Bedsores are one of the most common health issues for individuals who have impaired mobility and spend prolonged periods of time in beds or wheelchairs. They happen among people who receive long-term care in different settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Bedsores can be prevented; however, some of these result from the negligence of healthcare professionals. Medical providers who fail to give proper care and treatment and cause such harm may be held liable for the damages incurred by their patients. The victims may have a right to pursue a medical malpractice claim against the responsible parties.

Also known as pressure ulcers, decubitus ulcers, and pressure sores, bedsores are open wounds on the skin or underlying tissue caused by constant pressure on those areas for a long time. Bedsores can be extremely painful and lead to further complications if not treated immediately. 

What causes bedsores?

People who remain in a fixed position for extended periods are at risk of developing bed sores. This risk is particularly high for individuals who require assistance to change their posture or position. Some of the factors that cause bedsores are: 

• Pressure. Constant pressure on any part of the body can decrease the blood flow to tissues. Consequently, reduced blood flow to tissues leads to cell death and skin breakdown. 

• Friction. Friction happens when the skin rubs against clothing or bedding. It can damage fragile skin or aggravate active sores.

• Shear. Shear occurs when two surfaces slide against each other or move in the opposite direction. Bedsores develop when patients slide down in bed or are repositioned incorrectly.

• Moisture: Too much moisture from sweat, urine, or feces causes pressure ulcers to form. It makes the skin weaker and more vulnerable to damage.

• Limited mobility. The difficulty or inability of people, such as bedridden or wheelchair-bound individuals, to move or change their position persistently can result in bedsores. 

• Poor nutrition and dehydration. When the body does not contain the right nutrients and water it needs, it will get weak and fragile. Poor nutrition and dehydration will negatively affect skin elasticity and resilience.

What are common areas of pressure ulcers?

Bedsores often take place on the skin which covers the bony parts of the body and in areas of pressure. A person who uses wheelchairs for an extended period of time may develop pressure ulcers on the:

• Spine
• Buttocks and tailbone
• Backs of the arms or legs
• Shoulder blades

An individual who is required to stay in bed for long periods may sustain bedsores on the following:

• Back of the head
• Shoulders
• Elbows
• Tailbone
• Ankles
• Heels 

What are the symptoms of bedsores?

The symptoms of bedsores range from minimal to the most serious indications. Warning signs for pressure ulcers are categorized into various stages:

Stage 1:  This phase is the mildest because it only affects the upper layer of the skin. A red, blue, or purplish color becomes visible on the skin like a bruise. The redness or the discolored part feels warm to the touch. It may hurt, burn, or itch.

Stage 2: At this stage, the skin is injured and develops an open sore that may appear like an abrasion or blister. The skin around the damaged area may be discolored. The wounded area can be swollen and painful.

Stage 3: Bedsores pass through the second layer of the skin into the fat tissue. The pressure ulcer looks like a crater. Dark patches of skin around the edges may be seen. The damaged area may have a bad odor or pus at this phase.

Stage 4: This stage is the most severe. The crater deepens, and the damage reaches the muscles, bones, or joints. Osteomyelitis, or Sepsis, can ultimately occur.

Unstageable full thickness pressure injury: This is either a stage 3 or stage 4 injury that is covered with dead or thick slimy tissue. This tissue is usually black, creamy yellow, gray/black, or white in color. The covering makes it difficult to see the severity of the injury.

Deep tissue pressure injury. This is described as a very dark red, or purple-colored area of the skin that does not fade when pressed on. It is also pictured as a blister or a dark, deep wound with blood through a separation in the skin.

In the worst cases, bedsores can lead to infections and become life-threatening. Signs of infection in a bedsore can include:

• Fever and chills 
• Extreme pain
• Foul smell
• Redness of the sore 
• Warm skin around the wound
• Swelling
• Oozing pus

When are pressure ulcers considered medical malpractice?

Healthcare professionals usually play a role in the occurrence of bedsores. Some examples of possible medical negligence or practice situations that may lead to pressure ulcers are:

• Medical providers fail to regularly reposition immobile patients.

Immobile patients should be repositioned every two to four hours. If healthcare workers neglect turning or repositioning them on time, bedsores may develop.

• Medical providers perform inadequate risk assessments.

Healthcare professionals are expected to implement regular evaluations of patients and the risk factors that may contribute to the development of bedsores. If medical workers are unable to determine high-risk patients and administer significant preventive measures, bedsores may happen.

• Medical providers execute poor nutrition or hydration management.

Patients should receive adequate nutrition and hydration to maintain healthy skin. However, when healthcare professionals fail to identify and address nutritional needs or monitor the hydration status of the patient, bedsores may occur.

• Medical providers fail to utilize appropriate support surfaces or pressure-relief

equipment.

Healthcare professionals should use appropriate mattresses, cushions, or other devices for at-risk patients. If they do not provide the necessary pressure-relieving devices or incorrectly apply them, bedsores may grow.

• Medical providers carry out insufficient monitoring and documentation.

Healthcare professionals should regularly check and record the skin conditions of patients. If they are unable to detect early signs of skin-related issues or initiate the necessary documentation, bedsores may progress.

• Medical providers fail to properly transfer patients.

Healthcare professionals should use correct and safe methods to move patients to avoid friction and shear. The failure to transfer the patients correctly can cause skin damage.

Patients should not experience any pain, suffering, or damages due to inadequate care and attention from medical providers. If you, or a loved one, have suffered a bedsore as a result of the negligence of a healthcare professional, hospital, or nursing home, contact our experienced medical malpractice lawyers to guide you. Anzalone Law Offices has been relentlessly representing those who have been victims of medical negligence or malpractice. We will help you get the compensation you need to recover and move forward. Give us a call, and let us fight for you.