Pittsburgh Bedsore/Pressure Ulcer Lawyers

Pittsburgh, PA Lawyers Fight for Compensation for Victims of Bedsores & Pressure Ulcers

Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are a type of wound in the skin and other soft tissue that is caused by prolonged pressure on an area of the skin. Residents of nursing homes are especially susceptible to bedsores since many nursing home residents suffer from limited mobility and spend prolonged periods sitting or lying down. Nursing homes have a duty to ensure that residents with limited mobility regularly move so that they do not develop bedsores, and to examine residents for signs of developing bedsores. When nursing homes fail in this duty to abuse or neglect, nursing home residents who develop bedsores can suffer serious, life-threatening complications when those bedsores are left untreated. The Pittsburgh bedsore/pressure ulcer lawyers of Goodrich & Geist, P.C. fight on behalf of the families of nursing home residents who have been victims of bedsores and pressure ulcers caused by the abuse and negligence of nursing home staff.

Our attorneys will work tirelessly to hold the nursing home and its staff responsible for the injury and harm inflicted upon your loved one. We will not rest until we can help you and your family obtain the compensation and justice that you deserve for your loved one. Contact us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys to discuss your case and learn more about how our firm can help you and your family.

Causes of Bedsores & Pressure Ulcers in Pittsburgh

Bedsores and pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue that are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. Bedsores and pressure ulcers often develop on areas of the skin that cover bony protrusions, such as the heels, ankles, hips, and tailbone. Residents of nursing homes are especially at risk for bedsores and pressure ulcers because they often suffer from limited mobility or other medical conditions that restrict their ability to get up from beds and chairs or to change their position while lying down or sitting down. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, the three primary causes of bedsores include:

• Constant pressure on a part of the body, which lessens blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues in that part of the body
• Friction that occurs when skin rubs across clothing or bedding, particularly when skin is made more fragile due to malnutrition, dehydration, or other medical conditions, or if skin has been moistened due to sweat or other liquids
• Shearing, which is when two surfaces move across each other in opposite directions; in the nursing home context, it can occur when a resident slides down in a bed or chair

Although a bedsore or pressure ulcer is effectively a wound in the skin and underlying tissue, they can cause serious and life-threatening complications, such as:

• Cellulitis, or an infection in open skin and nearby soft tissues
• Bone and joint infections, which can arise from infections of nearby skin and soft tissue
• Cancer, in particular, squamous cell carcinoma, which can be caused by bedsores and pressure ulcers that fail to heal
• Sepsis, which is the death of skin and underlying tissues and can cause death if left untreated

Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys Help Prove Negligence as the Cause of Bedsores & Pressure Ulcers

In many cases, bedsores and pressure ulcers in nursing home residents are due to the abuse and neglect of nursing home staff. Bedsores and pressure ulcers are normally caused due to prolonged pressure on the skin; nursing home residents with limited mobility are especially susceptible to putting prolonged pressure on the skin as they sit in chairs or lay in bed for extended periods of time. Nursing home staff have an obligation to assist residents with limited mobility. In addition, nursing home staff should be monitoring residents with limited mobility for the initial warning signs of bedsores and pressure ulcers. As a result, when nursing home staff fail in these duties, it can place residents at risk of developing bedsores and pressure ulcers.

If you have a loved one in a nursing home who has suffered from a bedsore or pressure ulcer, the Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyers of Goodrich & Geist, P.C. can help you to pursue a claim for compensation against the nursing home. We can collect the evidence necessary to prove that your loved one’s injuries were caused by the staff’s abuse or negligence, consulting with medical experts to obtain expert opinions as necessary. 

Contact Our Lawyers to Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Claim for Compensation for Bedsores & Pressure Ulcers

When a nursing home resident suffers from bedsores or pressure ulcers, it can cause them to suffer a significant amount of discomfort and pain. If left untreated due to the abuse and neglect of nursing home staff, a bedsore or pressure ulcer can lead to much more serious, life-threatening medical conditions. The nursing home abuse attorneys at Goodrich & Geist, P.C. can help you and your family seek compensation and justice for your loved one’s suffering. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our compassionate, experienced Pittsburgh bedsore/pressure ulcer lawyers to discuss your case and learn more about your legal rights and options.