Orange County Bed Sores Lawyer

Orange County Bed Sores Attorney

Bed sores, also known as pressure ulcers, are incredibly painful wounds that often affect seniors. If your loved one is suffering from bed sores under the care of a nursing facility, this may be a sign of negligence on their part. An Orange County bed sores lawyer can help you seek compensation to allow your loved one to heal and find better accommodations.

Experienced Bed Sore Attorney

Hunter Law, PC, has over 16 years of experience advocating for and representing seniors in abuse and neglect cases. Our lead attorney, Stephen Hunter, takes his advocacy further as a frequent lecturer on the issues impacting elder care in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Mr. Hunter is passionate about improving the quality of care for our senior population. With Hunter Law, PC, at your side, you can rest assured that we work hard to seek justice for your loved one.

What Causes Bed Sores?

Bedsores are a form of skin ulcer that is caused when the skin doesn’t get enough blood due to prolonged pressure. Bed sores are common for patients who are bedridden and are often seen on elderly residents at nursing care facilities who are unable to move and have more fragile skin due to accelerated aging.

If bed sores become severe enough or go untreated, they can become septic and become life-threatening. In order to prevent residents from developing bed sores, it is important to avoid sedentary positions for long periods of time and keep their clothes clean and dry. When a nursing home fails to prevent bed sores, it can be a red flag that staff members are not performing their daily duties or upholding a standard of care and, thus, may be committing negligence.

Risk Factors for Bed Sores

People at risk for bed sores often share similar conditions. The most common are those with mobility issues who require aid to move; if they are not routinely moved, they become high risk for developing bed sores. People without proper nutrition are also at a higher risk since proper nutrients are essential to keep the skin healthy.

Residents at care facilities are at increased risk when they are stuck for hours in wheelchairs or beds. When their skin rubs against the edge of the wheelchair or a mattress, it increases their risk of developing bed sores. People with conditions like diabetes, heart conditions, and kidney disease can have poor blood circulation, which can also lead to bed sores.

The Four Main Stages of Bed Sores

California has an ever-growing senior population, with approximately 410,000 living in adult care facilities, both licensed and unlicensed. Some living facilities may or may not have the staff retention to be able to care for residents properly. If you have a loved one who has bed sores living in a nursing home or assisted living facility, there are stages you should look out for.

When bed sores start, they are not yet open wounds. The person suffering may notice pain, swelling, and discoloration around the affected area. As bed sores become more severe, the sore eventually develops into an open wound that can look like a blister or a deep crater.

The third and most painful stage is when the bed sores start to impact the muscles and soft tissues under the skin, and the area becomes discolored and deep. If bed sores progress to the fourth stage, the damage becomes irreversible and damages the muscles and bones.

How to Reduce the Risk of Bed Sores

When staff are properly trained and attentive to the care of the residents, it is possible to prevent bed sores. You may keep bed sores from occurring by:

• Repositioning immobile patients regularly
• Performing regular skin inspections
• Providing clean bedding and quick hygiene care
• Offering proper nutrition and hydration

If your loved one has developed bed sores while in a care facility, it may be a sign of neglect that is in violation of California’s Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act. The care facility may be liable for the damages caused by the bed sores. Hire a bed sores lawyer to learn more about your rights to proper care.

FAQs About Orange County, CA Bed Sores Law

What Is the Average Settlement for Bed Sores?

Settlements for bed sore claims range widely, depending on the severity and damage caused. There is no known settlement average, but higher amounts are awarded to those who suffered from severe bed sores or have resulting permanent injuries. Wrongful death cases may result in higher payouts as well. Cases regarding elder abuse or neglect are often held in front of a jury at the Orange County Superior Court.

How Much Does a Bed Sore Lawyer Cost?

It is the most common practice for a bed sore lawyer to work on a contingency fee. This means there is no upfront cost, and the lawyer gets paid once they win your case. Attorneys will take a percentage of the final settlement to cover their services, the cost of expert witnesses, and court filing fees. At Hunter Law, PC, we offer a free initial consultation where we can review your case and agree on a fee to retain our services.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Bedsore Claim?

Bed sore lawsuits can take anywhere from months to years to settle. Complex cases typically take longer. Cases can drag on due to the burden of proving negligence, which can extend the investigation period. You may also need to wait for expert testimony to corroborate the evidence of negligence.

What Are the Odds of Getting Compensation for a Bed Sore Claim Against a Nursing Home?

With proper evidence, there is a good chance that you could secure compensation for a bed sore claim against a nursing home. Oftentimes, cases settle outside of court, and the success of the case depends on having strong evidence of abuse or neglect. Since bed sores are preventable and can be documented in medical records, lawyers can effectively link them to improper care.

Hire a Bed Sores Lawyer

If your loved one has suffered from bed sores while living in a nursing home or assisted living facility in California, you may be owed compensation for the damages caused. Contact our skilled team at Hunter Law, PC, for a free consultation.

Orange County, CA Bed Sores Law Resources:

• Elder Abuse in America
• Reporting Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
• Pressure Ulcer AKA Bedsore: A Common Injury in Elder Abuse Cases
• When To Consult An Attorney: Elder Abuse and Neglect
• California Nursing Home Abuse Laws – All You Need To Know
• Legal Protection Against Elder Financial Abuse in California: What You Need to Know
• How to File an Elder Abuse Lawsuit in California
• Warning Signs of Elderly Sexual Abuse in California Nursing Homes
• Why Experience Matters in Fighting Elder Abuse Lawsuits