Fullerton Bed Sores Lawyer

Trusted Fullerton Bed Sores Attorney

It can be devastating to see a loved one in pain from injuries caused by the neglect of those who are in charge of the well-being of their patients. When a patient relies on a wheelchair to get around or is bedridden, there is the possibility of developing sores from the lack of physical movement. If you suspect your loved one has developed these sores because they are not being properly cared for, you need a Fullerton bed sores lawyer.

Hire a Bed Sores Lawyer

Bed sores can develop naturally in patients who are immobile, but assisted living facilities and care providers should have procedures in place to prevent sores from occurring. If you suspect your loved one is not being properly cared for, you need to hire a bed sores lawyer who can review your case and help you communicate with the people responsible for your loved one’s care. At Hunter Law, PC, we know which safety standards are required of caregivers.

Bed Sore Prevalence in the United States

Bed sores, also called pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are a type of pressure injury caused when an area of skin receives reduced blood flow and is subjected to friction over an extended period of time. Net Health, in a 2024 article, provides information on bed sore prevalence in the United States. Each year, over 2.5 million Americans develop bed sores. Additionally:

• 60,000 patients die each year from pressure injury-related complications
• $26.8 billion is spent annually to treat pressure injuries
• 60% of bed sores are preventable with proper care

If you or a loved one has developed bed sores while in the care of a facility or when being cared for by a professional caregiver, you may have to file a claim in court to seek reimbursement and hold these individuals responsible for their poor care. In Fullerton, personal injury cases are filed in the Superior Court of Orange County at the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.

Common Causes of Bed Sores

There are many reasons why someone may be immobile. Spinal cord injuries, bone sprains or fractures, advanced age, and various disabilities can prevent someone from properly moving or repositioning themselves when lying down or sitting. This lack of movement puts pressure on the body and can damage the skin. In some instances, bed sores can develop after only a few hours of immobility. Some common causes of bed sores include:

• Long periods of immobility
• Insufficient repositioning
• Poor nutrition or dehydration
• Poorly trained caregivers or facility staff
• Inadequate monitoring of patients
• Failure to treat the early signs of a pressure injury

The Dangers Bed Sores Can Pose

A bed sore can form anywhere where the skin is in prolonged contact with another surface, but they are commonly found in the tailbone, buttocks, or lower back region, on the back or sides of the head, on the shoulder blades or spine, or on the back of the legs or arms. Common complications caused by bed sores include:

• Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and soft tissue.
• Bone or joint infections, which can cause septic arthritis or osteomyelitis.
• Cancer, in the form of a squamous cell carcinoma, can create a large, nonhealing wound.
• Sepsis, although rare, can occur due to complications caused by infection.

FAQs About Fullerton, CA Bed Sores Law

Are Bed Sores Considered a Sign of Neglect in California?

Bed sores can be considered a sign of neglect in California, depending on the severity of the sore. More advanced bed sores, or those that have become infected, can be an indicator that the patient has not been cared for during an extended period of time. Bed sores can also be a sign of poor hygiene standards or poor nutritional standards in a care facility. Bed sores are generally considered preventable, so when they occur, they could indicate neglect.

What Is the Average Payout for Filing a Bed Sore Case?

There is no average payout in a bed sore case, but there are factors that influence the potential payout amount. Cases where the bed sores were severe, infected, or resulted in complications that caused the patient’s death have the potential for a larger payout. The degree of negligence and recklessness demonstrated by the caregiver or facility can also influence the total payout amount. The total payout is also affected by whether the case is settled outside of court.

What Evidence Is Needed in a Bed Sore Claim in California?

In California, when a bed sore claim is filed, the filer must prove that the caregiver or facility acted recklessly when causing the injury. Proving negligence alone is not sufficient. Different types of evidence can help establish that a patient was treated recklessly. Medical records, doctors’ notes, photos, videos, care plan logs or records, testimony from witnesses, and financial documents can all help to prove recklessness.

Are Bed Sores Medical Negligence?

Bed sores can be considered medical negligence depending on the circumstances of the case. When a patient is immobile, it is the responsibility of the care facility or caregiver to ensure the patient is repositioned properly to prevent bed sores. When bed sores form due to improper hygiene or inadequate nutrition, it can be a sign of overall neglect or abuse. Bed sores can also indicate negligence or abuse if they are not properly treated.

Is It Normal to Develop Bed Sores if You Are Immobile?

Yes, it is normal to develop bed sores if you are immobile, but bed sores are preventable with diligent care. When someone is immobile, they should be repositioned every hour or two to prevent the pressure and friction that causes bed sores. Redistributing the pressure on which areas of the body can prevent a bed sore from forming. It is also important to keep the skin clean and dry. Proper nutrition can also help keep the skin healthy.

Contact Hunter Law, PC – Trusted Law Firm

Our team has over 16 years of experience representing clients who have been mistreated in residential care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, hospice care, and hospitals. Our professional skills focus on negotiating and litigating for those who often lack the ability to advocate for themselves. Contact Hunter Law, PC, today to schedule your initial consultation.