Pressure injuries, also referred to as bedsores and pressure ulcers, occur due to sustained pressure restricting blood flow. The consistent pressure damages the skin and underlying tissue, leading to worsening injury and serious health concerns. Most pressure injuries are avoidable with appropriate repositioning, skin monitoring, and hygiene. Pressure ulcers may indicate negligent or substandard care. If you or a loved one develops a pressure injury due to inadequate or negligent care, it may be grounds for legal recourse.
There are various key signs indicating inadequate care, which results in pressure injuries. One of the most prominent signs of negligent care is a failure to reposition or turn patients. The warning signs of failing to turn patients include patients remaining in the same position for hours, visible indentations or marks from bedsheets or chairs, and staff not following a documented turning schedule. Immobility is a major risk factor for developing pressure sores; for this reason, patients should be repositioned frequently to avoid pressure injuries. Additionally, poor hygiene and skin care may lead to pressure injuries. The warning signs include patients left in soiled clothing or bedding, dirty or unkempt appearance, and skin that appears dry, cracked or overly moist. Moisture and poor hygiene heighten the risk of skin breakdown, which increases the likelihood of pressure injuries. Regular bathing, skin inspections, and clean, dry bedding are essential for preventing pressure injuries. Lack of proper nutrition and hydration, such as noticeable weight loss, dehydration, skipping meals or fluids, dry lips, sunken eyes, and lethargy, can all be signs of poor nutrition and hydration. Delayed or inadequate wound care, including untreated or worsening wounds, lack of documentation regarding dressing changes, and signs of infection, also signifies negligent care.
Understaffing and overworked caregivers may lead to patients developing severe pressure ulcers. Long wait times for assistance, rushed and overwhelmed staff, and frequent complaints from residents about care quality may be warning signs. Inconsistent or missing medical records are a giant red flag signaling negligent care. Warning signs of improper medical documentation include missing charts on turning schedules or skin assessments and staff being unable to provide consistent information about the patient’s care. Changes in a patient’s behavior or mood may also signal negligent care. Patients may become increasingly agitated, irritable, or withdrawn. They may complain of pain or discomfort and fear specific staff members.
It is important to notice warning signs of negligent care and perform regular visits of loved ones. Make sure to document concerns and take photos of any visible wounds, making sure to report them to the facility’s management. If you suspect negligent care has led to a pressure ulcer for you or a loved one, consult with a personal injury attorney to determine your next steps. Legal action helps hold negligent parties accountable and can help prevent further harm.