Tampa Hospital Bed Sores Attorney
Bed sores may sound like minor injuries, but they are not. They are extremely painful and cause patients immense pain and suffering. Bed sores can also cause a number of complications, which greatly place the health of the patient at risk. Bed sores are very common in hospitals, largely because hospitals are notoriously understaffed. However, this is no excuse. If you or a loved one has developed bed sores due to the negligence of hospital staff, it is important that you speak to a Tampa hospital bed sores attorney right away.
What Are Bed Sores
Bed sores are also known as pressure ulcers because they are open sores on the skin. Bed sores develop when the skin of a patient has been placed under pressure after lying in bed, sitting in a wheelchair, or otherwise being immobile for long periods of time. When these areas of the skin are under that immense pressure for extended periods of time, blood flow cannot reach the area and bed sores develop.
Although bed sores are caused by restricted blood flow, this is never an excuse when hospital patients develop them. Hospital staff members are responsible for ensuring the safety of their patients, and that includes bed sore prevention.
Stages Of Bed Sores
Bed sores are classified into four stages, depending on their severity:
- Stage 1: Reddened skin that may be warm or tender to the touch but has not yet broken open.
- Stage 2: An open wound or blister forms, exposing the inner layers of skin.
- Stage 3: The sore deepens into the tissue beneath the skin, often causing infection and severe pain.
- Stage 4: A very deep wound exposing muscle, tendon, or bone, which can lead to life-threatening infections such as sepsis.
Early detection and treatment can prevent bed sores from worsening. When hospitals fail to monitor patients and act quickly, the results can be devastating.
How To Prevent Bed Sores
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in hospital settings are all responsible for ensuring the safety of their patients. To ensure patients do not develop bed sores, staff members must regularly reposition their patients to alleviate the pressure on certain areas of the body. Using cushions, air mattresses, and pillows can also reduce the pressure that causes bed sores.
Hospital staff members are also responsible for ensuring a patient’s bedding and garments are dry at all times. When patients are left sitting in their own urine, this can further complicate bed sores and cause additional infections.
Proper nutrition is also crucial to ensure bed sores do not develop. Malnutrition and dehydration can cause or contribute to bed sores. When a patient is deprived of protein, zinc, or vitamin C, they are at a greater risk for developing these painful ulcers.
Complications Caused By Bed Sores
If left untreated, bed sores can lead to serious medical complications, including:
- Severe infections such as cellulitis and sepsis
- Osteomyelitis, an infection that spreads to the bone
- Gangrene, sometimes leading to amputation
- Prolonged hospitalization and additional surgeries
- Increased risk of death in elderly or medically fragile patients
These complications highlight why hospitals must follow strict standards of care to prevent and promptly treat bed sores.
Holding Hospitals Liable For Bed Sores
When hospital staff do not take these preventative measures, it can have disastrous results. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recognizes that bed sores are a “never event.” This means they are so serious, they should never happen.
Most bed sores develop because of the negligence of hospital staff. They may become busy with other patients and forget to reposition the patient, or fail to ensure a patient is receiving the proper nutrition. Bed sores are not typically the result of an intentional act. Still, hospital staff must be held liable for allowing bed sores to develop, and for paying damages any time a patient suffers as a result.
Damages Available In A Bed Sore Claim
Victims of hospital bed sores may be entitled to significant compensation. Damages often include:
- Medical expenses for wound care and treatment of infections
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Pain and suffering caused by prolonged injury
- Emotional distress and loss of dignity
- Wrongful death damages for families who lose a loved one
An experienced Tampa hospital bed sores lawyer can calculate the full value of your case and fight for fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bed Sores In Tampa Hospitals
Are Bed Sores Always A Sign Of Negligence?
Yes. Bed sores are considered preventable injuries. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services classifies them as “never events,” meaning they should not occur when hospitals follow the proper standard of care.
How Quickly Can Bed Sores Develop In A Hospital?
Bed sores can begin to form in as little as 24 to 48 hours if a patient is not repositioned or monitored. This is why hospitals must frequently check high-risk patients to prevent sores from developing.
What Should I Do If My Loved One Developed Bed Sores In A Tampa Hospital?
Document the injuries with photographs, request copies of all medical records, and speak with an attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help investigate whether negligence caused the sores and hold the hospital accountable.
Can Bed Sores Lead To Life-Threatening Conditions?
Yes. If untreated, bed sores can lead to severe infections such as sepsis or osteomyelitis. These conditions can be life-threatening, particularly for elderly or immune-compromised patients.
How Long Do I Have To File A Bed Sore Lawsuit In Florida?
The statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Florida is generally two years from the date of the injury or the date the injury should have been discovered. Exceptions may apply, so consulting with a Tampa hospital bed sores lawyer immediately is critical.
Our Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help With Your Case
Many people think there is nothing that can be done about bed sores, but there is. If you or a loved one has developed these sores while staying in a hospital, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorneys can help. At Kohn Law, we know how to hold hospital staff members liable for paying damages due to bed sores and we want to put that experience to work for you, too. Call us today at (813) 428-8504 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
