often less pain and faster healing.
Another effective option is air fluidized therapy. This is an advanced bedsore therapy that uses air fluidized beds. This may be the best option for deep tissue injury in the most elderly patients. It also can aid in preventing bedsores in the first place.
Legal Options for Stage 4 Bedsore Victims
Stage 4 bedsores are often a clear indicator of neglect or improper care, making legal action an important step for victims and their families. In many cases, medical facilities or nursing homes fail to provide the necessary care to prevent these severe injuries. A qualified San Diego nursing home abuse lawyer with experience in nursing home or hospital negligence cases can help victims navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and pursue appropriate settlement amounts.
Factors That Impact Stage 4 Bedsore Settlements
Several factors influence the settlement amounts for Stage 4 bedsore cases, including the extent of the injury, medical costs, pain and suffering, and the level of negligence or wrongdoing by the care facility or medical provider.
- Severity of Injury and Medical Costs
Stage 4 bedsores are the most severe form of pressure ulcers, involving extensive damage to muscle, tendons, and even bones. The long-term medical costs for treating these injuries can be immense, often requiring surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and sometimes permanent medical assistance. These costs are factored into settlements and can lead to higher awards. - Pain and Suffering
Victims of Stage 4 bedsores experience extreme pain, not only from the injury itself but also from the extended medical treatments required to address the condition. Pain and suffering damages are often significant in these cases, as courts or settlements recognize the prolonged distress and suffering endured by the victim. - Negligence and Wrongdoing
If it can be shown that the medical provider or nursing home was grossly negligent in allowing the bedsore to develop, this can dramatically increase the settlement amount. Cases involving evidence of willful neglect or violations of care standards may also result in punitive damages aimed at punishing the wrongdoer and preventing similar occurrences in the future. - Life Expectancy and Impact on Quality of Life
The long-term impact of Stage 4 bedsores on a patient’s quality of life is another significant factor. In many cases, victims of severe bedsores face reduced life expectancy and a diminished quality of life due to the lasting effects of the injury. These factors are taken into account when determining settlement amounts.
Notable Stage 4 Bedsore Settlements in California
California has seen numerous high-profile settlements involving Stage 4 bedsores, reflecting the seriousness of these injuries and the neglect involved. The following cases highlight the financial outcomes of lawsuits brought against nursing homes and healthcare providers throughout the state:
- $5.5 Million Settlement (Los Angeles)
A nursing home in Los Angeles settled for $5.5 million after a resident developed multiple Stage 4 bedsores that became infected, leading to sepsis and eventual death. The lawsuit highlighted the facility’s severe understaffing and failure to provide necessary care. - $6 Million Settlement (San Francisco)
In San Francisco, a hospital reached a $6 million settlement with the family of an elderly patient who developed severe pressure ulcers while in the hospital’s care. The family argued that the facility’s failure to follow proper turning protocols resulted in the rapid progression of bedsores. - $4.3 Million Settlement (San Diego)
A patient in a San Diego nursing home developed Stage 4 bedsores that led to a prolonged infection. The family settled the case for $4.3 million, citing the nursing home’s neglect and failure to provide adequate skin care and repositioning. - $5.2 Million Settlement (Orange County)
A family in Orange County received $5.2 million after their loved one developed Stage 4 bedsores in a long-term care facility. The case emphasized the facility’s failure to ensure proper nutrition and hydration, which exacerbated the wounds. - $3.8 Million Settlement (Sacramento)
In Sacramento, a patient developed life-threatening Stage 4 pressure ulcers while under hospital care. The case was settled for $3.8 million, with the lawsuit claiming the hospital ignored repeated warnings about the patient’s deteriorating condition. - $4 Million Settlement (Fresno)
A nursing home in Fresno settled a lawsuit for $4 million after a resident developed extensive bedsores that led to infection and subsequent death. The settlement reflected the gross negligence of the nursing staff in failing to monitor and treat the patient properly. - $3 Million Settlement (San Bernardino)
A patient at a nursing home in San Bernardino developed Stage 4 pressure ulcers that required multiple surgeries. The family settled for $3 million, arguing that the facility neglected basic care duties, such as turning and repositioning the patient. - $2.9 Million Settlement (Riverside)
In Riverside, a family secured a $2.9 million settlement after their loved one suffered from untreated Stage 4 bedsores that eventually led to sepsis. The facility was found to have violated state care regulations. - $5.8 Million Settlement (Long Beach)
A nursing home in Long Beach reached a $5.8 million settlement after an elderly resident died from severe infections caused by untreated Stage 4 bedsores. The lawsuit alleged that the facility had a long history of care violations. - $4.7 Million Settlement (Bakersfield)
A case in Bakersfield resulted in a $4.7 million settlement after a resident in a skilled nursing facility developed multiple Stage 4 bedsores. The settlement was based on evidence that staff neglected to provide adequate care and hygiene for the bedridden patient. - $3.5 Million Settlement (Modesto)
In Modesto, a family received $3.5 million after a loved one developed severe bedsores due to the nursing home’s failure to reposition the patient regularly. The lawsuit focused on the facility’s inadequate staffing levels and poor care practices. - $6.2 Million Settlement (Santa Monica)
A Santa Monica nursing home agreed to a $6.2 million settlement after a resident died from complications related to untreated Stage 4 bedsores. The family’s legal team presented evidence of the nursing home’s failure to provide basic care, including regular repositioning and proper hygiene. - $3.2 Million Settlement (Oakland)
In Oakland, a nursing home settled for $3.2 million after a resident developed life-threatening pressure ulcers. The lawsuit revealed that the facility failed to follow prescribed care plans and did not employ enough qualified staff to manage the patient’s needs. - $5 Million Settlement (Palo Alto)
A hospital in Palo Alto reached a $5 million settlement after a patient with limited mobility developed Stage 4 bedsores during a lengthy hospital stay. The lawsuit alleged negligence in monitoring the patient’s skin integrity and in implementing preventive measures. - $4.5 Million Settlement (Anaheim)
In Anaheim, a nursing home settled for $4.5 million after a resident with dementia developed severe bedsores. The family argued that the facility was understaffed and lacked proper protocols for preventing pressure ulcers. - $4 Million Settlement (Santa Barbara)
A family in Santa Barbara received a $4 million settlement after their loved one died from sepsis caused by untreated Stage 4 bedsores. The case emphasized the nursing home’s repeated failure to provide basic care, including turning and cleaning the patient. - $5.6 Million Settlement (San Jose)
In San Jose, a patient developed life-threatening bedsores while in a rehabilitation center. The facility settled the lawsuit for $5.6 million, with the plaintiff’s family claiming that the staff failed to provide even minimal care for the patient’s condition. - $2.8 Million Settlement (Pasadena)
A nursing home in Pasadena settled for $2.8 million after a patient developed multiple Stage 4 pressure ulcers. The lawsuit highlighted the facility’s lack of staff training and inadequate care procedures. - $3.9 Million Settlement (Glendale)
A family in Glendale secured a $3.9 million settlement after their elderly relative died from infected bedsores. The nursing home was found to have violated numerous care standards, contributing to the patient’s death. - $5.4 Million Settlement (Ventura)
In Ventura, a hospital settled for $5.4 million after a patient developed Stage 4 bedsores during an extended stay. The legal team presented evidence that hospital staff ignored clear signs of the patient’s deteriorating skin condition.
Get Legal Assistance Now
Stage 4 bedsore cases frequently lead to substantial settlements, reflecting the severe nature of the injuries and the negligence often involved. Families affected by these injuries should seek assistance from experienced legal professionals at the Law Offices of Melinda J. Helbock to ensure you receive the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the injury.
Additional Nursing Home Abuse Articles
- Nursing Home Abuse vs Neglect
- Types and Examples of Nursing Home Abuse
- How to Report or File a Complaint
- Wrongful Death vs Neglect in Nursing Home Abuse Cases
- Elderly Abuse in Nursing Home Homes
- San Diego Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
References