A CLEAR SIGN OF NEGLECT. A CALL FOR JUSTICE.

New Orleans Bed Sore Lawyers: Holding Negligent Facilities Accountable

The development of a bed sore is an unacceptable outcome of inadequate care. Our compassionate attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of vulnerable patients and securing accountability from the hospitals and nursing homes responsible for this painful and preventable condition.

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Bed Sores: A Serious Medical Condition Caused by Neglect

Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue resulting from prolonged pressure. They are a serious medical condition that can lead to severe pain, life-threatening infections, and immense suffering. In almost all cases, bed sores are preventable with proper medical attention and care. When they develop, it is often a clear and unacceptable sign of neglect.

As a key area of our medical malpractice practice, our attorneys at LKSA Law Firm are committed to advocating for victims of this form of negligence. We understand the anger and betrayal you feel when a trusted healthcare provider allows your loved one to suffer from this preventable condition.

What Are Bed Sores (Pressure Ulcers)?

Bed sores are caused by sustained pressure that cuts off blood supply to the skin. They are typically categorized into four stages, based on their severity:

  • Stage 1: The skin is not broken, but it appears red and does not blanch (turn white) when pressed.
  • Stage 2: The skin breaks open, wears away, or forms an ulcer or blister. The area is tender and painful.
  • Stage 3: The sore gets worse and extends into the tissue below the skin, forming a small crater.
  • Stage 4: The pressure injury is very deep, reaching into muscle and bone and causing extensive damage. Serious complications like osteomyelitis (bone infection) and sepsis can occur.

The development of a Stage 3 or Stage 4 bed sore is a “never event”—a medical error that should never happen under proper care.

Negligence is the Primary Cause of Bed Sores

Healthcare professionals are trained to prevent bed sores. When they develop, it is almost always due to a failure to follow the established standard of care. Our New Orleans bed sore attorneys investigate these cases to uncover evidence of negligence, which often includes:

  • Failure to Reposition
  • Inadequate Nutrition and Hydration
  • Poor Hygiene
  • Failure to Use Pressure-Relieving Devices
  • Lack of Proper Monitoring

This type of neglect is a significant problem in understaffed facilities, and is a leading cause of painful and preventable nursing home bed sores. It can also occur in hospitals when patient monitoring is inadequate.

Seeking Justice and Compensation for Needless Suffering

A lawsuit for a bed sore injury can do two important things: hold the negligent facility accountable and provide crucial financial resources for the victim. Our goal is to secure compensation that covers:

  • Specialized Medical Treatment: Costs for wound care, debridement, skin grafts, and infection treatment.
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for the immense physical pain and emotional distress caused by the ulcer.
  • Disability and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scarring and loss of mobility.
  • Cost of Future Care: Funds for any long-term medical needs or assistive devices.
  • Wrongful Death: If a bed sore leads to a fatal infection, the victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death claim.

Choose LKSA: Elite Trial Lawyers for Complex Medical Negligence Cases

Bed sore cases require a law firm with deep knowledge of medical standards of care and the proven ability to litigate complex negligence claims. At LKSA Law Firm, our attorneys are not just experienced; they are recognized by their peers as leaders in the field of medical malpractice.

New Orleans bed sore attorney
  • Peer-Recognized Leadership: David Abramson was twice selected by his peers to serve as the Chair of the Medical Malpractice Section of the Louisiana Association for Justice (LAJ). This demonstrates a trusted reputation and a deep understanding of this specific area of law.
  • A Record of Significant Results: We have a proven track record of securing substantial compensation in complex medical negligence cases. For example, in a medical malpractice case involving paralysis and death, our firm secured a total recovery of $2,781,612.71 for the victim’s family.

When you choose LKSA, you are choosing a firm with the credentials, the record, and the compassionate approach necessary to hold negligent facilities accountable.

Bed Sore FAQs: Your Questions Answered

When you discover a loved one has a bed sore, you have questions. Here are some common inquiries answered by our team:

While there can be rare, complex medical situations that contribute to skin breakdown, the vast majority of Stage 2, 3, and 4 bed sores are considered preventable with appropriate care. The development of a serious pressure ulcer is a major red flag that warrants a thorough investigation for neglect.

While any bed sore is serious, nursing home bed sores are especially alarming because they often indicate a systemic failure of care due to issues like chronic understaffing or inadequate staff training. Residents in long-term care are completely dependent on the facility for their well-being, so a pressure ulcer points to a fundamental breach of that trust.

Liability can rest with the facility itself (the hospital or nursing home) for issues like understaffing or poor policies. Individual staff members, such as nurses who fail to reposition a patient, can also be held responsible. Our investigation aims to identify all negligent parties.

First, demand immediate medical attention for your loved one from the facility. Second, document everything: take clear photos of the sore, note the date and time, and write down the names of the staff you speak to. Third, formally complain to the facility’s administration in writing. Finally, contact a bed sore lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Medical malpractice claims in Louisiana generally must be filed within two years of the date the negligence occurred or was discovered. Due to this strict deadline, it is critical to seek legal advice as soon as you suspect neglect.

Have More Questions? Contact Our Team.

Your Loved One Deserves Dignity and Justice. Let Us Help.

A bed sore is more than a medical condition—it is a sign that your loved one did not receive the care they were promised. Let our dedicated New Orleans bed sore lawyers fight for the accountability and compensation they deserve. Contact Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson, LLC today for a free, confidential consultation.

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