Bed Sore – The Fourth and Final Stage: Free Consultation

Bed sore lawyers say that the fourth and final stage of pressure sores brings about a large scale loss of tissue. Some wounds may be so deep that tendons, bones, and muscles can actually become exposed. Within the depths of the wound, slough (dark dead tissue) and significant drainage is likely built up. We know that the fourth stage signifies deep and widespread skin damaged caused by the bed sore. Medical attention is required to preserve the health and life of patients.

The Road to Recovery

new jersey philadelphia bedsore attorneys fourth stage final recoveryPeople need to get in contact with their doctor or health care provider as soon as possible. This stage of bed sores can lead to a serious deterioration of health and even worse, it could cause death. Following a medical consultation, it is imperative that people closely monitor the status of the bed sore. We know that the first sign of recovery will be that the wound will slowly begin to diminish in width and depth. New tissue will begin to form along the edges of the sore, which will generally be a light pinkish color. People may also notice blood at the site of the wound: although most people usually see blood as a bad sign, in the case of bed sore recovery it is actually a positive sign. Bed sore attorneys believe that blood shows that there is good circulation in this region of the bed sore which will help the region begin to heal.

Bed Sore Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one has recently suffered from a pressure sore which you attribute to neglect or mistreatment, it is possible that you would like to speak with our professionals. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Bed Sore – Stage Three, Signs and Suggestions: Free Consultation

The third stage of the bed sore progression brings about significant changes and a more dramatic wound. Unlike stage two, where the wound only extended into the top layer of the skin, stage three has a much more extended skin break. The breakdown in the skin now extends through the second layer of the skin, known as the dermis, into the fat and subcutaneous tissue. Bed sore lawyers say that the wounds in stage three are noticeably deeper than in prior stages.

How to Care for a Stage Three Bed Sore

new jersey philadelphia Bed Sore lawyers stage three signs suggestionsMany of the general treatment suggestions from previous bed sore phases remain similar in stage three. Once again, it is essential to keep pressure off of the pressure sore. We stress the importance of frequently changing positions and alleviating the pressure between the wound and outer surfaces, such as wheelchairs and beds. Cleaning the sore and maintaining good hygiene is once again crucial to the healing of a pressure sore. Yellow shaded dead tissue, known as slough, may appear within the wound which is a main reason cleanliness carries such importance at this stage. Our professionals also advise that maintaining a healthy diet during stage three is important to strengthen the skin. Wounds that are present in stage three almost always call for additional care and treatment. Special cleaning, antibiotic medication, or specially created beds and mattresses may be suggested by a physician to help limit pressure and promote recovery.

Bed Sore Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one have recently suffered from a pressure sore which you attribute to neglect or mistreatment, you probably would like to speak with a bed sore attorney. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Bed Sores – Stage 2, What to Do: Free Consultation

Bed sore lawyers urge patients to be on the look out for the deterioration of skin as a signal that a bed sore condition is worsening. Stage one of the pressure sore process begins with some slight changes to the skin that may not be easy to notice and therefore may not cause patients to seek medical attention. Stage two is more noticeable due to breaking in the top layer of skin. This should be apparent because a shallow open sore will develop.

How to Cope with the Second Stage of Bed Sores

new jersey philadelphia Bed Sore lawyers explain bedsores stage 2It is essential that people keep pressure off of the open sore in order to limit damage and irritation to the skin. Patients should also maintain good hygiene and a strong and nutritious diet. Although cleanliness is important, it is essential to delicately clean and dry the wound as opposed to a vigorous rubbing motion which could cause further damage. There are many important vitamins and nutrients which contribute to healthy skin. People should be sure to have a sufficient intake of protein, calories, zinc, iron, and vitamins A and C.

After consulting with your doctor, a number of possible treatments may be presented. It is sometimes proposed that patients clean their wound only with saline solution, as opposed to a more conventional soap and water technique. Secondly, patients may be required to check for signs of wound healing with each change of their dressing in order to monitor progress of the bed sore. We believe that most doctors will also be highly concerned with infection during stage two. If a wound seems to be infected, rather than healing, a consultation with a physician is necessary to re-evaluate treatment and possible causes of the problem.

Bed Sore Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one has recently suffered from a pressure sore which you attribute to neglect or mistreatment, it is possible that you would like to speak with a bed sore attorney. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Bed Sores – Stage 1 and Early Prevention: Free Consultation

We believe that it is essential to notice warning signs of bed sores and pressure ulcers as soon as possible in order to limit potential health issues down the road. Although bed sores are vaguely noticeable on the skin in the early stages, these wounds can quickly intensify and significantly impact the health of individuals. Bed sore attorneys stress the importance of frequently changing positions, especially in hospital beds and wheelchairs, as well as frequent skin examinations to catch bed sores before they develop. The risks are great when dealing with pressure sores and early prevention is the only way to ensure the health of loved ones.

The Beginning Stage of Bed Sores

new jersey philadelphia bed sores lawyers stage one early preventionAs pressure sores begin to develop, the skin will remain intact. This may confuse people into believing that it is simply a skin rash rather than the development of something more severe. People with a lighter complexion will notice that their skin is becoming red. Individuals with darker skin may not notice any significant changes in the coloring of the skin. People will also notice that their skin will not blanch, or briefly lighten, when it is touched or pressure is asserted.

Finally, bed sore attorneys say that the location of the bed sore may bring about many different sensations in patients. The pressure sore could be painful as skin begins to deteriorate. The skin may also begin to feel increasingly firm or soft, which will differ among individuals. The site of the pressure sore may also feel warmer or cooler than the other surrounding skin. All of these different appearances and sensations should be a warning sign that a bed sore is beginning to develop and medical attention is immediately necessary. We firmly believe that this discomfort forces many people to realize that they are not suffering from a normal rash therefore they immediately seek help and hopefully prevent a tragic outcome.

Bed Sore Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a loved one has recently suffered from a bed sore due to improper medical care or neglect, it is possible that you would like to speak with a bed sore attorney. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Bed Sore Attorneys – CA Lawsuit Shows Typical Medical Center Conduct

Bed Sore AttorneysThe family of Esperanza Garcia has recently filed a complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court following her death in October, 2010. Garcia’s daughter, Irene, is seeking general and special money damages as compensation for her mother’s pain and suffering, as well as costs and fees associated with the litigation. The complaint alleges that the Los Angeles Medical Center was reckless in their treatment and care of the ill woman. Esperanza was extremely ill when she entered the medical facility but she did not suffer from any bed sores or pressure ulcers at the time she entered the center. The bed sore attorneys said that once the bed sores began developing on the 64 year old woman, the personnel at the center did not report the severity of the ulcers or properly treat them.

Death Resulted Only One Day Following Removal From the Facility

The medical center should have been on notice that the elderly woman was at significant risk to develop bed sores because of the likelihood of skin breakdown. The center failed to follow any means of prevention in order to limit the possibility of bed sores. Not only did Garcia’s open wounds go untreated, she was also forced to continue to lie on them. Even worse, the woman was left uncared for in her own excrement for extended periods of time as the sores intensified. The bed sore attorneys found that rather than show the proper medical records, center officials deliberately covered up the documented pressure sores and attempted to re characterize them as merely a skin rash. Following this neglect, the family removed Garcia from the medical center but her condition had worsened beyond treatment and she passed away only a day later. Bed sore attorneys believe that this type of neglect and failure to understand the seriousness of bed sores is more prevalent than most would believe.

Bed Sore Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or a family member has recently suffered from pressure ulcers due to neglect or failed treatment, it is possible that you have some questions for bed sore attorneys. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at 856-833-0600 in New Jersey, or 215-567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Neglect Leads to $2 Million Verdict Award in Georgia

new jersey philadelphia nursing home neglect attorneys million verdict award georgia bedsoresA jury in Georgia recently awarded $2million to Elizabeth Costlow for the wrongful death of her 82 year old mother, Ruby Mae Tyle. Tyler was a patient at the Rockmart Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for a little over 3 months when she passed away. Costlow contended that her mother died due to nursing home neglect. The jury found that the Subacute Services, Inc., based in Florida, was liable and awarded the large verdict in the 2008 death of Tyler. In the short time Tyler was a patient at the nursing home, the neglect in her care lead to the development of bed sores (pressure ulcers). The lawsuit claimed that the nursing home’s negligence led to these bed sores which, in turn, contributed to Tyler’s death.

Elderly Patients Deserve to Live and Die With Dignity

The Defense made a depraved argument that Tyler was sick with numerous illnesses and that she was going to die anyway. The plaintiff’s attorney argued that it wasn’t about whether Tyler was sick or going to die at some point, but that it was about being allowed to “die with dignity.” He argued that the pressure ulcers or bed sores were rooted in neglect at the nursing home and that these directly caused the patient’s death. Just because someone is at their last stages of their life doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to die with dignity!

Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you believe your loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, get in touch with our professional nursing home neglect attorneys. We are dedicated to ensuring that all people have the right to live and die with dignity. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-1896 in New Jersey, and (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Bed Sore Lawyers: Nutritious Diet Key to Recovery

Bed sore lawyers believe that patients who suffer from pressure ulcers need to meet with a dietitian as soon as possible. In association with a licensed dietitian, patients can determine the best diet for supporting healing and promoting recovery. Many elderly people who suffer from bed sores likely do not receive the proper nutrients daily. A malnourished individual who does not get a recommended daily diet lacks the capacity to synthesize protein in order to repair tissue.

Questionnaire and Examination Generally Assist in Prescribing an Adequate Diet

new jersey philadelphia bed sore lawyers Nutritious Diet Key RecoveryThrough a series of questions and a physical examination, a physician can get a better sense of the strength and nutrition an individual is receiving. After the test, if the doctor believes that a patient may be malnourished, tests should be run to monitor the serum albumin and lymphocyte counts. Dietary supplements and nutrients should be prescribed for a patient who is at risk for malnutrition. Possible supplements and nutrients can include Vitamins A, B, C, and E, arginine, glutamine, magnesium, selenium, manganese, and zinc, among others. If a patient is assigned to take these vitamins and minerals, it is imperative that a physician’s instructions are strictly followed. Bed sore lawyers believe that the strength of these minerals and vitamins can lead to severe issues regarding health if they are taken in improper dosages. They also believe that high protein diets increase the speed and effectiveness regarding pressure ulcers.

Everyone, regardless of age, should engage in healthy eating to ensure that they are receiving adequate vitamins. This sort of healthy lifestyle and diet is even more important in those who suffer from bed sores because it takes a healthy body to combat these ulcers and infection.

Bed Sore Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If a loved one has acquired a pressure ulcer while in a nursing home or has had negligent treatment of a bed sore or pressure ulcer, you may have questions for a bed sore lawyer. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, and (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Bed Sore Lawyers With Interventions for Halting Bed Sore Development

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers interventions halting bedsore developmentBed sores are injuries to the skin and the underlying tissues. They occur from prolonged pressure on the skin. The skin typically affected is that skin that covers bony areas of the body. These areas include, but are not limited to, heels, ankles, hips, or buttocks. People with medical conditions that limit their movements and require the use of a wheelchair, or patients that are bedridden, sustain the highest risk of developing bed sores or pressure ulcers. Those in nursing homes sometimes develop them from nursing home neglect and abuse. When a patients movement is limited, caregivers have to follow certain protocols to make sure these painful and dangerous bed sores and pressure ulcers are prevented.

Unfortunately, bed sores and pressure ulcers do occur. When these bed sores do occur, surgery or skin removal is often the route to recovery. There are a variety of options regarding skin removal and having a whole treatment team and plan in place can be very helpful. There are also non-surgical treatments that can be very helpful.

Interventions That May be Used to Halt Bed Sores

Below is a list of interventions that can help halt the development of dangerous and often fatal bed sores and pressure ulcers.

Pain Management

Pain Management is one very important non surgical intervention that is necessary in effectively healing a patient that has aquired a bed sore. Pain is a serious problem with bed sores and often the treatment is very painful as well. Therefore, proper pain management helps in the recovery process. Ibuprofen and naproxen are helpful anti-inflammatory drugs. They can be particularly useful when the patient is having debridement of the tissue, and dressings that need to be changed.

Antibiotics

Bed sores and pressure ulcers can become infected since they are open wounds. These infections can lead to many dangerous complications. Therefore, antibiotics may be necessary. Topical or oral antibiotics may be used according to the discrection of the treating physician.

Diet

Diet can also be another great intervention for those suffering from bed sores and pressure ulcers. In fact, an appropriate diet can help prevent a person from aquiring them in the first place. Appropriate nutrition and hydration can help promote wound healing. High protein diets, as well as those rich in vitamins and minerals are very beneficial. Sometimes, dietary supplements such as vitamin C and zinc are also ordered.

Muscle Spasm Relief

With the help of prescribed medications, muscle spasm relief can also be a useful intervention in the right patient. Sometimes, muscle relaxants can help reduce muscle spasms and help enable healing. Muscle spasms can worsen bed sores due to friction or shearing when they occur. The use of diazepam (Valium), tizanidine (Zanaflex), or other related prescriptions can be useful to curtail this effect. Of course, this course of action would be guided by the patient’s physician.

Bed Sore Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Our lawyers want to make the public aware of some of the dangers that can come from nurisng home neglect. Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers are one sign of neglect and abuse that takes place in nursing homes and long term care facilities nationwide. Your knowledge of the symptoms and treatments of bed sores can make all the difference for your loved one. If you feel that proper care has not been given, however, further action may be necesary to protect the patient’s rights.
Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-066 in New Jersey, and (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Attorneys Warn of Complications Associated with Bed Sores

new jersey philadelphia Bed Sore lawyers warn complications associatedBed sores are a debilitating and completely avoidable occurrence in a nursing home or other similar care facility. As bedsore lawyers, it is important that we alert our public of the dangers of bed sores and what their formation means for the quality of care our loved ones are receiving in nursing homes. Bed sores are not only painful, but can lead to serious complications.

Bed sores or pressure ulcers are defined as “injuries to the skin and underlying tissues that result from prolonged pressure on the skin.” Bedsores most often deveolp on skin that covers bony areas of the body such as the heel, ankles, hips or buttocks, and they occur when a patient in a nursing home or long term facility is receiving negligent care. When staff members fail to reposition bed or wheelchair ridden patients, bedsores will form. We believe it is important that we educate everyone on the dangerous complications that can arise from the development and subsequent non-treatment of bed sores and pressure ulcers.

Complications from Bed Sores

Sepsis — Sepsis occurs when bacteria gets into your blood stream through broken skin. Because bed sores are essentially open wounds, Sepsis is a real threat. Once this occurs, the bacteria moves rapidly through your body causing a life threatening condition that can lead to organ failure.

Cellulitis — Cellulitis is an acute infection of your skin’s connective tissue. It causes pain, redness, and swelling, all of which can be quite severe. Cellulitis itself can also lead to life threatening complications including sepsis and meningitis, which is an infection of the membrane and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord.

Bone and Joint Infections — Bone and joint infections occur when the infection from a bed sore goes deep into your joints and bones, limiting the function of joints and limbs. Often times, people that aquire bed sores already suffer from limited functionality, so these infections make movement all the more difficult.

Cancer — Even Cancer has been linked to bed sores. The devolpment of a certain squamous cell carcinoma can develop from non healing wounds. It is an aggressive cancer and usually requires surgery.

Bed Sore Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you or someone you love has suffered from a bed sore due to the negligence of a nursing home or long term care facility, your nightmare may just be beginning. It is important that treatment begin promptly to not only heal the bedsore, but to hopefully prevent some of the possibly painful and deadly complications that can arise.
Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may alsow call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, and (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Nursing Home Neglect Can Lead to Bed Sores

Nursing home neglect is a huge cause for the development of bed sores and pressure ulcers. Nursing homes and long term patient care centers are responsible for giving good and professional care to their patients. Often, when a nursing home has a record of neglect or abuse, you will find patients that have acquired painful and often dangerous bed sores. It is important for a patient’s loved ones to know the symptoms and signs of bed sores and pressure ulcers so that they can immediately take action when stage one bed sores start to form.
When it comes to bed sores, prevention is the best medicine, but if prevention isn’t happening due to abuse or neglect on the part of the nursing home, a loved one needs to be ready to step in and take action. The best thing you can do to protect your loved one is to become familiar with the bedsore symptoms and stages so immediate help can be given.

Symptoms of Bed Sores and Pressure Ulcers

new jersey philadelphia bedsores pressure sores lawyers nursing home neglectBed sores are categorized into 4 stages. The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel has defined the four stages. If these stages aren’t treated, they will continue to worsen.

Stage I
Stage I bed sores are characterized by a slight may change color in the area affected. The skin is intact, but the site may also painful, firm, soft, warmer or cooler compared with the surrounding skin.

Stage II
Stage II bed sores are an open wound. The pressure ulcer may appear as a shallow wound, or it may appear as an intact or ruptured fluid blister.

Stage III
Stage III bed sores are now a deep wound. The ulcer will have a crater like appearance, the bottom of the wound my have yellowish dead tissue, and the damage may now extend beyond the primary wound.

Stage IV
Stage IV pressure ulcers show a large scale loss of tissue. The wound may now expose muscle, bone and tendons. The bottom of the wound usually contains crusty dead tissue, and the damage extends beyond the primary wound below layers of healthy skin.

Careful Skin Inspection Should be Part of Routine Nursing Home Care

It is very important that nursing homes carfully inspect the skin of all nursing home patients that are confined to a bed or wheelchair for a long period of time . Not properly inspecting these patients is a true sign of nursing home neglect. If you recognize any of these warning signs, a doctor should be contacted immediately. Bed sores are very painful, and they are also very dangerous, as they can lead to life threatening infections. Early detection of a bed sore can be the difference between life and death.

Bedsores are a Sure Sign of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse

If your loved one has acquired a bed sore while in a nursing home, or has had negligent treatment of a bed sore or pressure ulcer, immediately seek further medical attention. Our lawyers are dedicated to holding nursing homes responsible. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, and (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.