Albuquerque Nursing Home Bedsores Lawyer

Albuquerque Nursing Home Bedsores Attorney

Bedsores are incredibly painful and are often a sign of neglect. If your loved one has suffered from bedsores while under professional care, Branch Law Firm can help. Our experienced Albuquerque nursing home bedsores lawyers help families hold facilities accountable for their negligence.

What Are Bedsores?

Bedsores, or pressure ulcers, are injuries to the skin’s underlying tissues due to pressure on the skin. They often develop in areas where bone is close to the surface. Common areas for bedsores include the tailbone, hips, and shoulders.

There are four stages of bedsore progression:

• Stage 1. Discolored skin may feel warm or tender to the touch.
• Stage 2. The top layer of skin breaks open and forms a shallow sore or blister.
• Stage 3. The sore deepens, exposing fat tissue. It becomes a crater-like wound.
• Stage 4. Muscle, bone, or tendons become visible. Infections become extremely serious at this stage.

With proper care, bedsores are preventable. However, inadequate staffing and negligent supervision are some of the most common causes of nursing home bedsore cases. Bedridden and paralyzed residents are often at the greatest risk.

The Journal of the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association reported that 29% of analyzed nursing home residents experienced pressure ulcers during their stay. In addition, 17-35% of nursing home residents already have bedsores upon admittance to the care facility.

When Bedsores Are a Sign of Abuse or Neglect

Bedsores can be a warning sign of neglect. When caregivers fail to reposition residents, change bedding, or provide proper nutrition, the residents suffer. They are put at greater risk of pain and infection.

Branch Law Firm works to investigate the signs of neglect and uncover the truth. We review staffing logs and medical charts to determine whether negligence played a role in your loved one’s injuries.

Other signs of abuse or neglect can include:

• Unexplained bruises or injuries
• Sudden weight loss
• Poor hygiene or odor
• Emotional withdrawal or fear of the staff
• Unsanitary living conditions
• Dehydration or malnutrition

Available Compensation for Bedsore Cases

Bedsore injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and sometimes hospitalization. Families can seek damages for both economic and non-economic losses. These can include:

• Medical expenses, such as hospitalization, wound care, and surgery
• Pain and suffering
• Relocation costs to a safer facility
• Emotional distress for both the resident and their family
• Punitive damages in cases of willful neglect or abuse

The Albuquerque nursing home bedsore lawyers of Branch Law Firm ensure nursing homes are held accountable for negligent actions. Our goal is to protect your loved ones and prevent future harm to other residents.

How Bedsore Cases Work

Branch Law Firm’s investigation process involves careful medical documentation and a deep understanding of how nursing homes work. If you suspect your loved one has suffered because of the negligence of their care facility, we can walk you through the legal process of seeking compensation.

The process generally follows these steps:

• Initial consultation. We discuss your concerns, review available medical records, and evaluate the strength of your case.
• Evidence gathering. We collect photos, witness statements, and care records from the facility.
• Professional review. We work with medical professionals to determine whether the bedsores could have been prevented.
• Legal strategy. Our team builds a case that shows how the nursing home violated its duty of care.
• Negotiation or trial. We then pursue full compensation through a settlement. This could involve negotiations with the nursing home or, if necessary, court proceedings.

Why You Should Choose Branch Law Firm

Branch Law Firm offers decades of experience. Our team provides compassionate care to our clients, crafting a personalized case to defend your loved one.

We don’t back down from large corporations or insurance companies. Our deep knowledge of New Mexico elder care laws gives us the edge when building your case. Hire a nursing home bedsores lawyer, and we can thoroughly investigate every aspect of your loved one’s care to get them the justice they deserve and the promise of a safer future.

FAQs

Can You Sue a Nursing Home for Bedsores?

Yes, it’s possible to file a legal claim against a nursing home for bedsores or pressure ulcers. You’ll need to show that the facility owed a duty of care to the resident, breached that duty, and that the breach ultimately led to the bedsores. This would be framed as a negligence or nursing home abuse case.

How Long Does It Take to Win a Bedsore Lawsuit?

The time it takes for a bedsore claim to fully process really varies depending on many circumstances. Clear facts and liability can speed up the process. More complex cases that involve serious injury, death, or contested liability can take much longer. The timeline also depends on gathering medical records, professional testimony, and court scheduling.

How to File a Lawsuit Against a Nursing Home?

To file a legal claim against a nursing home, you’ll need the help of a skilled Albuquerque nursing home bedsore lawyer. Then, you’ll gather all relevant records and other evidence, such as photographs. Document evidence of neglect or breach of care and the resulting harm. You’ll identify the responsible parties and file a complaint with the Second Judicial District Court in Albuquerque. Negotiations can begin, and your case may proceed to trial before coming to a settlement.

Are Bedsores Medical Negligence?

Bedsores can be considered medical negligence, but it depends on the circumstances. If the bedsores resulted from failure of medical or nursing care, the negligence claim may apply. The claim would more than likely fall under the umbrella of elder abuse and neglect rather than medical negligence. The key to a successful case is proving that the injuries could have been prevented under accepted standards of care.

Hire a Nursing Home Bedsores Lawyer

Bedsores are preventable. If your loved one has suffered due to nursing home negligence, reach out to Branch Law Firm today to schedule a consultation. We’re ready to stand up for your loved one’s rights and seek the compensation you need to provide safe care and recovery.