South Carolina Nursing Home Abuse Update: Bed Sores Can Be Deadly

A recent arrest in South Carolina reveals the deadly risks presented by bed sores to vulnerable residents of nursing homes as well as those under home care.

2011-01-22

January 22, 2011 (Press-News.org) Elderly and infirm residents are made more vulnerable if the facilities they inhabit are made unsafe by nursing home negligence. Medication errors, abusive employees and inadequate security can all cause immediate injuries and other harm to people who most deserve society's protection.

In some cases, the harm takes longer to develop. Nursing home malnutrition may take months to detect and respond to if staff fails to heed subtle signs of inadequate food intake or physical decline. Other evidence of nursing home mistreatment includes bed sores, which can develop as a result of failing to properly bathe and clean a patient who is immobile. Bed sores can lead to severe complications that can cause serious illness or even wrongful death.

An example of the perils of untreated bed sores recently led to an arrest in West Columbia, South Carolina. Authorities charged the husband and daughter of an elderly woman who died from medical complications associated with numerous bed sores. Doctors who examined the woman found maggots in her wounds and noted that she weighed only 48 pounds after living bedridden in her home for well over a decade.

If under similar circumstances the party that provides substandard care is a South Carolina nursing home, a criminal investigation and abuse charges may follow, but family members can also consider taking legal action. Nursing home negligence claims hold facilities accountable for failing to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

Clear Advice From Nursing Home Mistreatment Attorneys

When a family suspects that an elderly loved one or other vulnerable adult has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect, advice from a personal injury lawyer can provide important insights. The complex legal issues presented by nursing home negligence claims require a steady hand and timely advice.

A nursing home abuse law firm can help you understand if you should inform authorities and whether you may need to pursue a negligence claim. In many cases, compensation gained from a civil action can be used to pay down medical expenses and help a nursing home resident secure the future care and attention he or she deserves.

Article provided by Pierce, Herns, Sloan & McLeod, LLC
Visit us at www.phsm.net

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