Nursing home negligence is a serious issue that can lead to harm or even death for vulnerable elderly residents. Neglect can take many forms, including failure to provide adequate nutrition, hydration, and medical care; failure to prevent falls and other accidents; failure to protect residents from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; and failure to maintain a clean and safe living environment.

Some signs of nursing home negligence may include:

• unexplained injuries
• sudden changes in mood or behavior
• poor hygiene
• malnutrition
• dehydration
• pressure ulcers (bed sores)
• medication errors.

If you suspect that your loved one is being neglected or mistreated in a nursing home, it’s important to take action and seek legal advice.

Common types of nursing home negligence include:

Understaffing: Many nursing homes are understaffed, which can lead to neglect and substandard care. Staff members may be overworked and unable to provide residents with the attention and care they need, which can result in serious injuries or illnesses.

Failure to prevent falls: Falls are a leading cause of injury among elderly individuals, and nursing homes have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent them. This may include installing handrails, keeping floors clean and dry, providing residents with appropriate footwear, and monitoring residents who are at risk of falling.

Medication errors: Nursing home staff members are responsible for administering medication to residents according to their doctors’ orders. If medication errors occur, it can lead to serious injuries or even death.

Emotional and physical abuse: Unfortunately, some nursing home staff members may mistreat or abuse residents, either intentionally or unintentionally. This can include physical abuse, such as hitting or pushing, or emotional abuse, such as yelling or belittling residents.

Neglect of basic needs: Nursing home residents have the right to receive basic care, including food, water, and medical attention. If staff members fail to provide residents with these basic needs, it can lead to serious injuries or illnesses.

Bed Sore Claims:

Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin and tissue, usually in bony areas of the body such as the hips, tailbone, heels, and ankles. When a person is immobile or bedridden, they are at risk for developing bed sores if they are not turned and repositioned regularly, or if their skin is not kept clean and dry.

Bed sores can range in severity from minor skin irritation to deep, open wounds that can lead to serious infections and even death. They can be particularly dangerous for elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems, who are more susceptible to infection.

In a nursing home or hospital setting, bed sores are often a sign of neglect or inadequate care. Staff members have a duty to provide proper care to their patients, including regularly turning and repositioning them to prevent the development of bed sores. If a patient develops bed sores, it may be an indication that the staff has failed to provide adequate care.

Bed sores are often a result of medical negligence, which can take many forms.

Some examples of medical negligence that can lead to bed sores include:

Failure to assess risk: Healthcare providers have a duty to assess a patient’s risk for developing bed sores and implement measures to prevent their development. If a patient is at risk for developing bed sores but the staff fails to assess the risk or take preventive measures, it can be considered medical negligence.

Failure to reposition: One of the most effective ways to prevent bed sores is to reposition a patient frequently to relieve pressure on bony areas. If staff fails to reposition a patient regularly, or if they are understaffed and unable to provide proper care, it can be considered medical negligence.

Failure to clean and care for wounds: Bed sores can quickly worsen if they are not properly cleaned and cared for. If staff fails to clean and dress bed sores, or if they use improper techniques that can cause further damage, it can be considered medical negligence.

Failure to provide adequate nutrition and hydration: Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing the development of bed sores. If staff fails to provide patients with proper nutrition and hydration, or if they do not monitor a patient’s intake and output, it can be considered medical negligence.

Failure to address medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes and circulatory problems, can increase a patient’s risk for developing bed sores. If staff fails to address these underlying medical conditions or provide proper treatment, it can be considered medical negligence.

Contact Our Nursing Home Negligence Attorneys Today:

If you believe that you or a loved one has been a victim of medical negligence in a nursing home, hospital, or clinical setting, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney who specializes in medical malpractice cases. The legal procedures in Texas for medical malpractice claims make it difficult to bring medical malpractice claims, and it is critical to hire an attorney who has experience in this area of the law.

Further, These cases involve complex medical issues, and require a thorough understanding of medical procedures, terminology, and the standard of care that healthcare providers are expected to follow. As such, it is crucial to hire an expert attorney who has experience in handling medical malpractice cases to ensure that your case is handled properly.

We offer free consultation for medical malpractice cases at no cost to you. Contact our office today by simply calling (713) 940-4878 or email us at info@txinjuryadvocates.com