Costa Mesa Bed Sores Lawyer

Dedicated Costa Mesa Bed Sores Attorney

Experiencing the pain and discomfort that comes with a bed sore can range from mildly uncomfortable to acutely painful. If you or a loved one has developed bed sores because you are not being cared for adequately, you need a Costa Mesa bed sores lawyer who can review your case and help you obtain fair compensation.

Hire a Bed Sores Lawyer in Costa Mesa, CA

It can be overwhelming to handle the necessary process of overseeing proper care for a loved one and filing a claim after discovering neglect or abuse. You need to hire a bed sores lawyer who understands the laws and is ready to help you receive a fair settlement offer. At Hunter Law, PC, we have over 16 years of experience helping patients who have been neglected or abused at residential care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, or by in-home care providers.

Bed Sore Prevalence in the United States

Bed sores are a type of pressure injury that often occurs in people with mobility issues. These mobility issues prevent the person from shifting their weight effectively while sitting or lying down. In 2024, Net Health estimated that nearly 2.5 million people in the United States suffered from some kind of bed sore. Additionally, during 2024:

• $26.8 billion was spent treating pressure injuries
• 60,000 patients died from pressure injury complications
• 60% of bed sores could have been prevented

Residents of Costa Mesa who want to file a claim due to the negligent or reckless actions of a health care provider can do so in the Orange County Superior Court. Residents can file their claim at the Criminal Justice Center located in Santa Ana.

The Dangers Bed Sores Can Pose

Patients who are immobile often have to remain in a sitting or lying position. Without the ability to shift their body weight, they experience pressure points, friction, and shear, which can lead to the formation of a bed sore.

A bed sore may seem like a simple medical issue with standard treatment options, but if left untreated, bed sores can cause life-threatening complications and affect the quality of life of patients who suffer from them. Early signs of a bed sore include skin discoloration, swelling, drainage, and soreness.

When the early signs are ignored or not treated appropriately, they can lead to complications. Common complications include infections of the skin or soft tissue, infections that burrow into joints and bones, certain types of skin cancer, or infection complications that can lead to sepsis.

Steps in a Bed Sore Claim

Filing a court claim after a loved one has developed bed sores can be challenging without the proper guidance. A Costa Mesa bed sores attorney can help guide you through the court process and increase your chances of reaching a fair settlement. The typical stages in a bed sore claim include:

• Case review. When you schedule an initial consultation with a bed sores attorney, they can review the facts of your case and determine whether there is cause to file the claim.
• Initial investigation. Once you have found an experienced bed sores attorney, they can begin to investigate the claim and gather evidence.
• Official claim filing. Once the evidence has been gathered, the claim can be filed with the court system to begin the official civil court process.
• Discovery. After the claim has been filed, both sides engage in discovery. Discovery involves sharing the relevant case evidence. Your attorney can use this step to gather more evidence that supports your claim.
• Negotiation with the care provider. Before a trial, both sides have the opportunity to negotiate a fair settlement agreement without the case progressing to trial. If fair compensation can be agreed on, the case can end more quickly and with fewer overall expenses.
• Trial. If a fair agreement cannot be reached, the case then progresses to trial. At trial, each side presents evidence. The judge or jury examines all of the evidence and decides whether compensation is warranted.
• Verdict. A favorable verdict results in compensation being awarded by the judge. An unfavorable verdict means no compensation is awarded, but there is the option to appeal the decision.

FAQs About Costa Mesa, CA Bed Sores Law

What Are Some Common Causes of Bed Sores?

Bed sores are caused by three main things: pressure, friction, and shear. There are specific risk factors that increase the odds of a patient experiencing one or more of these three main causes. When a patient is partially or fully immobile, they have to be routinely repositioned to prevent bed sores. Poor nutrition and hydration can also weaken the skin, leading to an increased odds of developing bed sores.

What Is a Reasonable Settlement Offer for a Bed Sore Claim?

A reasonable settlement offer for a bed sore claim is determined based on the severity of the case and the strength of the evidence presented. Claims involving severe injuries often receive higher settlement offers than cases that involve minor injuries. Clear evidence of neglect and reckless behavior can also increase the amount of a settlement offer. A reasonable offer should cover medical expenses and intangible damages such as pain and suffering.

What Are the Odds of Winning a Malpractice Claim in California?

There are no specific odds of winning a malpractice claim in California, but your chances increase depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Thoroughly documented evidence can greatly increase the chances of winning a malpractice claim. Many claims are settled out of court through negotiations. The chances of winning a claim by going to trial are not greater than settling outside of court.

Are Hospitals Liable for Pressure Sores?

Yes, hospitals are liable for pressure sores that occur during a patient’s stay. Pressure sores are considered preventable when a patient receives appropriate care. Patients who are not monitored appropriately can develop pressure sores if they are not repositioned as often as necessary. Lack of proper hydration and nutrition can also increase the odds of developing pressure sores.

Contact Hunter Law, PC

Discovering abuse or neglect that affects the health and safety of a loved one can leave you feeling vulnerable and unsure of how to proceed. Our team has worked with numerous Orange County families experiencing a similar situation. Contact Hunter Law, PC, today to schedule your initial consultation.