Bed Sores · Falls · Medication Errors · Wrongful Death
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Elder Abuse & Nursing Home Neglect
Unstageable Bedsores Are Serious Wounds
Bed sores have four stages of deterioration:
stage I bedsores
stage II bedsores
stage III bedsores
stage IV bedsores
However, at times, bedsores can also be categorized as “unstageable.” An unstageable bedsore is when the depth and deterioration of the wound is unclear and thus accurate staging cannot be determined.
Unstageable bedsores are always very serious wounds. It is officially categorized as being at least a stage III bedsore or may even be a stage IV bedsore.
The medical community categorizes bedsores as unstageable bedsores as a medical error that should not happen. When unstageable bedsores develop, it is a serious threat to the individual’s health. Unstageable bed sores are commonly a sign of nursing home neglect. If an unstageable wound is not aggressively treated and closely monitored it will deteriorate and likely become life-threatening.
Understanding Unstageable Bed Sores
Unstageable bed sores are wounds with substantial skin or tissue loss. The actual depth of the ulcer cannot be determined because a gel-like substance known as “slough” and dead tissue “eschar” obscure the view of the wound bed. Until these can be removed, the true depth of the bedsore cannot be determined. The only thing that is certain is that the bedsore is at least a stage III bedsore and quite possibly a stage IV bedsore.
A Nursing Home’s Responsibilities in Dealing with Unstageable Bedsores
Upon discovery of a unstageable bedsore, a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or New Jersey nursing home must take immediate and aggressive action. The bedsore has now reached a stage that makes healing the wound much more difficult. In light of this, the nursing home staff and physicians must take aggressive measures to prevent further deterioration and promote healing of the wound.
Some of these actions include:
- Debridements (surgical removal of devitalized or contaminated tissue)
- Introduction of devices including a wound vac to help remove fluids and increase blood flow
- Timely wound dressing changes
- Turning and repositioning residents at a minimum of every 2 hours
- Using off-loading devices including: foam padding and specialty bedding
- Providing proper nutrition and hydration
- Applying wound creams as directed by a medical professional
Philadelphia / PA and NJ nursing homes must also review the nursing home resident’s plan of care and determine if changes need to be made. The nursing home must also ensure that treatment interventions listed on the care plan are be provided both properly and timely. If the staff are not doing these things, the Philadelphia, PA or NJ nursing home can be held liable for the unstageable bed sore.
You Need An Experienced NJ / PA Bedsore Attorney
If your loved one has developed an unstageable bedsore, you need to contact NJ / PA bedsore attorney immediately. Brian P. Murphy has been bringing actions against Philadelphia / Pennsylvania and New Jersey nursing homes for neglect including poor bed sore care for years.
Mr. Murphy is very familiar with the neglect that can lead to the development of and unstageable bed sore. He also understands the legal responsibilities Philadelphia, PA and NJ nursing homes have when it comes to preventing and treating unstageable bed sores. If an unstageable bed sore develops, Mr. Murphy is well-versed in where to look and with whom to speak to determine if the nursing home acted improperly.
If the New Jersey or Pennsylvania nursing home does not act properly, Mr. Murphy will hold them responsible for their actions. Below are some examples of the duties nursing homes have to nursing home residents in order to prevent unstageable bed sores:
- Nursing homes must assess their residents upon admission for the likelihood they may develop a bed sore. If a nursing home fails to do this and an unstageable bed sore develops, the nursing home can be held accountable for the bed sore.
- Should a nursing home resident have an unstageable bed sore and be at risk of it deteriorating more, the nursing home staff must create a plan of care that will prevent further wound deterioration. Interventions typically include but are not limited to:
- Off-loading of pressure via turning and repositioning
- Adding surface cushions and mattresses
- Continuous monitoring and regular cleaning of the wound
- Application of infection barrier creams
If this type of care does not happen, the nursing home can be held responsible for the neglect.
- Care intervention must be implemented timely and regularly by the nursing staff. If the nursing home staff does not do this, the nursing home can be held accountable.
Contact Nursing Home Attorney Brian P. Murphy
If your loved one has developed an unstageable bed sore, you should learn your legal rights. Contact nursing home bed sore attorney Brian P. Murphy. Mr. Murphy practices nursing home abuse / neglect and bed sore cases in Philadelphia and throughout PA and NJ. Mr. Murphy offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis.
Take a moment to read testimonials from Mr. Murphy’s former clients.
* Nothing on this website is to be construed as attorney advice or otherwise creating an attorney-client relationship.
