Failure to Treat Sores Leading to Leg Amputation - $1.5 Million Settlement
A lawsuit was filed on behalf of a client who developed ulcers on her leg while recovering in bed after spinal surgery. Although ulcers and bedsores can develop when a person is unable to move for long periods of time and medical personnel fail to take proper steps to reposition the patient, the medical malpractice in this case also involved what happened after the ulcers appeared.
The lawsuit was brought against both the primary care doctor and the nursing home for failing to treat the leg ulcers and intervene in a timely manner.
The lawsuit alleged that the ulcers could likely have been treated properly if they had been identified and addressed early. Instead, the failure to treat them led to a serious infection, gangrene, and the eventual loss of her leg. The case proceeded to trial in an effort to secure the maximum recovery for our client. Shortly before closing arguments, the medical providers agreed to settle the case for $1,500,000.
About Bedsore Malpractice
People are admitted to hospitals and nursing homes for many different conditions and illnesses. While they are there, the medical staff usually focuses on diagnosing and treating the condition that brought the patient into the facility. Although that focus is understandable, the staff must never lose sight of the fact that new and potentially more dangerous complications may develop during the patient’s stay.
One of the most serious complications is a bedsore, also known as a pressure ulcer or decubitus ulcer.
If a patient is mobile and can easily turn in bed, sit up, walk to the bathroom, or change position without help, it is less likely that a pressure ulcer will develop. These injuries are generally caused by a lack of movement. An immobile patient who remains in bed and is not turned or moved by nursing staff can experience prolonged pressure on certain parts of the body, often the heels, ankles, hips, tailbone, buttocks, or head.
This pressure, especially in bony areas, can reduce blood flow to the affected area. Blood flow is necessary to carry oxygen and nutrients to the skin and tissue. When circulation is compromised, the skin may begin to die, followed by the tissue underneath. If left untreated, deeper tissue damage can occur, and bone may eventually become exposed. Pressure ulcers are commonly categorized in four stages:
- Stage 1: In the beginning stage, the skin may appear red or discolored. Although the area may be tender, the skin is not yet broken. When pressure is removed from the site, the discoloration remains.
- Stage 2: In the second stage, the skin is broken, and there may be drainage of pus or fluid. The broken top layer of skin creates a shallow sore.
- Stage 3: In the third stage, the wound remains open and extends into deeper layers of skin. The wound may reach fatty tissue, and drainage may still be present.
- Stage 4: In the final stage of a pressure ulcer, the tissue breakdown is even deeper and may reach muscle or bone. Without emergency treatment or surgery, this condition can become life-threatening.
Who Is Responsible?
These types of ulcers are not the fault of the patient, nor are they the fault of the patient’s family. Responsibility rests with the nurses, medical staff, and care providers entrusted with the patient’s well-being. It takes little time out of the day to reposition an immobile patient, monitor skin condition, and respond to early warning signs.
Whether the patient is in a hospital or a nursing home, failing to help an immobile patient avoid pressure ulcers may constitute medical negligence. In some circumstances, it may also support a claim involving nursing home abuse or neglect.
If you believe that your loved one suffered because of medical negligence, call Sexner Injury Lawyers LLC at (312) 243-9922 or contact us online for a free consultation.
