The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the severity of the bedsores and the impact they have on a resident’s life. Cases involving more severe pressure wounds will often have higher settlement values.
The more evidence a victim secures to support the nursing home’s negligence, the more likely they are to win their case. This clear evidence also lets insurance companies know that the case will likely be successful in court and can result in larger before-court settlement offers.
Stage 1
In the early stages of a bedsore, the skin may look red or discolored. It might also be swollen and feel warm to the touch. Stage 1 wounds are generally not painful and will disappear after pressure reduction.
Bedsores can be very serious, and they often lead to muscle and bone degeneration, nerve damage, or even death. The problem is more common than many people realize.
A bedsore lawsuit is one way to get compensation for your losses and pain and suffering from the negligent actions of someone else. However, how much a bedsore case is worth depends on the extent of damages.
Bedsore cases are typically awarded more compensation if the victim or their family can show that the injury occurred due to nursing home negligence. This includes neglect, poor treatment and subpar care that led to the bedsore.
Stage 2
Bedsores can result in serious injuries and permanent disabilities requiring round-the-clock nursing care, transportation and rehabilitation. These costs are often tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Stage 2 pressure wounds are similar to Stage 1 wounds but the skin has worn away and the wound is more visible. It may look swollen, itchy and warm to the touch.
The skin may be broken and it has worn down, exposing the underlying tissue to possible infections. These infections can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection that requires emergency medical care.
At this point, a bedsore has gone deeper into the tissue and may involve fat, muscle or bone. This can lead to osteomyelitis, a bone infection and sepsis, a blood infection that can be fatal.
Stage 3
If your loved one has suffered from a bedsore at a nursing home or hospital, you may be able to sue the facility and its staff for compensation. Bedsores can lead to serious injuries and permanent disabilities, and victims often require months of around-the-clock care.
The amount of money a family receives from a bed sore lawsuit depends on many factors, including the severity of the injury and the damages that the victim suffers. However, most cases settle for a significant amount of money.
Stage 3 pressure ulcers are more likely to settle with a higher value than stages 1 and 2. This is because stage 3 sores expose a substantial portion of the skin, revealing muscular damage. They also develop a strong smell and are more difficult to treat than stage 1 or 2 sores.
Stage 4
Bedsores are painful, life-threatening injuries that often occur on patients who are immobile and cannot move without assistance. These injuries can develop anywhere on a patient’s body, but they are most common on bone and soft tissue areas.
Stage 4 is one of the most severe stages of a bedsore. It is when the wound has passed the fatty layer of the skin, exposing muscles, ligaments and bone.
A pressure ulcer that is stage 4 has the highest probability of causing a variety of medical complications, including infections, sepsis and even fatal health conditions. This is why it’s important to consult a lawyer who specializes in nursing home abuse and neglect as soon as you notice signs of a pressure ulcer on your loved one.
If your family has a loved one who developed stage 4 pressure ulcers in a nursing home, you may be eligible for a settlement. A skilled attorney who specializes in wrongful death cases can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.