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Bed Sore Lawsuit Ends in $350,000 Settlement for Elderly Plaintiff
The plaintiff, an elderly woman who we will call Mrs. [Name], was admitted to a nursing home for long-term care. During her stay, the nursing home staff failed to adequately care for her, resulting in the development of severe bed sores.
The plaintiff, through her legal counsel, the attorneys at Senior Justice Law Firm, filed a lawsuit against the nursing home, seeking compensation for the damages she suffered as a result of their negligence.
Facts of the Case
The plaintiff, Mrs. [Name], was an 85-year-old woman who suffered from a number of health conditions, including dementia, diabetes, and hypertension. She was admitted to the nursing home for long-term care. Upon admission, she was assessed as being at high risk for developing bed sores due to her limited mobility and medical conditions.
Despite the nursing home staff’s knowledge of her condition and risk factors, they failed to provide her with the necessary care and attention to prevent the development of bed sores. Over the course of her stay, Mrs. [Name] developed multiple bed sores, which progressed to Stage IV in severity. She experienced extreme pain, discomfort, and a diminished quality of life as a result.
Nursing Home Negligence that Caused the Pressure Injuries
The nursing home staff’s negligence was evident in several ways, including:
- Failure to properly assess and document Mrs. [Name]’s condition and risk factors for bed sores upon admission and throughout her stay.
- Failure to turn and reposition Mrs. [Name] every two hours, as required by nursing home protocol, to relieve pressure on her skin.
- Failure to provide appropriate wound care and treatment for Mrs. [Name]’s bed sores, which worsened over time.
- Failure to notify Mrs. [Name]’s family members and physician of the development and severity of her bed sores.
As a result of the nursing home staff’s negligence, Mrs. [Name] suffered a number of physical and emotional damages, including:
- Severe pain and discomfort due to her bed sores.
- Loss of mobility and independence.
- Risk of infection and other complications.
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.
- Wound care and debridement to clean the pressure injury.
Legal Proceedings
Mrs. [Name]’s filed a lawsuit against the nursing home, alleging negligence and seeking compensation for the damages she suffered.
During the case, as counsel for Mrs. [Name], Senior Justice Law Firm attorneys presented evidence of the nursing home staff’s negligence, including testimony from medical experts and nursing home staff members. The defense attempted to argue that Mrs. [Name]’s condition and medical history made her particularly susceptible to developing bed sores, but this argument was ultimately unsuccessful.
After a little over a year of litigation, the nursing home settled with Mrs. [Name] and paid her $350,000 in damages.
Conclusion
The case of Mrs. [Name] is a tragic example of the devastating effects of nursing home negligence. Despite being at high risk for developing bed sores, the nursing home staff failed to provide her with the necessary care and attention to prevent them from developing. As a result, she suffered severe physical and emotional damages that could have been avoided with proper care. This case highlights the importance of holding nursing homes and their staff accountable for their actions and providing justice for those who have been harmed.
If you or a loved one suffered bed sores in a healthcare facility, contact the narrowly focused bed sore attorneys at Senior Justice Law Firm today for a completely free case consultation.
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