Bed Sores · Falls · Medication Errors · Wrongful Death
Serving all of New Jersey & Pennsylvania including Philadelphia
Elder Abuse & Nursing Home Neglect
Understanding: What are bed sores?
Also called pressure ulcers or pressure sores, bed sores are injuries to the skin and its underlying tissue that has resulted from extended pressure. Bed sores frequently develop on bony areas of the body, ones that protrude, including:
- hips
- tailbones
- heels
- ankles
- and more
Learn more about what causes bed sores.
Risk Factor: Who is most likely to develop a bed sore?
Those most at risk of developing a bed sore are persons who have medical conditions that restrict their movement, requiring them to stay in bed for long periods of time, confining them to a wheelchair, or limiting their ability to frequently change their positions.
Stages: What are bed sores stages?
Based on the severity, bed sores stages can greatly vary:
- Stage I Bedsores
The skin appears discolored, is not broken, and may be tender to the touch.
Learn more about Stage I Bedsores.- Stage II Bedsores
The skin’s outer layer is missing or damaged, leaving a pinkish-colored wound that could appear like a blister.
Learn more about Stage II Bedsores.- Stage III Bedsores
At this point, a deep wound has developed that appears somewhat like a crater, fat can be exposed through the loss of skin.
Learn more about Stage III Bedsores.- Stage IV Bedsores
The damage has extended beyond the initial wound, worsening and possibly exposing tendons, bones, or muscle tissue.
Learn more about Stage IV Bedsores.
Terminology: “Unstageable” or “Deep Tissue Injury”
Unstageable bedsores (or pressure sores) occur when the visible surfaces are covered with brown, black, yellow, or dead tissue. Unlike the other bed sores stages, it is impossible with unstageable bedsores to see the depth of the wound.
Get Help: Contact an Attorney
Brian P. Murphy is a personal injury attorney licensed to practice in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He is fully qualified to assess your case and determine if you have a viable legal matter.
Contact Brian P. Murphy right away before time allows the bed sore to worsen or it’s too late to pursue a claim against the nursing home, hospital, assisted living facility, or other long-term care center.
