Pressure Sores ARE Medical Malpractice

Pressure sores are commonly known as a “never event.” This means that when a pressure sore occurs, it is almost always medical malpractice. Many policies and procedures of healthcare facilities even call pressure sores as “never events” allowing victims to easily recover compensation.

A pressure sore, also known as a bedsore or pressure ulcer, are injuries to the skin and flesh resulting from prolonged pressure on the skin. They usually occur on bony areas of the body such as the lower back/tailbone, hips, shoulder blades, heels, and ankles. They can even quickly occur, and are often difficult to treat, but they are rather easy to prevent. The risk is increased if you are bedridden, in a wheelchair, or limited in your ability to maneuver. All that it takes to prevent is to move your position every couple of hours, us pillows and other products to relieve pressure, and keep skin clean and dry. Certain beds can also help prevent pressure and balance the pressure.

But when a pressure sore occurs, it can be very, very difficult to treat. They may be unresponsive to treatment. They may be antibiotic resistant even. And they may even be hard to detect and result in massive infections and sepsis. Pressure sores in elderly patients can easily be the beginning of the end of a victim’s life, if the pressure sore does not kill the patient right away.

In terms of medical malpractice, pressure sores are very strong cases of medical malpractice. They are never events and usually a mistake by the nursing staff or hospital staff in failing to move the patient or check the patient for possible sores. Patients who are left with pressure sores will suffering significant pain and suffering. There will be a lot of medical expenses and bills, and usually serious lost wages.

Pressure sores can occur to ANYONE—even young patients. They can occur to everyone, including patients who do not appear to be a risk at all. Pressure sores are nothing more than a breach of the duty healthcare providers owe to patients. This breach results in damages, which can be compensated in a personal injury lawsuit.

But what do you think? I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment or I also welcome your phone call on my toll-free cell at 1-866-889-6882 or you can drop me an e-mail at jfisher@fishermalpracticelaw.com. You are always welcome to request my FREE book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, at the home page of my website at www.protectingpatientrights.com.