St. Louis Bedsore Lawyer
We’ll Take Care of You and Your Family
If you or a loved one developed bedsores due to neglect in a nursing home or under the care of a healthcare provider, you deserve answers, justice, and compensation. The St. Louis bedsore attorneys at DM Injury Law will hold negligent caregivers accountable, giving you and your family the support you need during an incredibly difficult time.
Tell us what happened during a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Stages of Bedsores
Bedsores, also called pressure ulcers, can leave patients with painful, long-term injuries, such as:
- Redness or discoloration of the skin
- Skin that feels warmer or cooler than the surrounding areas
- Tenderness or pain in specific areas
- Open sores or blisters
- Dead tissue that appears dark or crusty
- Foul odors
- Infections
The longer these injuries are left untreated, the more dangerous the symptoms become.
Understanding the severity of bedsores is critical to recognizing signs of neglect. They are often classified into 4 progressive stages, each requiring a different level of care and treatment.
Hiring a St. Louis nursing home bedsore lawyer can give you access to the legal and medical team that you need to properly heal and receive justice.
Stage 1
The first stage of bedsores can be difficult to detect. They can be mistaken for scabs, bruises, or other types of ulcers. Oftentimes, medical professionals need to examine you to confirm the injuries.
In this initial stage, the skin appears red and discolored but remains intact. The discoloration does not fade even when pressure is relieved, which indicates the early signs of tissue damage caused by prolonged pressure. The area may feel warm, firm, or tender to the touch and could also be itchy or mildly painful.
Stage 2
At the second stage of bedsores, the injury progresses to the top layers of the skin. The skin may break, forming an open sore or shallow wound that resembles an abrasion, blister, or small crater. The surrounding area might be red, swollen, and tender.
This stage is more vulnerable to infection, so it’s important to keep the wound clean, dry, and protected while relieving pressure from the affected area.
Stage 3
The damage becomes more severe at the third stage, extending deeper into the tissue beneath the skin. The wound may now penetrate the fat and connective tissue, creating a deep crater-like sore.
You may start to see dead tissue, which may appear yellow or black, and there may be signs of infection, such as a foul odor, pus, or increased pain. Treatment at this stage generally requires more intensive wound care, such as cleaning, debridement (removal of dead tissue), and possibly antibiotics to manage or prevent infection.
Stage 4
This is the most critical and severe stage of pressure injury. The wound extends through multiple layers of tissue, exposing muscle, tendons, or even bone. The risk of serious complications, such as deep infections or sepsis, is significantly higher.
These wounds may take months to heal and often require advanced medical treatment, such as surgical intervention, tissue grafts, or specialized wound care. Preventing infection and supporting overall health through proper nutrition and hydration are crucial at this stage, along with continued pressure relief and regular medical monitoring.
Speak to our attorneys and support staff of investigators, case managers, and medical records specialists to help get started on the investigation so you can receive the help you need.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Bedsores
Bedsores are not just “an unfortunate side effect” of immobility. They are often preventable with proper care. So, when they’re present, it may be because you were neglected in your nursing home.
Here are some common reasons a pressure ulcer may have developed:
- Pressure: Staying in one position too long, especially on bony areas like the hips or heels, can reduce blood flow and cause the skin and tissue to die.
- Friction: When skin rubs against something, like bedsheets, it can cause scrapes and weaken the skin, making it easier to get injured.
- Shear: Shear happens when the skin moves one way and the body moves another, like sliding down in bed. This can hurt deeper tissues and blood vessels.
- Moisture: Too much moisture from sweat, urine, or stool can soften the skin, making it easier to break down and more likely to get ulcers.
If these conditions sound familiar, you may have grounds to pursue legal action. Contact our St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois, bedsore law firm to get started on your claim.
Why Do People Get Bedsores?
Oftentimes, elderly people develop bedsores because of nursing home care abuse or medical negligence. Your caregivers may:
- Fail to Monitor High-Risk Patients
- Ignore Basic Care Protocols
- Force Overworked Staff to Cut Corners
This neglect not only impacts physical well-being but also causes emotional trauma for patients and families. The STL pressure ulcer lawyers at DM Injury Law are here to hold your negligent caregivers accountable and help you seek justice.
Long-Term Risks of Bedsores
Untreated bedsores can escalate quickly, resulting in significant and lasting complications. Common risks include:
- Life-threatening infections
- Permanent disfigurement
- Amputations
- Chronic pain
- Muscle spasms
- High blood pressure
- Psychological trauma
What Compensation Can I Receive for Suffering from a Bedsore?
Working with a Missouri bedsore lawsuit lawyer can help you recover compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of this negligence. This can include:
- Medical Costs: Coverage for treatments, surgeries, or long-term care associated with the injuries.
- Pain & Suffering: Acknowledgment of both the physical agony and emotional trauma endured.
- Lost Quality of Life: Compensation for irreversible lifestyle changes caused by severe complications.
- Punitive Damages: Additional amounts to punish the healthcare provider or facility for gross negligence.
- Transfer Costs: If you need to relocate to a different nursing home, you may be eligible for payment to cover these expenses.
Our team will help you seek the maximum settlement when your caregivers have betrayed your trust.
Mike’s Got This! Schedule Your Free Consultation!
Turn to DM Injury Law for the care and attention you and your loved ones deserve. Our St. Louis bedsore lawyer will listen to your story and build a strong case, leading to a safer future.
Schedule your free consultation today. You don’t pay unless we win.
Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Past results obtained on behalf of clients afford no guarantee of future results, and every case is different and must be judged based on its own merits.
