Bedsores

In Kentucky and across the country, nursing homes are putting their own profits above the health and well-being of the elderly in their care. Family members place a high level of trust in nursing home facilities to care for their loved ones, and they are heavily regulated by state and federal laws. And yet, far too often our loved ones fall victim to neglect and abuse while under their care.

We have represented victims of all kinds of nursing home abuse and neglect, including residents who suffered serious falls because they weren't properly assessed, residents who were dropped by nursing home staff and left untreated and in agony, residents who were sexually abused in their nursing homes, and residents who did not get the medical attention they needed.

Bedsores are some of the most common injuries that result from nursing home negligence. Garmer & Prather, PLLC, is committed to holding nursing homes to a high standard of care and standing up for family members who have been devastated by this form of abuse.

Bedsores and pressure sores can be minor, but over time can develop into an infection and even lead to death. Depending on when you discover a bedsore on your loved one, it can take a variety of forms.

• Early stages: In the beginning stages of a bedsore or pressure sore, you may see just a red spot on the skin. Skin temperature may be warmer in that area and may be painful for your loved one.
• Middle stages: As the sore becomes more serious, the skin will often form ulcers, blisters, scrapes or other abrasions — eventually breaking open. If this continues, the skin damage may become irreparable.
• Late stages: Left unattended, bedsores will continue to progress, extending into deeper tissue beneath the skin. You may notice craters in the skin and might even see fat exposed. In severe cases, muscle and bone may be visible and there may be damage to tendons and joints.

What may seem like a minor rash could be the start of a serious, potentially life-threatening bedsore if not treated as early as possible.

Nursing home residents are protected by the Kentucky Resident's Rights Act and federal regulations. Residents have the right to:

• Be free from physical and mental abuse
• Always get proper medical care and social services
• Be properly dressed and treated with dignity
• Never be detained except for legitimate medical reasons
• Have privacy in their rooms and for visits with loved ones
• Always be informed of changes in residents' conditions

Many times nursing home residents are unable or unwilling to voice their pain or might even be intimidated into keeping silent about their injuries. As a result, it's often up to family members to remain aware of any potential bedsore injuries.

To keep your loved one safe and make sure this doesn't happen again to anyone else, it is crucial that you take swift legal action. Located in Lexington, our skilled trial lawyers have championed families of loved ones injured in nursing homes all across Kentucky.

Our attorneys are selective in the cases they take so they can dedicate their full time and attention to securing the outcome you deserve. Contact our office today to learn more about our services during a free initial consultation.