Why Are Bed Sores Dangerous?

Also known as pressure ulcers, bed sores are often a clear indicator of neglect, and they can lead to severe health complications, even loss of life. If you or a loved one has developed bed sores, it’s essential to understand what they are, why they are dangerous, and how negligence could have played a role in their development.

I believe that no one should suffer from bed sores, especially when they are preventable with proper care. As your New Orleans personal injury lawyer, I will fight for your rights. Neglect in medical facilities, nursing homes, or by home caregivers is unacceptable, and legal action can help ensure you access the financial relief you need and that the situation is corrected, so it doesn’t happen again to someone else.

Risks Associated with Bed Sores

Bed sores are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. They typically develop on bony areas of the body, such as the heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone. Individuals who are bedridden, use a wheelchair, or are otherwise immobile are at the highest risk.

There are four stages of bed sores, ranging from mild reddening of the skin to deep wounds that reach muscle and bone. The progression of these sores is not only painful but also a significant health risk. Once they develop, they can be incredibly difficult to treat, especially in older or medically compromised individuals.

Here are a few reasons why bedores are so dangerous.

• Infection risk. Bed sores can become infected, leading to serious conditions like cellulitis, sepsis, and bone infections. These infections can spread quickly and may be difficult to treat, especially in patients with weakened immune systems.
• Chronic pain. The pain can increase over time and become unbearable. This pain can significantly reduce a patient’s quality of life.
• Long-term health issues. Severe bed sores can lead to permanent tissue damage, requiring extensive medical treatment, including surgery.
• Extended hospitalization. Treating bed sores often requires extended hospital stays, specialized care, and significant medical intervention. This can be emotionally and financially draining for both the patient and their family.

The development of bed sores is almost always preventable with proper care. For example, patients who are immobile need to be repositioned regularly to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas of the body. When caregivers fail to do this, pressure ulcers can develop.

Additionally, maintaining proper hygiene, good nutrition, and hydration need to be prioritized. Neglecting a patient’s dietary needs can increase the risk of bed sores.

Connect with an Expert

Dealing with the consequences of bed sores is something you don’t have to do alone. As a New Orleans personal injury lawyer, I’ve secured favorable outcomes in cases involving bed sores. Together, we can fight for justice and make sure that this kind of negligence is addressed.

How can I help you? Let’s have a conversation so you can lean on my experience to support your goals. Connect with Palazzo Law Firm today. Call 504-433-1442 to schedule your confidential consultation.