Pressure ulcers, also called bedsores, are more common than you might think. About 2.5 million Americans develop these injuries annually. In some cases, bedsores develop despite the best efforts of caretakers. However, they can also signify neglect or abuse in Charleston, WV, hospitals and nursing homes.
Bedsores can cause significant disabilities and financial losses. They can even result in death. Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers can work with medical experts to identify the cause of bedsores and determine if a facility is legally responsible for them. Our Charleston nursing home abuse lawyers will pursue full compensation for the losses you or a loved one experienced.
For legal help, contact our West Virginia law firm today, or call us at (304) 720 1000 for a free initial consultation to learn more.
How Our Charleston Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Can Help With a Bedsore Injury Claim
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers was founded to represent injured victims against those responsible for harming them. Our Charleston personal injury attorneys have over 70 years of combined legal experience standing up to at-fault parties and their insurers.
Our firm provides the following legal assistance to those who have suffered injuries due to the negligent or wrongful acts of others:
- Listening to your story and assessing your claim
- Collecting evidence, including medical records
- Filing an insurance claim and attempting to negotiate a fair resolution
- Litigating against at-fault parties if necessary
Caretaker abuse and neglect can cause painful injuries, including bedsores. Contact our law office for a free consultation with a nursing home abuse attorney in Charleston, West Virginia, to learn how we can help you.
What Are Bedsores?
Bedsores result from prolonged pressure on the skin. They can develop anywhere, including the gums due to ill-fitting dentures or the ears because of oxygen mask straps. However, the most common form of bedsores arises in bedridden patients.
When a patient has limited mobility, they might lay or sit for extended periods without moving. Bedsores can develop when the patient’s body weight presses the skin into the bed or chair. Pressure constricts the blood vessels, restricting local circulation. The skin and underlying tissues die.
The dead tissue can then become infected and release toxic byproducts. If doctors do not remove the dead tissues, the infection can spread, leading to sepsis.
How Does Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Cause Bedsores in Charleston, WV?
Bedsores can develop in just a few hours, particularly in seniors with pre-existing conditions that inhibit blood circulation. Nurses must turn patients with limited mobility to new positions to relieve pressure on their skin. They must also monitor every patient for signs of bedsores and ensure that they’re treated.
Nursing home abuse and neglect happens when caretakers fail to exercise reasonable care in any of the following areas:
- Caring for patients
- Monitoring for reasonably likely injuries and conditions
- Responding to signs of medical problems
- Treating patients with bedsores according to the doctor’s instructions
- Training junior workers and supervising them as they carry out their duties
Importantly, employers are usually responsible for employee negligence. Thus, a nursing home or hospital may be liable if a nurse or staff member negligently fails to prevent bedsores. Similarly, a doctor may commit medical malpractice if they fail to instruct nurses on how to reposition patients.
How Much Is a Charleston Bedsore Injury Claim Worth?
The value of a claim depends significantly on the severity of the injuries. In the case of bedsores, a severe case that goes untreated for a long time and requires surgical repair will probably be worth more than a minor case that causes pain and disabilities but no permanent damage.
However, various other factors can come into play when evaluating what a nursing home neglect claim is worth. It’s essential to work with a skilled West Virginia lawyer to ensure that all damages are accounted for.
What Compensation Can a Bedsore Injury Victim Recover in West Virginia?
A patient who suffered nursing home neglect or abuse can recover compensation for economic damages. That could include medical bills, the cost of relocating to a different facility, and any out-of-pocket expenses.
A nursing home abuse victim may also receive money for non-economic damages. Examples include pain and suffering, reduced life expectancy, and emotional distress.
A court may also award punitive damages if you can prove that the nursing home or staff acted maliciously or particularly recklessly in causing the injury.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in Charleston, WV?
Nursing home abuse lawyers generally charge contingency fees, which are collected at the end of a case based on the results. If the lawyer wins or settles the case, they will receive an agreed percentage of the awarded compensation. If they do not recover a financial award on the client’s behalf, they won’t recover attorney’s fees for their services.
What Is the Statute of Limitations For a Nursing Home Abuse Lawsuit in West Virginia?
West Virginia law generally gives you one year to file an injury claim against a nursing home. The clock starts to run on the date you discover or reasonably should have discovered the injury.
It’s crucial to consult an experienced nursing home abuse attorney in Charleston, WV, as soon as possible. You don’t want to miss any deadlines, as that could mean forfeiting your right to compensation.
Contact Our Charleston Bedsore Attorneys For a Free Case Evaluation
Bedsores can range from painful to fatal. Contact Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss the compensation we can pursue for bedsores caused by nursing home negligence.
