The family of an elderly woman was recently awarded $550,000 because her negligent care at a Nassau County skilled nursing facility caused a bedsore that ultimately led to fatal infections. The settlement was negotiated by the nursing home abuse attorneys at the law firm of Dalli & Marino, LLP.
LACK OF TURNING AND POSITIONING CAUSED BEDSORE TO WORSEN
The 86-year-old patient was admitted with a small break in her skin. During her brief stay, the patient was often left for long periods of time in her wheelchair without being moved, which created more pressure on her wound.
Her inadequate care caused the skin-break to develop into an infected Stage 4 wound, progressing to sepsis, which contributed to her death. She was also found to have had osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone. The case was settled by mediation prior to jury selection.
Understaffing at Nursing Homes Causes Needless Suffering
“Negligence caused an unnecessary tragedy for an entire family,” said John Dalli, a partner in the law firm Dalli & Marino. “The facility lacked the staff to prevent this fatal injury. If you have loved ones in a nursing home or hospital, it’s important to be vigilant for signs of bedsores.”
According to Johns Hopkins, bedsores can be prevented by “inspecting the skin for areas of redness (the first sign of skin breakdown) every day with particular attention to bony areas.” Also, changing the person’s position every two hours can help keep bedsores from forming. Nursing home residents at risk of developing bedsores can also be given special protective mattresses.
Wheelchair Patients Also At Risk For Bedsores
For an individual in a wheelchair, soft padding can help prevent bedsores, as can moving frequently. Johns Hopkins states that for a person “sitting upright and straight in a wheelchair, changing position every 15 minutes” is helpful. Good skin care and nutrition can also help with bedsores. These preventative care methods can also help prevent existing sores from getting worse.
“If you see these types of sores develop, seek medical attention immediately to avoid an unnecessary tragedy,” said Dalli.
Contact Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Dalli & Marino
Bedsores are the #1 sign of neglect at a nursing home. If your loved one has developed this type of injury at a skilled nursing facility in New York, contact the law firm of Dalli & Marino for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys have extensive experience fighting on behalf of those who have been subject to abuses while in residential care facilities. Our team serves Suffolk and Nassau Counties (Long Island), Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island and Westchester County.
You can reach us by phone at 1-888-945-6591 [Toll-Free] or by completing the CASE EVALUATION FORM on our Contact Page.