Bed sores are a growing issue facing immobile and elderly patients of hospitals across the country. Under state elder neglect laws hospital staff owe patients who are not able to care for themselves a heightened duty of care including taking reasonable steps to prevent the incidence of bed sores. Liability for such injuries may be established when hospital nursing staffs failure to properly treat and manage a patients health care needs results in severe cases of bed sores.
Elderly Patient Care Needs – Filing a Lawsuit for Negligent Hospital Care
The development of bed sores is a clear indication of elder abuse. Under various state and federal law the term elderly is reserved for two classes of individuals. (1) Patients over the age of 65 (2) Patients between the age of 18-64 who through physical or mental incapacitation are able to care for their basic needs.- Bed Sores are common caused by neglecting the health and hygienic needs of elderly and immobile patients. Generally the term neglect under elder abuse laws is defines as the failure of a person who is charged with the care or custody of an elderly or dependent adult to exercise the level of care necessary.
Common Causes of Bed Sores in Hospitals Include:
- Failure to assess and inspect high risk patients for bed sores
- Failure to have a sufficient number of nurses and staff in hospitals
- Failure to provide proper hygienic care including cleaning of bed sheets
- Failure to provide proper nutrition and hydration
Read Also
– Bed Sore Lawsuit – Statute of Limitations– Stage III Bed Sore Lawsuit
– Stage IV Bed Sore – Nursing Home Liability
– Average BedSore Settlement
– Nursing Homes Liable for Bed Sores?
– Food Poisoning in Nursing Home Lawsuit
Legal Assistance: Our medical malpractice and elder abuse attorneys feel proud to protect the rights of individual who have suffered from bed sores in hospitals and nursing homes. To schedule a free no cost and confidential case analysis regarding the development of bed sores contact our law firm toll free at (855)385-2529. Further Information: Stages of Bed Sores Preventing Bed Sores In Hospitals