Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are skin wounds that develop when an immobile person stays in one position for too long. Around 60,000 patients die as a direct result of bedsores yearly. With more than 17,000 lawsuits related to pressure ulcers filed annually, it is the second most common nursing home neglect and abuse claim.
Unfortunately, a patient with bedsores can also become infected with the E. coli bacteria, resulting in additional health complications. Sick seniors who have compromised immune systems are especially susceptible to E. coli. A compromised immune system can make it difficult for seniors to fight a concurrent E. coli and bedsore nursing home infection, which can lead to severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and even a life-threatening type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
What Is an E. Coli and Bedsore Nursing Home Infection?
- coli infections usually occur after exposure to contaminated water or contaminated food. In nursing home settings, E. coli can be a problem when patients with open skin wounds like bedsores become exposed to E. coli through those lesions.
How are Bedsore E. Coli Infections Prevented?
Frequently changing a bedridden or wheelchair-bound patient’s position and using special mattresses, along with other proven steps, can help safeguard patients from developing bedsores altogether. While E. Coli can be highly contagious, the bacteria are also preventable through appropriate hygiene practices. If bedsores develop, caregivers must be sure they keep a patient’s bedclothes clean, change the bandages on the bedsores regularly, and follow other proper hygiene practices. When they don’t, the patient may be exposed to and develop an E.coli infection.
Can I File an E.coli Nursing Home Neglect Lawsuit?
When a nursing home employee acts negligently, the nursing home may be liable for any patient injuries caused by that employee’s negligent acts. Understaffed nursing homes or nursing homes that fail to institute health and safety policies may also be held responsible when the failure results in a resident’s compromised safety.
Safeguarding bedsores from infection requires nursing home staff to provide proper bedsore care. Because an E. coli bedsore infection can quickly turn fatal, nursing home facilities must comply with written infection policies and procedures to prevent dangerous complications. When nursing staff fails to institute or follow proper procedures or provide patients with proper hygiene and high-quality care, their negligence may lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Senior Justice Law Firm Can Help You
Senior Justice Law Firm has helped thousands of families achieve justice for loved ones who suffered nursing home abuse and neglect. Our fierce but compassionate attorneys have recovered millions on behalf of our clients and pride themselves on our firm’s stellar reputation. If you or a loved one suffered a bedsore injury, E. coli infection, or both, we will fight tirelessly to secure the financial compensation you deserve. Call 866-485-2039 now for a free consultation, and let our decades of experience litigating against nursing homes and insurance companies help you down the path to recovery.
